Windsor Spitfires Cut Veterans Looking to Future

The Windsor Spitfires made a big splash today when they announced they had placed veterans Cameron Hughes, Chris Cobham and Brody Milne on waivers, cutting them from the team. One of the players replacing the veterans is Mark Manchurek who signed a standard OHL contract with the Spitfires.

Chris Cobham was drafted in the 10th round of the 2012 OHL draft and played 40 games with the Spitfires, recording just 1 point. The club signed Cameron Hughes as a free agent last season after an impressive showing at rookie camp, but a disappointing season resulting in zero points led to his release. Brody Milne had the most success of the veterans, recording 15 points in 40 games after being acquired from the Guelph Storm.

However, the signing of Mark Manchurek has fans excited that the team is going in the right direction. Manchurek comes from the GOJHL where he played for the LaSalle Vipers. He recorded 65 points in 48 games for the Vipers after being undrafted in back-to-back years at the OHL draft.

"“I give Mark a lot of credit. He came in as a free agent and won a job by showing a high-level of commitment. His play at camp was all-around very good. He won the fitness testing.” ~ General Manager Warren Rychel"

Last season the Spitfires added him to their protected roster after he played for their Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League affiliate. After an impressive showing at Junior B, he’ll look to crack the Spitfires out of training camp and erase the memory of under-performing veterans. 

Remarkable, Mark is apart of triplet hockey playing brothers. Brother Joey is set to enter his second season with the Oshawa Generals, while Robbie, a Kitchener Rangers draft pick, played at Ridley College last year. 

The Spitfires have had a busy summer also acquiring top prospect Logan Brown from the Niagara IceDogs. Brown is a 6 foot 5, 215 pound highly touted centre who already boasts NHL ready size and is already projected as a top 10 pick ahead of the 2016 draft.

With the addictions of Mark Manchurek and Logan Brown, the Windsor Spitfires are ready to rebound and take the OHL by storm.