Former Spitfires captain makes storybook return

By Tate Harris

A former Windsor Spitfires’ captain had a storybook night after scoring the overtime winner for the Barrie Colts to defeat his old team.

Aaron Luchuk was part of the Spitfires organization for almost five years and was named captain at the beginning of the 2017-2018 season. He was traded from the Spitfires on Dec. 14, 2017 to the Barrie Colts. Luchuk made his return to Windsor Feb. 15 when the Colts played the Spitfires.

“It’s a different game for sure. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t,” said Luchuk. “A lot of emotions going (on) before we start (the game).”

A tribute video for Luchuk was played before the anthem was sung. The tribute included highlights from his career, notably his first goal with the team and his game-winning goal in the Memorial Cup final.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to react coming back here,” Luchuk said. ” Definitely a little choked up seeing all those memories, especially the memorial cup. It was a special group of guys we had here.”

After the video, the 4,463 people in attendance at the WFCU Centre gave Luchuk a standing ovation.

Luchuk had three assists and led the Colts’ offence while battling his former team. The Spitfires were able to stay in the game by capitalizing on their limited opportunities.  Matthew MacDougall was able to score the game-tying goal in the third period to help get the Spitfires to overtime.

With only two minutes and 45 seconds left, Luchuk had his storybook ending.

“You know when he gets the puck on his stick in overtime like that and we give him time like that, it’s going to go (in),” said Trevor Letowski, Spitfires head coach.

After celebrating with the Colts, Luchuk was the last player to skate off the ice at the end of the game.

“I wanted to take one last moment on the ice there,” Luchuk said.

It may be the former captain’s final game in Windsor, but it will not be the last time fans see him in the city.

“It’s my home now,” said Luchuk.