Lewis returns to Spitfires lineup

The Windsor Spitfires will regain the services of overage centre Jamie Lewis for Thursday’s game against the Plymouth Whalers at the WFCU Centre.

Lewis, 20, has been sidelined for the first eight games of this Ontario Hockey League season serving a suspension for violating the OHL prohibited substances policy.

“I’m just really excited, I’m itching to get on the ice, its been a while,” said Lewis. “It’s not fun watching and sitting in the stands so it’s going to be great to get on the ice with the team.”

On a team with 10 OHL rookies, the fourth-year centre will bring experience into a young Windsor lineup. He expects to come in and make an immediate impact.

“Right off the bat I want to make myself an offensive presence as well as shut down their (Plymouth) first line,” said Lewis. “It’s my fourth year in the league and I like to help out in the room as can, I will on the ice too.”

Spitfires’ coaches know Lewis’ defensive ability, now they are looking for him to be a two-way forward and provide offence.

“We know he’s an outstanding defensive forward and he has been his whole career, and now at this point in his career in the OHL it’s time for him to step up a little bit offensively, he’s going to be given that opportunity to do so,” said Spitfires associate coach, Jerrod Smith.

In 195 career games with the North Bay/Brampton Battalion, the five-foot-10, 204-pound centre recorded 25 goals and added 47 assists.

Smith acknowledged that Lewis’ experience on a young team in invaluable.

“It’s huge, coming from a program in North Bay where they had a lot of success last year is important especially for our young guys to see how he treats hockey, day by day, not only on the ice but off the ice,” said Smith.

Coming off two road losses last weekend at the hands of the Barrie Colts and Owen Sound Attack, Windsor will look to get back in the win column against the Whalers, who have struggled on the road, with just two wins in seven games.

Windsor’s coaches said they are hoping Lewis can make an impact to get the team back on track.