NHL Players help out Spitfires

The NHL lockout may be underway, but some players are still hard at work.

Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Wellwood and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Michael Leighton were at the WFCU Centre Oct. 2, helping the Windsor Spitfires with their on-ice practice.

Leighton, along with Spitfires goaltenders Jaroslav Pavelka and Jordan Dekort, took turns getting shot on by Wellwood. The Jets forward said the practice was mutually beneficial.

“Well they’re kind of helping me,” said Wellwood, 29. “You’re always looking for somewhere to skate right now and the Spits are nice enough to let me skate.”

Given the current state of negotiations between NHLPA and the owners, many players are pursuing opportunities overseas. With the NHL officially cancelling regular season games scheduled between Oct. 11 and Oct. 24, over 100 players have signed contracts with various European teams. Wellwood and Leighton are using the time to rest.

“It’s been good,” said Leighton, 31. “I’ve been staying healthy, having fun with the family, it has been really good for sure.”

Though Wellwood has been resting, he is anxious to get back on the ice.

“It’s been nice, the long summer,” said Wellwood. “I’m just waiting to hear when we can start playing again.”

Both Wellwood and Leighton played as Spitfires prior to their NHL careers.  Leighton played three seasons as a Spitfire from 1998 to 2001, two of them as the team’s starting goaltender.

“I’m from Sarnia so it was nice to be close to home,” said Leighton. “We had a couple of good teams here. I had a lot of fun and it’s a great organization. I made my home here now, so I love it here.”

Unlike Leighton, who was drafted as a Spit, Wellwood was traded to Windsor after spending three years with the Belleville Bulls. Despite spending parts of two seasons with the Spitfires, Wellwood remains a fan-favourite for his outstanding offensive play.

“It’s been great (being Spitfire alumni),” said Wellwood. “Obviously all the guys who don’t play here anymore still stick around and like being around the team. They’ve done a great job here in Windsor, winning a couple of championships and always having a great program.”

Wellwood and Leighton will continue their involvement with the Spitfires for the duration of the NHL lockout.