TAMPA — Two Tampa Bay Lightning 2025 draft picks will chase junior hockey’s biggest prize together after a June 2 trade reunited them on the Guelph Storm, which holds an automatic bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup.
Ethan Czata, 19, was dealt to Guelph from the Niagara IceDogs, where he served as captain and produced at a 20-goal, 50-point pace in each of the past two seasons. He joins defenseman Grant Spada, who logged 75 penalty minutes along with 6 goals and 21 points last season with the Storm.
“To be able to go to the Mem Cup is a dream in junior hockey,” Czata said. “Some players don’t get the chance to go do it…It’s probably my last year in junior, so just to get a chance to play the longest season I can and try to win is something that I’m very grateful for.”
Spada, who first connected with Czata at the Lightning’s development camp last summer, said the pairing energizes the entire locker room. “I’m pumped,” Spada said. “Czata is here to work with me through that, and we have a good team, so we’re all excited. It’s gonna be a great year. What’s better than doing it in your own barn, right?”
Lightning Assistant General Manager Jeff Tambellini said the arrangement is close to ideal for the organization’s pipeline. “It’s a great opportunity for both Ethan and Grant to play together. They’re great kids who have a chance to be a big part of our organization moving forward,” Tambellini said. “It’s beneficial when our prospects are on top teams that have big goals ahead. For these guys, if we were to draw up the ideal team of them to play on this season, the team hosting the Memorial Cup would be the perfect spot. Our entire staff is excited to watch them play on a top team and play meaningful games in the playoffs. Hopefully, both players build off one another knowing that they’re both going to the same NHL organization.”
Guelph earned its automatic Memorial Cup berth as host after reaching the 2026 OHL Playoffs but suffering a first-round exit. Spada was among the first to call Czata after the trade, and the two met for lunch shortly after. “His personality, that’s going to be a big jump in our room,” Spada said of Czata. “It’s nice to have somebody who was a captain last year for the IceDogs. He’s offensive and defensive. I think he’s the best 200-foot player in the league, so it’s nice that he’s gonna be with me on the same side there.”
Czata returned the praise. “Obviously he’s a big guy, but he’s a great guy, great player. Just to have him on my team, someone that when he gets on the ice, it makes it a little bit easier out there,” Czata said.
Both prospects are currently competing in the 2026 Prospect Showcase in North Carolina before returning to Guelph for the OHL season, with the 2027 Memorial Cup set for the Storm’s home arena.