Erie Otters
Encyclopedia
{Hockey team|CAN_eng=1
| team = Erie Otters
| color = #00529B
| color text = #D5A10E
| logo = Erieotters.png
| logosize = 250px
| city = Erie, Pennsylvania
| league = Ontario Hockey League
| conference = Western
| division = Midwest
| founded =
The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey
team in the Ontario Hockey League
(OHL). Based in Erie
, Pennsylvania
, USA
, they have played their home games at the Louis J. Tullio Arena
since 1996. The Otters are the only Pennsylvania-based team in the OHL and one of only three United States-based teams in the league.
to Erie in 1996, becoming the Erie Otters. The team takes its name from the otter
, a water creature common to the south shore of Lake Erie
.
The Otters' ownership partners are Ron Sertz, Jeff Fatica, and Ray Irwin. Sherwood Bassin is the general manager and a managing partner of the team. Walt Wingfield serves as head scout.
The first three years in Erie were building years for the Otters, with the team eliminated in the first round of the playoffs each year. In the fourth year, all the hard work paid off with their first Midwest Division championship
.
It would be their first of three consecutive Midwest Division championships for the Otters, culminating in an OHL Championship
in 2001–02. Dave MacQueen
won the Matt Leyden Trophy
in 2000–01 as the OHL Coach of the Year. Sherwood Bassin was awarded OHL Executive of the Year
in 2001–02 for his role in building a championship team as general manager.
The Erie Otters celebrated their 10th anniversary in the 2005–06 season.
Controversy struck the Otters on October 31, 2009, when forward Michael Liambas
delivered a highly controversial and devastating check to opposing sixteen-year-old defenceman Ben Fanelli. As Liambas checked Fanelli into the boards behind the Rangers net, Fanelli's head hit a metal partition in the glass, breaking and knocking off his helmet. Fanelli lay unconscious while twitching and foaming at the mouth before being rushed to hospital in critical condition with skull and orbital bone fractures. OHL commissioner David Branch
suspended Liambas for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, citing the speed and distance to which Liambas skated to deliver the check, as well as the severity of Fanelli's injuries. He commented that the suspension was responding to a "need to take strong steps to ... send out the message to all our players and minor hockey players that we have to be ... more respectful of our opponent." Otters general manager Sherwood Bassin was quick to come to Liambas' defense following the suspension, expressing surprise with the severity of the penalty from Branch. Bassin asserted that Liambas was not simply a "goofball kid", citing his 95 percent average in high school, as well as volunteer work in initiating a stay-in-school program for kids and at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie.
The Otters celebrated their 1000th regular season game in franchise history on February 5, 2011 with an 8-2 win against the Windsor Spitfires
in front of a crowd of 5,417 at Louis J. Tullio Arena
.
).
After a disappointing conference finals loss to Plymouth the previous year, the Otters used their experience and work ethic to push themselves through the playoffs. Otters players had a puck holder hung on the wall of the dressing room with 16 slots to fill, equal to the number of wins needed for the title. Erie earned that 16th puck by defeating the Barrie Colts
in game 5 of the 2002 finals.
The Otters bid to host the 2002 Memorial Cup
, but the Guelph Storm
were chosen instead. Erie earned a berth in the tournament as OHL Champions but ultimately finished in third place.
Two-time OHL MVP Brad Boyes
led the Otters as captain. Team members for the 2002 championship were:
won the Matt Leyden Trophy
in 2000–01 as the OHL Coach of the Year.
Multiple years in parentheses
, 11th, Montreal Canadiens
; 1998 Michael Rupp
, ninth, New York Islanders
; 1999 Tim Connolly
, fifth, New York Islanders
; 2000 Nikita Alexeev
, eighth, Tampa Bay Lightning
; Brad Boyes
, 24th, Toronto Maple Leafs
; 2001 Carlo Colaiacovo
, 17th, Toronto Maple Leafs
; and Adam Munro
, 29th, Chicago Blackhawks
).
Note: (OA) = Overage player
For the 2005–06 season (the team's 10th/Diamond Anniversary), the Otters unveiled a third jersey as part of the "Make Other Teams Bleed" campaign. The jersey has a red background with navy blue, white and gold trim. The third logo has "Erie" in big letters across the chest with "Otters" written beneath it.
In honor of the Erie Otters 1000th game on February 5, 2011, the Erie Otters wore yellow jerseys with Erie emblazoned across the chest in blue, with red and blue stripes on the sleeves and on the bottom of the jerseys.
located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. The arena was built in 1983 and seats 5,500 spectators. The Tullio arena is one of the loudest in the league and works well for home ice advantage. The arena is part of the Erie Civic Center Complex, which includes Jerry Uht Park
—a baseball stadium and home to the AA Erie SeaWolves
.
| team = Erie Otters
| color = #00529B
| color text = #D5A10E
| logo = Erieotters.png
| logosize = 250px
| city = Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania in the United States. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth-largest city , with a population of 102,000...
| league = Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
| conference = Western
Western Conference (OHL)
The Western Conference is one of two conferences in the Ontario Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Eastern Conference.The trophy that's awarded to the conference champion , is the Wayne Gretzky Trophy...
| division = Midwest
| founded =
The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey
Junior ice hockey
Junior hockey is a catch-all term used to describe various levels of ice hockey competition for players generally between 16 and 20 years of age...
team in the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
(OHL). Based in Erie
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania in the United States. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth-largest city , with a population of 102,000...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, they have played their home games at the Louis J. Tullio Arena
Louis J. Tullio Arena
The Louis J. Tullio Arena is a 5,586-seat multi-purpose arena, in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States....
since 1996. The Otters are the only Pennsylvania-based team in the OHL and one of only three United States-based teams in the league.
History
The Niagara Falls Thunder relocated from Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is a Canadian city on the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The municipality was incorporated on June 12, 1903...
to Erie in 1996, becoming the Erie Otters. The team takes its name from the otter
Otter
The Otters are twelve species of semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish and shellfish, and also other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals....
, a water creature common to the south shore of Lake Erie
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
.
The Otters' ownership partners are Ron Sertz, Jeff Fatica, and Ray Irwin. Sherwood Bassin is the general manager and a managing partner of the team. Walt Wingfield serves as head scout.
The first three years in Erie were building years for the Otters, with the team eliminated in the first round of the playoffs each year. In the fourth year, all the hard work paid off with their first Midwest Division championship
Holody Trophy
The Holody Trophy, awarded annually to the champion of the Midwest Division in the Ontario Hockey League, is named for former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers Governor Joe Holody, and was presented following the 1998-1999 season for the first time with the realignment of the League into four...
.
It would be their first of three consecutive Midwest Division championships for the Otters, culminating in an OHL Championship
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
in 2001–02. Dave MacQueen
Dave MacQueen
-Playing career:Prior to becoming a coach, MacQueen played seven years of professional hockey , bouncing between the EHL, IHL, CHL, and the ACHL...
won the Matt Leyden Trophy
Matt Leyden Trophy
The Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
in 2000–01 as the OHL Coach of the Year. Sherwood Bassin was awarded OHL Executive of the Year
OHL Executive of the Year
The OHL Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the top executive in the Ontario Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Dale DeGray, Owen Sound Attack*2009–10 Rick Gaetz, Guelph Storm*2008–09 Warren Rychel, Windsor Spitfires...
in 2001–02 for his role in building a championship team as general manager.
The Erie Otters celebrated their 10th anniversary in the 2005–06 season.
Controversy struck the Otters on October 31, 2009, when forward Michael Liambas
Michael Liambas
Michael Liambas is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL...
delivered a highly controversial and devastating check to opposing sixteen-year-old defenceman Ben Fanelli. As Liambas checked Fanelli into the boards behind the Rangers net, Fanelli's head hit a metal partition in the glass, breaking and knocking off his helmet. Fanelli lay unconscious while twitching and foaming at the mouth before being rushed to hospital in critical condition with skull and orbital bone fractures. OHL commissioner David Branch
David Branch
David E. Branch has served as the Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League since September 15, 1979, and as the President of the Canadian Hockey League since 1996...
suspended Liambas for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, citing the speed and distance to which Liambas skated to deliver the check, as well as the severity of Fanelli's injuries. He commented that the suspension was responding to a "need to take strong steps to ... send out the message to all our players and minor hockey players that we have to be ... more respectful of our opponent." Otters general manager Sherwood Bassin was quick to come to Liambas' defense following the suspension, expressing surprise with the severity of the penalty from Branch. Bassin asserted that Liambas was not simply a "goofball kid", citing his 95 percent average in high school, as well as volunteer work in initiating a stay-in-school program for kids and at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie.
The Otters celebrated their 1000th regular season game in franchise history on February 5, 2011 with an 8-2 win against the Windsor Spitfires
Windsor Spitfires
The Windsor Spitfires are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The franchise was granted for the 1975–76 season and revived a previous OHA Jr. A Spitfires team which moved to become the Hamilton Tiger Cubs in 1953.-History:The...
in front of a crowd of 5,417 at Louis J. Tullio Arena
Louis J. Tullio Arena
The Louis J. Tullio Arena is a 5,586-seat multi-purpose arena, in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States....
.
2001–02 OHL Champions
In the 2001–02 season, the Erie Otters became the second OHL team based in the United States to win the OHL Championship. The first were the 1995 champions Detroit Junior Red Wings (now the Plymouth WhalersPlymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
).
After a disappointing conference finals loss to Plymouth the previous year, the Otters used their experience and work ethic to push themselves through the playoffs. Otters players had a puck holder hung on the wall of the dressing room with 16 slots to fill, equal to the number of wins needed for the title. Erie earned that 16th puck by defeating the Barrie Colts
Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are a junior ice hockey team in Ontario Hockey League, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There were two previous Barrie Colts team which played Junior A & B hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association, one from 1907 until 1910 and another from the 1920s to 1940s.-Original Colts:The...
in game 5 of the 2002 finals.
The Otters bid to host the 2002 Memorial Cup
2002 Memorial Cup
The 2002 Memorial Cup occurred May 18-26 at the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre in Guelph, Ontario. It featured the host team, the Guelph Storm as well as the winners of the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League which were the Erie Otters,...
, but the Guelph Storm
Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm is a major junior ice hockey team based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. They have played in the OHL since the 1991–92 season. The team plays home games at the Sleeman Centre.-History:...
were chosen instead. Erie earned a berth in the tournament as OHL Champions but ultimately finished in third place.
Two-time OHL MVP Brad Boyes
Brad Boyes
Bradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
led the Otters as captain. Team members for the 2002 championship were:
- T. J. Aceti, Chris Berti, Brad Bonello, Brad BoyesBrad BoyesBradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
, Chris CampoliChris CampoliChris Campoli is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens. Campoli previously played with the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders.- Junior career :...
, Carlo ColaiacovoCarlo ColaiacovoCarlo Colaiacovo is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League . Colaiacovo also has an identical twin brother, Paulo Colaiacovo, who is a professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:...
, Noel Coultice, Sean Courtney, Brandon Cullen, Scott Dobben, Jeff Doyle, Chris Eade, David Herring, Alex Karaulchuk, Michal KokavecMichal KokavecMichal Kokavec is a Slovak professional ice hockey player who played with HC Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak Extraliga....
, Brian LeeBrian LeeBrian Lee Harris is a retired American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Prime Time" Brian Lee...
, Thomas Lee, Chris Martin, Mike McKeown, Adam MunroAdam MunroAdam Munro is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Szekesfehervar of the EBEL in Austria....
, Cory PeckerCory PeckerCory Pecker is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He is currently playing with EHC Olten of the National League B...
, Mike Rice, Dave MacQueenDave MacQueen-Playing career:Prior to becoming a coach, MacQueen played seven years of professional hockey , bouncing between the EHL, IHL, CHL, and the ACHL...
(coach), Sherwood Bassin (GM)
Championships
- J. Ross Robertson CupJ. Ross Robertson CupThe J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
(OHL Champions)
2001–2002 - Wayne Gretzky TrophyWayne Gretzky TrophyThe Wayne Gretzky Trophy is the championship trophy of the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. It is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. The corresponding trophy of the OHL Eastern Conference is the Bobby Orr Trophy. The trophy should not be confused with the similar-sounding Wayne...
(Western Conference Champions)
2001–2002 - Hamilton Spectator TrophyHamilton Spectator TrophyThe Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
(1st place regular season)
2000–2001 (102 points) - Holody TrophyHolody TrophyThe Holody Trophy, awarded annually to the champion of the Midwest Division in the Ontario Hockey League, is named for former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers Governor Joe Holody, and was presented following the 1998-1999 season for the first time with the realignment of the League into four...
(Midwest Division Champions)
1999–2000, 2000–2001, 2001–2002
Coaches
Dave MacQueenDave MacQueen
-Playing career:Prior to becoming a coach, MacQueen played seven years of professional hockey , bouncing between the EHL, IHL, CHL, and the ACHL...
won the Matt Leyden Trophy
Matt Leyden Trophy
The Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
in 2000–01 as the OHL Coach of the Year.
Multiple years in parentheses
- 1996–1997 Chris Johnstone, Dale DunbarDale DunbarDale Dunbar is a retired American professional ice hockey defenceman who briefly played in the National Hockey League during the 1980s.-Playing career:...
- 1997–1998 Dale DunbarDale DunbarDale Dunbar is a retired American professional ice hockey defenceman who briefly played in the National Hockey League during the 1980s.-Playing career:...
(2) - 1998–1999 Paul Theriault
- 1999–2006 Dave MacQueenDave MacQueen-Playing career:Prior to becoming a coach, MacQueen played seven years of professional hockey , bouncing between the EHL, IHL, CHL, and the ACHL...
(7) - 2006–2007 Peter SidorkiewiczPeter SidorkiewiczPeter Paul Sidorkiewicz is a former Canadian professional goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, the Ottawa Senators and the New Jersey Devils....
(2) - 2007–present Robbie FtorekRobbie FtorekRobert Brian Ftorek is a former NHL player and coach. He was enshrined as member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991...
(4)
Players
A total of 21 players have been selected at the National Hockey League Entry Draft since the franchise relocated to Erie, including a five-year stretch from 1997–2001 in which seven members of the team were selected in the first round: (1997 Jason WardJason Ward
Jason Robert Ward is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays with EHC Black Wings Linz in the Austrian Hockey League. He has formerly played 336 games in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning...
, 11th, Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
; 1998 Michael Rupp
Michael Rupp
Michael Francis Rupp is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, ninth, New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
; 1999 Tim Connolly
Tim Connolly
Tim Connolly is an American professional ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
, fifth, New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
; 2000 Nikita Alexeev
Nikita Alexeev
Nikita Sergeyevich Alexeev is a Russian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League . He most recently played in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks.- Playing career :...
, eighth, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
; Brad Boyes
Brad Boyes
Bradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
, 24th, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
; 2001 Carlo Colaiacovo
Carlo Colaiacovo
Carlo Colaiacovo is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League . Colaiacovo also has an identical twin brother, Paulo Colaiacovo, who is a professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:...
, 17th, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
; and Adam Munro
Adam Munro
Adam Munro is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Szekesfehervar of the EBEL in Austria....
, 29th, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
).
Award winners
- 1999–2000 - Brad BoyesBrad BoyesBradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
, CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award, Bobby Smith TrophyBobby Smith TrophyThe Bobby Smith Trophy is awarded annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence....
(OHL Scholastic Player of the Year) - 2000–01 - Brad BoyesBrad BoyesBradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
, Red Tilson TrophyRed Tilson TrophyThe Red Tilson Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is voted on by OHL writers and broadcasters, and is named for Red Tilson, a former played for the Oshawa Generals who was killed in service in the Second World War...
(Most Outstanding Player), William Hanley TrophyWilliam Hanley TrophyThe William Hanley Trophy is awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's Most Sportsmanlike Player. It is named for William Hanley, a former secretary-manager of the Ontario Hockey Association who served in that capacity for twenty-five years...
(Most Sportsmanlike Player) - 2000–01 - Joey Sullivan, Dan Snyder Memorial TrophyDan Snyder Memorial TrophyThe Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the player of the Ontario Hockey League that is the most humanitarian. Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the OHL Humanitarian Award.The Ontario Hockey...
(Humanitarian of the Year) - 2001–02 - Brad BoyesBrad BoyesBradley Keith Boyes is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League ....
, CHL Sportsman of the Year Award, Red Tilson TrophyRed Tilson TrophyThe Red Tilson Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is voted on by OHL writers and broadcasters, and is named for Red Tilson, a former played for the Oshawa Generals who was killed in service in the Second World War...
(Most Outstanding Player), William Hanley TrophyWilliam Hanley TrophyThe William Hanley Trophy is awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's Most Sportsmanlike Player. It is named for William Hanley, a former secretary-manager of the Ontario Hockey Association who served in that capacity for twenty-five years...
(Most Sportsmanlike Player), Wayne Gretzky 99 AwardWayne Gretzky 99 AwardThe Wayne Gretzky 99 Award is awarded annually to the Most Valuable Player in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. It is named for Wayne Gretzky. The trophy should not be confused with the similarly named Wayne Gretzky Trophy, awarded annually to the playoff champion of the OHL's Western Conference...
(Playoffs MVP) - 2001–02 - Cory PeckerCory PeckerCory Pecker is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He is currently playing with EHC Olten of the National League B...
, Leo Lalonde Memorial TrophyLeo Lalonde Memorial TrophyThe Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the best overage player in the Ontario Hockey League. The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former chief scout of OHL Central Scouting.-Winners:*2010-11...
(Overage Player of the Year) - 2003–04 - Chris CampoliChris CampoliChris Campoli is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens. Campoli previously played with the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders.- Junior career :...
, CHL Humanitarian of the YearCHL Humanitarian of the YearThe CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is given out annually to the Canadian Hockey League player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community in a humanitarian sense.-Winners:*2010–11 Spencer Edwards, Moose Jaw Warriors...
, Dan Snyder Memorial TrophyDan Snyder Memorial TrophyThe Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the player of the Ontario Hockey League that is the most humanitarian. Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the OHL Humanitarian Award.The Ontario Hockey...
(OHL Humanitarian of the Year) - 2006–07 - Derrick Bagshaw, Roger Neilson Memorial AwardRoger Neilson Memorial AwardThe Roger Neilson Memorial Award is awarded annually to the top academic College/University player in the Ontario Hockey League. The award is named in honour of Hockey Hall of Fame coach Roger Neilson, a former high school teacher and coach of the Peterborough Petes...
(Top Academic University Player) - 2007-09 - Ryan O’ReillyRyan O'Reilly (ice hockey)Ryan O'Reilly is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. Ryan's older brother, Cal, plays for the Phoenix Coyotes.-Playing career:...
, Jack Ferguson AwardJack Ferguson AwardThe Jack Ferguson Award, or "Fergie", is awarded each year to the top draft pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. The trophy is named in honour of Jack Ferguson, a former director of OHL Central Scouting.-Winners:...
(First Overall draft pick)
NHL alumni
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Current roster
Updated March 14, 2011| Goaltenders | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Catches | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 29 |  Canada |
Christopher Festarini | R | 2009 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Oakville, Ontario Oakville, Ontario Oakville is a town in Halton Region, on Lake Ontario in Southern Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. As of the 2006 census the population was 165,613.-History:In 1793, Dundas Street was surveyed for a military road... |
| 33 |  Russia |
Ramis Sadikov | R | 2009 CHL Import Draft | Free Agent | Moscow, Russia |
| Defencemen | ||||||
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 3 | Canada |
Brett Cook | L | 2007 OHL Draft | Free Agent | Orillia, Ontario Orillia, Ontario Orillia, pronounced ōrĭl'ēə, is a city located in Simcoe County in Southern Ontario, Canada, between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, 135 kilometres north of Toronto.Originally incorporated as a village in 1867, the history of... |
| 5 |  United States |
David Shields | R | 2007 OHL Draft | STL St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade... 2009 NHL Draft |
Rochester, New York Rochester, New York Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City... |
| 7 | Canada |
Brady Austin | L | 2009 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Bobcaygeon, ON |
| 10 | United States |
Tyler Hostetter | R | 2007 OHL Draft | PHI Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... 2009 as a Free Agent |
Lititz, PA |
| 15 | Canada |
Mark Gazdic | R | 2009 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Toronto, Ontario |
| 26 | Canada |
Derek Holden | L | Trade PBO 2009 | Free Agent | Peterborough, Ontario Peterborough, Ontario Peterborough is a city on the Otonabee River in southern Ontario, Canada, 125 kilometres northeast of Toronto. The population of the City of Peterborough was 74,898 as of the 2006 census, while the census metropolitan area has a population of 121,428 as of a 2009 estimate. It presently ranks... |
| 27 | Canada |
Adam Pelech | L | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | Toronto, Ontario |
| 32 | Canada |
Kris Grant | L | 2009 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Kingston, Ontario Kingston, Ontario Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post... |
| Forwards | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Position | Acquired | NHL rights | Place of birth | |
| 6 | United States |
Mac McDonnell | R | RW | Free Agent (2010) | Free Agent | Allen Park, Michigan Allen Park, Michigan Allen Park is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 28,210. The suburb of Detroit was recognized in Money Magazine's list of America's Best Small Cities. Allen Park is part of the collection of communities known as DownriverFord Motor... |
| 8 | Canada |
Brett Appio | L | LW | Trade SAR 2010 | Eligible in 2011 | Bolton, ON |
| 9 | Canada |
Chris Marchese | L | RW | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2013 | Woodbridge, Ontario Woodbridge, Ontario Woodbridge is a large suburban community in the City of Vaughan, just north of Toronto in Southern Ontario. It was once an independent town before being amalgamated with nearby communities to form the city in 1971. Its traditional downtown core is the Woodbridge Ave... |
| 11 | Canada |
Anthony Luciani (OA) | R | RW | 2006 OHL Draft | FLA Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... 2011 as a Free Agent |
Maple, ON |
| 12 | United States |
Andrew Yogan | L | C | Trade WSR 2008 | NYR New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... 2010 NHL Draft |
Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton is a city in Palm Beach County, Florida, USA, incorporated in May 1925. In the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 74,764; the 2006 population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 86,396. However, the majority of the people under the postal address of Boca Raton, about... |
| 13 | Canada |
Mike Cazzola | L | C | 2007 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Guelph, Ontario Guelph, Ontario Guelph is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly east of Waterloo and west of downtown Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it... |
| 14 | Canada |
Greg McKegg | L | C | 2008 OHL Draft | TOR Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... 2010 NHL Draft |
St. Thomas, Ontario St. Thomas, Ontario St. Thomas is a city in southern , Ontario, Canada. It is the seat for Elgin County and gained its city charter on March 4, 1881.-History:... |
| 19 | United States |
Shawn Szydlowski (OA) | R | RW | 2006 OHL Draft | Free Agent | St. Clair Shores, Michigan St. Clair Shores, Michigan St. Clair Shores is a suburban city bordering Lake St. Clair in Macomb County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It forms a part of the Metro Detroit area, and is located approximately northeast of downtown Detroit. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 59,715. The current mayor is... |
| 22 | Canada |
Phil Varone (OA) | L | C | Trade LDN 2010 | SJ San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... 2009 NHL Draft |
Vaughan, Ontario Vaughan, Ontario Vaughan is a city in York Region north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Vaughan is the fastest growing municipality in Canada achieving a population growth rate of 80.2% between 1996–2006, according to Statistics Canada having nearly doubled in population since 1991. Vaughan is located in Southern... |
| 23 | Canada |
Connor Crisp | L | C | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2013 | Alliston, Ontario Alliston, Ontario Alliston is a settlement in Simcoe County in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is part of the Town of New Tecumseth since the 1991 amalgamation of Alliston and nearby villages of Beeton, Tottenham, and the Township of Tecumseth... |
| 28 | Canada |
Brett Thompson | R | C | Trade SSM 2011 | Eligible 2011 | Sault Ste. Marie, ON |
| 37 | Canada |
Matthew Paton | RW | L | 2007 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2011 | Woodstock, ON |
| 40 | Canada |
Luke Cairns | L | C | 2010 OHL Draft | Eligible in 2012 | Stoney Creek, Ontario Stoney Creek, Ontario Stoney Creek is a community in Ontario, Canada.Note: This article will only deal with matters up to its amalgamation with Hamilton.-Geography and population:... |
Note: (OA) = Overage player
Team records
| Team records for a single season | ||
| Statistic | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Most points | 102 | 2000–01 |
| Most wins | 45 | 2000–01 |
| Most goals for | 281 | 2010–11 |
| Least goals for | 181 | 2002–03 |
| Least goals against | 171 | 2000–01 |
| Most goals against | 378 | 2006–07 |
| Individual player records for a single season | |||
| Statistic | Player | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most goals | Cory Pecker Cory Pecker Cory Pecker is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He is currently playing with EHC Olten of the National League B... |
53 | 2001–02 |
| Most assists | Zack Torquato | 62 | 2009–10 |
| Most points | Cory Pecker Cory Pecker Cory Pecker is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He is currently playing with EHC Olten of the National League B... |
99 | 2001–02 |
| Most points, rookie | Tim Connolly Tim Connolly Tim Connolly is an American professional ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
62 | 1997–98 |
| Most points, defenceman | Chris Campoli Chris Campoli Chris Campoli is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens. Campoli previously played with the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders.- Junior career :... |
66 | 2003–04 |
| Best GAA (goalie) | Adam Munro Adam Munro Adam Munro is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Szekesfehervar of the EBEL in Austria.... |
2.31 | 2000–01 |
| Goalies = minimum 1500 minutes played | |||
Regular season
Legend: OTL = Overtime loss, SL = Shootout loss| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | SL | Points | Pct % | Goals For |
Goals Against |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–97 1996–97 OHL season The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's... |
66 | 23 | 36 | 7 | - | ||||||
| 53 | 0.402 | 240 | 260 | 5th Central | |||||||
| 1997–98 1997–98 OHL season The 1997–98 OHL season was the 18th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Eighteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Storm won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's. The Toronto St. Michael's Majors name is re-activated when they are awarded a franchise, they would play in the... |
66 | 33 | 28 | 5 | - | ||||||
| 71 | 0.538 | 261 | 252 | 4th Central | |||||||
| 1998–99 1998–99 OHL season The 1998–99 OHL season was the 19th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Belleville Bulls won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the London Knights.... |
68 | 31 | 33 | 4 | - | ||||||
| 66 | 0.485 | 271 | 297 | 3rd Midwest | |||||||
| 1999–2000 1999–2000 OHL season The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:... |
68 | 33 | 28 | 4 | 3 | ||||||
| 73 | 0.515 | 224 | 229 | 1st Midwest | |||||||
| 2000–01 | 68 | 45 | 11 | 10 | 2 | ||||||
| 102 | 0.735 | 264 | 171 | 1st Midwest | |||||||
| 2001–02 | 68 | 41 | 22 | 4 | 1 | ||||||
| 87 | 0.632 | 246 | 218 | 1st Midwest | |||||||
| 2002–03 | 68 | 24 | 35 | 6 | 3 | ||||||
| 57 | 0.397 | 181 | 248 | 5th Midwest | |||||||
| 2003–04 | 68 | 29 | 26 | 6 | 7 | ||||||
| 71 | 0.471 | 221 | 212 | 5th Midwest | |||||||
| 2004–05 | 68 | 31 | 26 | 6 | 5 | ||||||
| 73 | 0.500 | 186 | 207 | 4th Midwest | |||||||
| 2005–06 | 68 | 26 | 35 | ||||||||
| 4 | 3 | 59 | 0.434 | 219 | 266 | 5th Midwest | |||||
| 2006–07 | 68 | 15 | 50 | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 33 | 0.243 | 209 | 378 | 5th Midwest | |||||
| 2007–08 2007–08 OHL season The 2007–08 OHL season was the 28th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams played 68 games each during the schedule, that started on September 19, 2007, and concluded on March 16, 2008.... |
68 | 18 | 46 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | 40 | 0.294 | 206 | 343 | 5th Midwest | |||||
| 2008–09 2008–09 OHL season The 2008–09 OHL season was the 29th season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2008 and concluded on March 15, 2009.... |
68 | 34 | 29 | ||||||||
| 3 | 2 | 73 | 0.537 | 208 | 254 | 3rd Midwest | |||||
| 2009–10 2009–10 OHL season The 2009–10 OHL season was the 30th season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010.... |
68 | 33 | 28 | ||||||||
| 5 | 2 | 73 | 0.537 | 257 | 259 | 4th Midwest | |||||
| 2010–11 2010–11 OHL season The 2010–11 OHL season is the 31st season of the Ontario Hockey League . Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 23, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011.... |
68 | 40 | 26 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | 82 | 0.603 | 281 | 229 | 3rd Midwest | |||||
| Total: | 1016 | 456 | 459 | 52 | 37 | 12 | 1012 | ||||
| 3474 | 3823 | ||||||||||
Playoffs
- 1996–97 Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in division quarter-finals.
- 1997–98 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 3 in division quarter-finals.
- 1998–99 Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
- 1999–2000 Defeated Brampton Battalion 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
Lost to S.S. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals. - 2000–01 Defeated London Knights 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Brampton Battalion 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in conference finals. - 2001–02 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
Defeated London Knights 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
Defeated Barrie Colts 4 games to 1 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
Lost to Victoriaville Tigres 5-4 (OT) in the Memorial Cup semi-finals. - 2002–03 Out of playoffs.
- 2003–04 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
Lost to London Knights 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals. - 2004–05 Lost to Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2005–06 Out of playoffs.
- 2006–07 Out of playoffs.
- 2007–08 Out of playoffs.
- 2008–09 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2009–10 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
- 2010–11 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
Uniforms and logos
The team mascot is an anthropomorphic otter named Shooter, who wears a home jersey. The Otters home uniforms have a navy blue background; the road uniforms have a white background. Both have red, yellow and gold trim. The logo is an angry otter with a hockey stick. The team changes their color after the annual Christmas break in the league. It is a league wide tradition teams go from wearing their home whites to their home colors.For the 2005–06 season (the team's 10th/Diamond Anniversary), the Otters unveiled a third jersey as part of the "Make Other Teams Bleed" campaign. The jersey has a red background with navy blue, white and gold trim. The third logo has "Erie" in big letters across the chest with "Otters" written beneath it.
In honor of the Erie Otters 1000th game on February 5, 2011, the Erie Otters wore yellow jerseys with Erie emblazoned across the chest in blue, with red and blue stripes on the sleeves and on the bottom of the jerseys.
Arena
The Erie Otters play home games at the Louis J. Tullio ArenaLouis J. Tullio Arena
The Louis J. Tullio Arena is a 5,586-seat multi-purpose arena, in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States....
located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. The arena was built in 1983 and seats 5,500 spectators. The Tullio arena is one of the loudest in the league and works well for home ice advantage. The arena is part of the Erie Civic Center Complex, which includes Jerry Uht Park
Jerry Uht Park
Jerry Uht Park is a 6,952-seat baseball-only stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania that hosted its first regular season baseball game on June 20, 1995, as the tenants of the facility, the Erie SeaWolves, defeated the Jamestown Jammers....
—a baseball stadium and home to the AA Erie SeaWolves
Erie SeaWolves
The Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball club....
.
External links
- www.ottershockey.com Erie Otters official site
- www.erieevents.com Erie Event Centre official site
- Erie Otters Erie Otters homepage on LocalSportsReport.com
- http://www.twitter.com/erieotters Erie Otters Twitter page
- http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Erie-PA/Erie-Otters-Hockey-Club/53571565573 Erie Otters Facebook Fan page
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apECrB2CizU Erie Otters Remix Video