OHL Erie Otters

Carey Terrance Selected 59th Overall by Anaheim in 2023 NHL Entry Draft

June 29, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - The wait is over for Carey Terrance - the 18-year-old forward has officially began his NHL journey, being drafted #59 overall (Round 2) to the Anaheim Ducks.

On the second day (Rounds 2-7) of the National Hockey League's 2023 Entry Draft, the Erie Otters' leading goal-scorer and quickly-rising star heard his name called. Terrance's selection represents a tradition of development excellence from the Erie Otters that has seen innumerous players playing in NHL games or even hoisting the Stanley Cup.

"I'm excited for it. I went blank - to be with my mom, dad, and two little sisters, it's been what I've been working toward my whole life. This is everyone's dream, and it's been my dream since I was going to [NHL games] since I was young." said Terrance, "This is the first step toward making it to the next level, but I'm excited, and I'm going to enjoy this with all my friends and family here."

The #10 overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Carey Terrance was highly-regarded as a skilled, pro-style skater heading into the Ontario Hockey League. Now with two full seasons in the OHL under his belt - including his most recent as the team's alternate captain - Terrance has showcased himself as a crafty, playmaking, game-changing forward with a high ceiling. First in team-scoring at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, the alternate captain Terrance tripled his season-over-season goal total by finishing with 30 goals (47 TP) in 67 games played.

"I'm excited for this next coming year in Erie. You see the changes happening already. With our players, I think on paper we're really good; we have Pano Fimis, Brett Bressette, I played with Malcolm Spence a lot, a great goaltender in [Nolan] Lalonde, Spencer Sova - the list goes on." said Terrance, "We have a great group, and we have a lot of experience under our group now. I think we're ready to go for this next season. It's going to be fun, but we're ready for the grind, and we need to make the playoffs this year."

Terrance's skill & ability was elevated to the highest stage of scouting among Canadian Hockey League players in January when he participated in the Kubota CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game. As part of the testing during Top Prospects week, Terrance ranked top-five in skating, weaving, transition ability, and reaction - ultimately being named the #3 overall performer of all players. With experience playing on either side of the border for Hockey Canada (2021 Capital City Challenge) and especially of late for USA Hockey (2021 Five Nations Tournament, 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Junior Championships, 2023 U.S. World Junior Summer Showcase), Terrance has had the opportunity to showcase his potential alongside some of the best in his draft class. Off the ice, Terrance was recognized for his academic accomplishments as well by the OHL as a the second-place recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy as OHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

The forward from Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne was ranked #50 overall (NA Skaters) in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings - jumping 12 spots for the final ranking. Ranked at #38 overall among North American Skaters, Terrance held the distinction of highest-ranked prospect in the Central Scouting Final Rankings for Erie since Jamie Drysdale (2020, #3 NA) - his new teammate in Anaheim.

Prior to the Draft, Terrance participated in the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, NY. Terrance was one of 106 players -and one of 20 from the OHL - selected to partake in the weekend's activities with 65 other forwards. A terrific running of the Combine allowing for Terrance to see his draft stock rise thanks to top 25 finishes in multiple categories, including a top eight finish in the vertical jump.

"If you ask anyone, it's kind of obvious that speed carries my game and my skating. Whether I'm on the left wing or playing center, I like to play a 200-foot game." said Terrance, "A big part of my game is taking the puck to the net off the rush. Being hard in front of the net, I scored a lot of my goals there this year. I think that's where I'm going to make my money."

With Terrance's selection, he becomes the 44th Erie Otter to ever be selected in the NHL Entry Draft. The Otters organization has had a player taken in four-consecutive drafts dating back to the 2020 NHL Draft, and heard at least one players' name called in 22 total drafts from 1997 to 2023. Terrance joins teammates Liam Gilmartin (San Jose, #167 '21) and Nolan Lalonde (Columbus, UDFA '22) as NHL club prospects rostered by the Otters. Erie Otters' general manager Dave Brown offered high praise to the 18-year-old on his draft day.

"The entire organization is elated for Carey and the whole Terrance family. Carey is a leader and a player all organizations covet." said Brown, "Carey Terrance's future is very bright, and we are excited to share this moment with him and his family."

Terrance is the third Otter to ever be drafted by the Anaheim Ducks, joining 2002 Entry Draft #71 overall Brian Lee and 2020 #6 overall Jamie Drysdale.

With the Akwesasne community behind Terrance, an entire generation of Indigenous hockey players from the Mohawk Nation will look to follow the footsteps of a beacon of the sports success among First Nations territories. For Carey Terrance, today represents the pride he has to carry the flag for his community and his heritage, and the first big step in his goal of making it to the pinnacle of hockey.

"I like to think I'm a role model in my community. It's for the children for me. I did a lot of things when I got back home, I've gone to Boys & Girls Clubs and Schools to talk about my story and give them insight of my journey to how I got to where I am, and it's a thing I carry with me now. I'm representing Akwesasne, and I'm glad to." said Terrance, "There's only one other Mohawk playing in the NHL, and that's Brandon Montour (Florida). To see him playing in a [Stanley] Cup Final is crazy, and that's the path I want to be on. There's been a lot of support, and it's exciting - not just for me, but for everyone in my community. I'm excited to get home and see how crazy it can get."

The entire Erie Otters organization congratulates Carey Terrance on his accomplishments and recognition, and look forward to his continued development on the road to his professional hockey career.

What They're Saying About Carey Terrance:

"High-end skater with quickness and agility. Ability to beat defenders 1-on-1 both off the rush and in offensive zone traffic. Used in all special teams and key situations. Top line player that heavily relied upon in all facets in Erie. Team leader. Handles and distributes the puck effectively." - Matt Tidcombe, CHL

"Terrance is an offensive-minded forward who uses his instincts and shot to have a positive impact on the game. I like his ability to get open in the offensive zone, and get into prime shooting position. He has shown an ability to get shot attempts from both the cycle and off the rush which will allow him to play in any kind of system." - Austin Broad, FC Hockey

"Carey Terrance has every tool in his back pocket to be an incredible NHLer...He's a pure goal scorer who just need to smooth out some rougher edges of his game." - Conrad Jack, Inside the Rink

Pre-Draft Rankings for Carey Terrance from around Hockey:

Ranked #38 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)

Ranked #66 by Draft Prospects Hockey

Ranked #77 by TSN/Bob McKenzie

Ranked #78 by TSN/Craig Button

Ranked #86 by Inside The Rink

ALL-TIME ERIE OTTERS NHL DRAFT SELECTIONS

Year Player NHL Team Pick (Overall)

1997 Jason Ward Montreal Canadiens 11th

Patrick Dovigi Edmonton Oilers 41st

Adam Nittel San Jose Sharks 107th

1998 Michael Rupp New York Islanders 9th

1999 Tim Connolly New York Islanders 5th

Sean Dixon Montreal Canadiens 167th

2000 Nikita Alexeev Tampa Bay Lightning 8th

Brad Boyes Toronto Maple Leafs 24th

Michael Rupp New Jersey Devils 76th

2001 Carlo Colaiacovo Toronto Maple Leafs 17th

Adam Munro Chicago Blackhawks 29th

2002 Brian Lee Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 71st

Scott Dobben Ottawa Senators 113th

2004 Josh Disher New Jersey Devils 185th

Chris Campoli New York Islanders 227th

2005 Ryan O'Marra New York Islanders 15th

Michael Blunden Chicago Blackhawks 43rd

2007 Nick Palmieri New Jersey Devils 79th

Anthony Peluso St. Louis Blues 160th

Luke Gazdic Dallas Stars 172nd

Zack Torquato Detroit Red Wings 178th

Josh Kidd Los Angeles Kings 184th

2008 Mitch Gaulton New York Rangers 171st

2009 Ryan O'Reilly Colorado Avalanche 33rd

Jaroslav Janus Tampa Bay Lightning 162nd

David Shields St. Louis Blues 168th

2010 Greg McKegg Toronto Maple Leafs 62nd

Andrew Yogan New York Rangers 100th

2012 Adam Pelech New York Islanders 65th

Connor Brown Toronto Maple Leafs 156th

2013 Connor Crisp Montreal Canadiens 71st

2014 Kyle Pettit Vancouver Canucks 156th

2015 Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers 1st

Dylan Strome Arizona Coyotes 3rd

Travis Dermott Toronto Maple Leafs 34th

2016 Alex DeBrincat Chicago Blackhawks 39th

Taylor Raddysh Tampa Bay Lightning 58th

Jordan Sambrook Detroit Red Wings 137th

2017 Ivan Lodnia Minnesota Wild 85th

2020 Jamie Drysdale Anaheim Ducks 6th

Chad Yetman Chicago Blackhawks 172nd

2021 Connor Lockhart Vancouver Canucks 178th

2022 Christian Kyrou Dallas Stars 50th

2023 Carey Terrance Anaheim Ducks 59th

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2023


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