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OHL Erie Otters

Erie Otters Acquire Rookie Goaltender Charlie Burns from Niagara

January 9, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - As the trade deadline approaches for the 2023-24 Ontario Hockey League season, general manager Dave Brown announced a move to add depth to the Erie Otters goaltending department. In a trade made Tuesday evening, the team would send a 2026 10th Round Pick (Soo) to the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for rookie goaltender Charlie Burns.

"Charlie is a goalie we have watched closely this year, and we are delighted to have him as a member of the Otters' organization. Charlie gives us depth within the goaltending position" said Brown, "We are excited to see Charlie's continue development and future within the Otters."

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, ON Charlie Burns was selected by Niagara in the 9th Round (167) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft, after an impressive 2021-22 midget season. During that season, playing in the Great North Midget Hockey League (GNML) for the Soo Greyhounds U18 AAA organization, Burns compiled a 1.52 GAA and a pair of shutouts over 11 regular season games. In the post-season, Burns would backstop a 1.09 GAA in four games for the Hounds, enroute to earning a myriad of awards, including GNML MVP, Top Goaltender, Best GAA, and the league championship.

The majority of Burns' career since being drafted has been spent in Jr. A in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) in the 2022-23 season, and in Jr. B with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) in 2023-24. With 45 games played between the two leagues, Burns has played tremendously.

With the NOJHL's Blind River Beavers in 2022-23, Burns was between the pipes for 26 games, securing a 1.99 GAA, .923 SV%, and six shutouts to compile a 18-3-4 record and a playoff appearance for the Beavers. Burns was also named the league's Goaltender of the Month in November 2022.

Spending this season with the GOJHL's Fort Erie Meteors - alongside Otters' prospect Brody Coe - Burns has once again impressed with a 2.32 GAA, .921 SV%, and a shutout in 19 games for a record of 16-3. One of the top statistical goaltenders in the league, Burns is top 10 in Wins (1st), SV% (7th), and GAA (8th).

Burns had the opportunity to suit up for his draft club four times over the last two seasons, and now will be added to an experienced goalie room in Erie alongside Ben Gaudreau and Jacob Gibbons.

"It means a lot to join the Otters' program. I've heard nothing but great things about the staff, the organization, and the history of the franchise. I'm excited to get started and to get to know everyone." said Burns, "I'm a big goalie who relies on my feet and athleticism, and play a strong, sound positional game."

The Erie Otters organization welcome Charlie to the Flagship City, and look forward to seeing what he brings to the organization in the future.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2024


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