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OHL Erie Otters

Erie Otters Select Three in 2024 Under 18 Priority Selection Draft

April 17, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - Priority Selection Draft week would come to a close on Wednesday night, as the Erie Otters would participate in the 2024 Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Draft for the eighth time.

The final OHL-only Draft of the year, the Under 18 Priority Selection arrives days after the Priority Selection Draft, which saw the Otters select 12 new prospects over 15 rounds. Much like the name implies, the U18 Draft - which started in 2017 - gives teams the opportunity to select any draft-eligible player under the age of 18 - giving players a second-chance at catching scouts' eyes. While the U18 Draft doesn't share the same pomp, circumstance, or acclaim that the standard Priority Selection Draft receives - as team's select players overlooked initially in the Draft process - it is the perfect time to find diamond-in-the-rough, late developing, or under the radar prospects.

The eighth-annual U18 draft would see the Otters come in with the opportunity to select three players from the three rounds - including the #10 overall pick for the first time in team-history. With a 'Linear Draft' being executed - ensuring Erie and all OHL member teams the same draft order in each round. Unlike the Priority Selection, there were no compensatory or traded picks. The 2024 U18 Priority Selection picks were as followed for Erie:

Round 1, #10 pick

Round 2, #30 pick

Round 3, #47 pick*

Erie was initially slotted for pick #50, but due to team's not selecting a goaltender in rounds one or two, Erie was moved up.

In the 2023-24 season, five players selected during U18 Drafts dressed for the Otters: forwards Brett Hammond (#1 overall, 2023), Bruce McDonald (#41 overall, 2022) and goaltenders Boe Piroski (#20 overall [NIAG], 2021), Ethan Fraser (#36 overall [FLNT], 2020), and Marshall Nicholls (#28 overall, 2020).

Round 1, 10th Overall - Oliver Phillips

After selecting Tyler Challenger with the #10 overall pick on Friday night, the Erie Otters would utilize their #10 overall pick on Wednesday night to welcome forward Oliver Phillips. The third-straight Ottawa native selected by Erie in the first round of the U18, Phillips played the 2023-24 season with the Ottawa Jr. 67's U18 AAA of Hockey Eastern Ontario Under 18.

It was a productive season for the big-bodied centerman - measuring in at 6'5", 183 lbs. - as Phillips would record 23 points (14G+9A) in 27 games while adding an additional 58 PIMs. In the post-season, it would be a point-per-game effort for the center from the Canadian capital, with 10 points (5G+5A) in 10 games. Phillips would also garner a handful of games in junior hockey this season, playing four games for the Rockland Nationals of the CCHL with an assist.

Erie director of scouting Devin Brown spoke highly of the team's first pick in the U18 draft.

"Oliver is a 6'5" smooth-skating power forward. He combines skill, hockey-sense, physicality, and compete." said Brown, "We are thrilled to welcome Oliver and his family to the Otters organization."

The big-bodied offensive forward will have a chance to earn his spot in Training Camp come the fall.

Round 2, 30th Overall - Jonathan Frattaroli

With the #30 overall pick in the U18 draft, the Erie Otters would add to their competitive goalie room for 2024-25 by selecting Jonathan Frattaroli. A product of Vaughan, ON the 5'10.5" goaltender would spend the 2023-24 season with the Mississauga Senators U18 AAA program.

Erie goaltending consultant Adrian Volpe would speak highly of the newest goaltending prospect.

"Jonathan is a quick, athletic goaltender with great feet. Reacts well to lateral plays and does it effortlessly." said Volpe, "Calm and collected while making saves with good hands in front of his body while utilizing eye attachment. We are excited to add Jonathan and his family to our organization."

By drafting a goaltender in round two, Erie was eligible to utilize its third round pick later on.

"Quick and athletic. Very good feet. Jonathan reacted very well to pucks being passed laterally and kept his hands in front of his eyes. Poised and under control while making saves." - Neutral Zone

Round 3, 47th Overall - Jack Clarke

Erie's final pick on Wednesday night would be another center, in 6'1" 185 lbs. southpaw Jack Clarke. A member of the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program in the 2023-24 season, Clarke would find 30 points (16G+14A) and 63 PIMs in 33 games played, and skate in an additional 10 playoff games with three goals.

The Rockwood, ON native would also be called up to junior hockey during the season, spending three games with the GOJHL's Elmira Sugar Kings.

Erie director of hockey operations spoke on Erie's final pick of the U18 draft.

The big-bodied offensive forward will work to earn his spot in Training Camp come the fall.

Year RD OV Team Player Name Pos Height Weight DOB Last Team Source

2024 1 10 Erie Oliver Phillips C 6.05 183 11/29/2007 Ottawa Jr. 67's U18 AAA HEO18

2024 2 30 Erie Jonathan Frattaroli G 5.10.5 151 05/31/2007 Mississauga Senators U18 AAA GTHL

2024 3 47 Erie Jack Clarke C 6.01 185 06/05/2007 Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA ALLIANCE

The Erie Otters come into the 2024-25 season as an experienced, youth-lead team with open opportunity for players ready to make an impact - especially with head coach Stan Butler heading out of a season that saw his team finish with 30+ wins and a fifth place finish in the Western Conference. With the addition of these players from the U18 Draft, Erie has selected 15 total players via Drafts this offseason.

With the results of the 2024 Under 18 Priority Selection Draft finalized, Erie has officially selected 24 players all-time in the U18 draft - with seven U18 Draft players* making the regular season roster for the team all-time.

Year RD OV Team Player Name Pos Height Weight DOB Last Team Source

2023 1 1 Erie Brett Hammond RW 6.02 188 09/08/2006 Nepean Raiders U18 AAA HEO AAA

2022 1 2 Erie Vlad Visan G 6.02 225 10/02/2005 Burlington Eagles U18 AAA SCTA

2019 1 3 Erie Connor Olson LD 6.01 169 03/28/2002 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA MHAO

2018 1 4 Erie Daniel D'Amato RW 5.11.25 146 04/08/2001 Vaughan Kings MAAA GTHL

2020 1 8 Erie Ethan Broderick RD 5.07.75 157 07/07/2003 Guelph Gryphons MAAA SCTA

2024 1 10 Erie Oliver Phillips C 6.05 183 11/29/2007 Ottawa Jr. 67's U18 AAA HEO18

2021 1 16 Erie Anthony Piccininno LW 5.07 144 04/01/2004 Don Mills Flyers U18 AAA GTHL

2017 1 20 Erie Matthew Giannini RW 5.07.5 144 08/25/2000 Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs Midget AAA SCTA

2022 2 22 Erie Zachary Benayon LW 6.00 172 1/25/2005 Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA GTHL

2023 2 22 Erie Maverick Fletcher G 6.01 172 11/17/2006 Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA GNU

2019 1 23 Erie Bryce Walcarius G 6.01 150 03/01/2002 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA MHAO

2018 2 24 Erie Darius Vitug RW 5.08.5 174 04/01/2002 Toronto Jr. Canadiens MAAA GTHL

2021 2 25 Erie MacGregor Armstrong LD 6.03 185 02/04/2003 Niagara North Stars U18 AAA SCTA

2020 2 28 Erie Marshall Nicholls G 5.10.5 155 06/18/2003 Waterloo Wolves MAAA MHAO

2024 2 30 Erie Jonathan Frattaroli G 5.10.5 151 05/31/2007 Mississauga Senators U18 AAA GTHL

2017 2 40 Erie Anthony Carraretto LW 5.08.5 147 10/05/2000 Toronto Nationals Midget AAA GTHL

2022 3 41 Erie Bruce McDonald C 6.00 172 12/18/2004 Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA HEO Midget

2023 3 42 Erie Michael Dion LD 6.00 157 05/30/2006 North York Rangers U18 AAA OJHL

2019 3 43 Erie Zachary Power RW 5.06.25 132 08/20/2002 Rockland Nationals MAAA HEO Midget

2020 3 47 Erie Blake Yetman RW 5.09.25 128 10/02/2002 Whitby Wildcats MAAA ETA

2024 3 47 Erie Jack Clarke C 6.01 185 06/05/2007 Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA ALLIANCE

2017 3 60 Erie William Anderson G 6.01 186 04/01/2000 Kemptville 73s Midget AAA OEMHL

2017 4 80 Erie Jayden Vaughan LW 5.10 152 06/01/2000 Toronto Jr. Canadiens Midget AAA GTHL

2017 5 96 Erie Evan Miller C 5.06.75 127 03/07/2000 Niagara North Stars Midget AAA SCTA

One final draft remains on the horizon for all member teams of the Canadian Hockey League; the CHL Import Draft which will take place on July 3, 2024.

The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Oliver, Jonathan, and Jack to the Flagship City, and see what they can bring to Erie in the Fall at Training Camp.

Erie's 2024 Draft Coverage is presented by Voodoo Brewing Company. Keep up with all the Otters 2024 Draft picks and results on OttersHockey.com or across the Otters' social media. For all results of the 2024 U18 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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