OHL Erie Otters

Erie Swaps Pair of Picks with Sudbury Ahead of 2023 Priority Selection Draft

Published on April 19, 2023 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - With the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection at week's end, the Erie Otters have acquired another pair of picks for their 28th Draft in team history.

General Manager Dave Brown announced a trade today with the Sudbury Wolves that gives the Otters Sudbury's 6th & 12th Round picks in the upcoming Draft in exchange for Erie's 6th & 12th Round picks in 2026. The addition now gives Erie a pick in Round 6, and two picks in Round 12 for a total of 16 picks among the two days.

Erie had initially been without a 6th Round pick in the 2023 Priority Selection after trading the pick to London in May 2021 in exchange for picks in the 2021 Priority Selection Draft. With the pick, the Otters hold pick #110 in the draft.

A trio of 6th Round picks were rostered players for the 2022-23 Otters; overager Elias Cohen (2018, #120), second-year forward Kaleb Smith (2020, #106), and affiliate player Ty Henry (2022, #109). Other notable names all-time for Erie in the round are Anthony Luciani (2006, #104) and Nick Betz (2011, #109).

For the first time since 2017, the Otters will now pick twice in the 12th Round - holding their own pick at #223 and Sudbury's pick at #230.

The last 12th Round pick to play for the Otters was goaltender Aidan Campbell (2018, #224) during in the 2021-22 season. Other notable names all-time for Erie in the round are Josh Disher (2003, #225) and Johnny McGuire (2009, #230).

Erie has been very particular on the style and skillset of player drafted in the last few years, building a team focused on skill, work ethic, and attitude above all else.

With the addition of the 6th & 12th Round picks, Erie will now have 14 picks on Saturday - including Sarnia's 4th. Erie will have their own picks in the 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th. As an experienced, young, and deep Otters team takes the ice in 2023-24, players selected in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection will have the chance to make their mark and earn their spot in Training Camp.

All eyes will now turn toward day one of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. The 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft will be free-to-watch on OHL Live on CHL TV all weekend long, with the Pre-Show beginning at 6:30 P.M. on Friday, April 21 and Draft Rounds 1-3 starting at 7:00 P.M., and on Saturday, April 22 with Draft Rounds 4-15 starting at 9:00 A.M.

Fans are also invited to attend a special Draft Night party at Voodoo Brewing Company - Erie Pub starting at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, April 21. Locally made craft beer and specialty crafted food will be available during this family-friendly event. Inside of Voodoo's spacious taproom, attendees will be able to watch the Draft unfold live while also seeing Otters staff. Coinciding with the OHL Priority Selection Draft Show, the Erie Otters will be broadcasting its first-ever "Voodoo Brewing Draft Show", hosted by voice of the Otters Shawn Bednard at 6:30. After the team's final pick of the day, head coach Stan Butler will partake in an exclusive town hall to talk about the players selected thus far and a State of the Otters.

2023 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:

Erie Otters

Niagara IceDogs

Soo Greyhounds

Kingston Frontenacs

Niagara IceDogs*

Oshawa Generals

Mississauga Steelheads

Brantford Bulldogs

Sudbury Wolves

Kitchener Rangers*

Kitchener Rangers

Owen Sound Attack

Peterborough Petes

Guelph Storm

Flint Firebirds

Saginaw Spirit

Sarnia Sting

London Knights

Barrie Colts

Windsor Spitfires

North Bay Battalion

Ottawa 67's

*- indicates compensatory pick

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2023


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