Hodgman Back in the Fold
Published on September 25, 2008 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release
The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League received a shot in the arm today when Justin Hodgman was returned to the team from the National Hockey League Training Camp of the Minnesota Wild.
The overage forward is expected to arrive back in Erie today and travel with the Otters to Guelph tomorrow (Friday) for the completion of a season-opening three-game road trip in a 7:30 p.m. contest against the Storm. The game can be heard live on FOX Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN and on-line at www.ottershockey.com (presented by the James H. Cross Company) beginning with the pre-game show at 7:15 p.m.
Hodgman enjoyed a breakout season last year and led the Otters in scoring with 37 goals and 43 assists for 80 points in 64 games. The 20 year-old Brampton, Ontario native finished tied for 19th in OHL scoring and was the Otters representative at the 2007 OHL All-Star Classic in Sault Ste. Marie. The outstanding campaign led to a season-ending run with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League where Hodgman was named playoff most valuable player after scoring the playoff championship winning goal in triple overtime of Game 7 of the Finals. His efforts also earned him an invite to the Wild Training Camp.
Zack Torquato (Detroit) and Luke Gazdic (Dallas) also returned from NHL Training Camps this week bringing the Otters closer to their full roster.
The Otters (1-1) head into the game coming off a lopsided 6-1 road win over the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday night. Ryan O'Reilly sparked the Otters offense with a goal and two assists while Shawn Szydlowski and Anthony Luciani each collected a pair of goals. Luciani's two goals were on two third period penalty shots, believed to be a hockey first.
Guelph enters weekend action with a 1-0 record after a 4-3 overtime victory over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on home ice Friday. Tyler Melanson settled the contest with his first of the season just 41 seconds into the extra five minute period.
The Storm will also be buoyed by the return of one of their top players from the NHL. Goaltender Thomas McCollum was reassigned to Guelph by Detroit on Tuesday.
Friday's game marks the first of six between the two Midwest Division rivals this season.
The Otters 2008-09 Home Opener is this Saturday when the defending OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers visit the Tullio Arena for a 7 p.m. start presented by Taco Bell. The first 2,500 fans into the game receive a free taco coupon and the first 3,000 get a free magnetic schedule. Don't miss the pre-game party featuring the Earthquakers presented by Bud Light and a post-game meet-and-greet with the players. Tickets for the game, as well as the remaining 33 home games, are available at the Civic Center Box Office, all Erie-area Ticketmaster locations or on-line at www.ottershockey.com.
2008-09 Erie Otters Season Tickets are available at the same price as last season. Reserve your seat for all 34 Otters home games and receive a number of outstanding Season Ticket Holder Benefits including personalized Season Ticket Books, free tickets to Otters pre-season games played at the Tullio Arena, unused ticket redemption opportunities, merchandise discounts and more!
Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2008
- Gaunce, Gomes Propel Majors to 7-4 Win Over Petes - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
- Knights Acquire Mike Yovanic - London Knights
- Korostin Joins Knights - London Knights
- Hodgman Back in the Fold - Erie Otters
- Tickets still available for weekend games - Soo Greyhounds
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