#2 OVERALL PICK MALCOLM SPENCE COMMITS TO ERIE OTTERS
Erie, Pennsylvania – Pen to paper and the ink is dry; Malcolm Spence (Mississauga Senators U16 AAA) has officially signed with the Erie Otters.
General Manager Dave Brown officially announced the signing on Thursday afternoon, as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft and OHL Cup Champion became the first member of the Otters Draft Class to commit.
A 15-year-old native of Burlington, ON Malcolm Spence brings the honor of Greater Toronto Hockey League Player of the Year with him to Erie – an award also won by former Otter 1st Round picks Jamie Drysdale (2018), fellow #2 pick Dylan Strome (2013), and Connor McDavid (2012).
In his last season in the GTHL, Spence had a two-point-per-game average season with 56 points (29G+27A) in 28 games. During the OHL Cup, Spence would grab an additional 13 points (6G+7A) in seven games enroute to the Senators’ OHL Cup Championship – and being named to the OHL Cup All-Star Team.
“The Otters stood out to me because they aren’t just an organization, they are a family that cares and puts the players first.” said Spence, “To play and wear that jersey is truly an honor. It’s a dream come true.”
A highly-touted OHL draft-eligible player, the 6’0”, 179 lbs. left-handed Spence was considered the top prospect among 2006-born prospects during the 2021-22 season – drawing comparisons to last year’s 1st overall pick Quentin Musty (SBY). Spence was the third player in Otters team history to be drafted 2nd overall, following in the footsteps of Dylan Strome (2013) and Greg McKegg (2008).
“Malcolm is dynamic and energetic with an edge and willingness to succeed. His attention to detail and mature approach to how he plays the game is something we are very excited to be adding to our organization. Malcolm isn’t to be outdone off the ice, as his exceptional abilities are also shown as a person, player, and teammate, which our organization is excited to be adding to our group and sharing with the community.” said Brown, “We are excited to grow with Malcolm in assisting him to achieve his personal goals, while our organization grows and the community grows stronger.”
As his draft-eligible season progressed, his ability to be a game-changing point producer became even more evident. Otters’ Co-Director of Scouting Mike Battah commended Spence’s abilities.
“Malcolm was the most dynamic player in the Draft. His ability to analyze and make plays at top speed make him a threat to score every time he’s on the ice.” said Battah, “He plays the game with a tremendous amount of detail and passion, complimented by an outstanding work ethic. He is the complete package.”
Spence is just the third player from the Mississauga Senators U16 / MM AAA to ever be selected by the Erie Otters, joining teammate Elias Cohen, and Ryan O’Marra (2003, #4 overall) in the distinction. Spence will join fellow 1st Round draftees Carey Terrance (2021, #10), Spencer Sova (2020, #8), and Connor Lockhart (2019, #3) for the 2022-23 season under Head Coach BJ Adams.
“[Malcolm’s] offensive talents are off the charts. He sees the game really well, he thinks the game really well, he has a hunger to get to the net, his skating jumps off the page.” said Adams, “I really love the way he attacks the net.”
Spence was able to get his first taste of Erie and the Otters Staff during the team’s Orientation Camp in late May. Spence, alongside fellow members of his Draft Class, participated in drills, assessments, and scrimmages under the tutelage of the Otters Hockey Operations Department. During the weekend’s festivities, Spence was also honored with throwing the ceremonial first pitch during an Erie SeaWolves baseball game.
The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Malcolm Spence home to the Flagship City, and see what the dynamic Forward can bring in the Fall.
For the latest Otters news, visit OttersHockey.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/erieottershockey), Twitter (@ErieOtters), and Instagram (@ErieOtters).
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at shawn.bednard@ottershockey.com.
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