Erie Otters Select Jake Murray with 12th Overall Pick
Erie, Pennsylvania – A First Round selection always means the opportunity to bring a game-changing player onto the roster. With a top-12 pick in the 2025 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft, the Erie Otters would look to build on a roster deep with talent for the future.
For the first time since drafting Stephen Harper in 2011, the Erie Otters would hold the 12th overall pick in the Priority Selection. With their first pick in the 2025-edition of the Draft, the Otters would select forward Jake Murray.
“It means everything. It’s always fun watching Erie play, and I’m pumped to get started.” said Murray, “It means so much to me and my family.”
Otters general manager Dave Brown, director of hockey operations Scott Grieve, and the team’s scouting staff made the selection official on Friday evening, using the 12th overall pick to select the 16-year-old South Huron, Ontario native.
Murray would be part of the ALLIANCE’s Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA program in the 2024-25 season, accumulating 39 points (14G+24A) in 28 games during the regular season. In the 2025 OHL Cup, the Lakers would advance to the quarterfinals, and Murray would skate in five games with three points (2G+1A) added during the handful of games played.
“Jake is a big, strong, powerful centerman. He is a leader and plays with a ton of passion. Jake drives the net hard and thrives in dirty areas.” said Grieve, “Jake is hard to play against and wears his heart on his sleeve. We are thrilled to welcome Jake and the Murray family to Erie and look forward to seeing him in an Otters uniform.”
Jake Murray is the third player in Otters team history to be drafted 12th overall, following in the footsteps of Stephen Harper (2011) and legendary captain Brad Boyes (1998). As it currently stands, Jake will join fellow first round draftees Tyler Challenger (2024), Matthew Schaefer (2023), Gabriel Frasca and Malcolm Spence (2022), and Carey Terrance (2021) on a roster loaded with high-end talent.
“Erie fans can expect big things from me. I’m a player who likes to lead on and off the ice with actions and examples.” said Murray, “I like to play hard and physical.”
The 2024-25 Erie Otters became the first Erie team in eight years to win a playoff series, downing the #4 seed reigning Memorial Cup champion Saginaw Spirit 4-1, and currently in the midst of an intense second round series with rival London. Erie will look to build upon a top-five finish in the OHL’s Western Conference at the conclusion of 2024-25, and battle to be qualified as one of the OHL’s top teams in the 2025-26 season with the addition of Jake Murray.
The Erie Otters organization is thrilled to welcome Jake to the Flagship City, and see what the dynamic forward can bring in the Fall.
What They’re Saying About Jake Murray:
“Jake is a big center that was a big part of his team’s success this season. He is a good skater that has good speed when he gets going. The puck tends to follow him around in the offensive zone and he has good skill and quick hands to capitalize on chances he gets. Jake has the size and skill to be an effective player.” – OHL Central Scouting
“Jake Murray is already built for the OHL. He is a big body power forward who has great offensive skill. He has a great shot and produced great offense for the Huron=Perth Lakers this season. He was the Captain of the team and always seemed to be working hard with a high level of compete. In addition to his offensive abilities he is responsible at both ends of the rink and really does play a 200-foot game.” – OHLProspects.com
“Jake Murray is a skilled, tall forward with strong playmaking abilities and a notable physical presence.” – The Scouting News
” I noted [Jake Murray] disrupting opponents’ breakout attempts, applying pressure on the forecheck, and forcing turnovers deep in the offensive zone. After securing loose pucks down low, Jake was effective at protecting pucks from defenders, working off the boards, and making things happen in these small area sequences…Does the little things to win possession and spark scoring chances. Murray found the back of the net many times in my views, all under the theme of hands in tight and capitalizing on net front chances, showcasing a finishing touch when the moment struck.” – PuckPreps.com
“A big two-way power center, Jake Murray recently captained the Huron-Perth Lakers to a Silver Stick title in Whitby.” – Darrell Woodley, OHL Central Scouting
Erie has 15 picks in the 2025 Priority Selection Draft, with two on day one (1st, 2nd), and 13 on day two (4th, 4th [from WSR], 5th, 5th [from BAR], 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th). Draft Picks are subject to change leading up to the day of the Draft.
Keep up with all the Otters picks and results on OttersHockey.com or across the Otters’ social media. For all results of the 2025 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
Erie’s 2025 Draft Coverage is presented by Voodoo Brewing Company.
About Voodoo Brewing Company
Voodoo Brewing Company is more than a brewery; it is a celebration of the art of brewing, a journey of taste, and a gathering place where good vibes resonate. Voodoo Brewing Company is a pioneer in the craft brewing industry known for its innovation and community engagement. Learn more at Voodoobrewery.com and follow @voodoobrewery on social media.
Player Eligibility
North American players born in 2009 and non-overage players that were not registered with an Ontario based U16 AAA team from protected OHL territories are eligible for selection in the 15 rounds of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.
Selected Players in the OHL
OHL Member Teams are permitted to register a maximum of four 16-year-old players selected in the OHL Priority Selection. Those 16-year-old players that are allowed to be signed are the first two 16-year-old players selected and a maximum of two additional 16-year-old wild carded players in any round of the OHL Priority Selection.
All other 16-year-old players selected are eligible to be called up as an “affiliated player” or “floating affiliate player” for a maximum of 10 games or for any OHL regular season or playoff games when such player’s team has been eliminated from competition for that season.
About the Erie Otters:
The Erie Otters are an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the Otters have a rich history of excellence both on and off the ice. The team is committed to creating memorable experiences for its fans and contributing to the growth and well-being of the Erie community.
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at [email protected] or Trevor Kubeja at [email protected].
Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with the latest Erie Otters news by visiting OttersHockey.com, or follow along on social media with the Otters Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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