Erie Otters Select Three in 2024 Under 18 Priority Selection Draft
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 Scott Grieve commended Clarke’s resiliency.
“Jack is a skilled forward who battled injuries in his minor midget season. He was a key part of the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA team.” said Grieve, “We are happy to add jack to our forward depth and welcome him and his family to the Otters organization.”
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.
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.
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.
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].
###