Otters Acquire Overage Goaltender Ben Gaudreau from Sarnia
Erie, Pennsylvania – A major goaltending swap between two Western Conference organizations starts off the third week of the Ontario Hockey League season in a big way for the Erie Otters.
General manager Dave Brown announced today that the team has acquired overage goaltender and two-time gold medalist Benjamin Gaudreau in exchange for third-year goaltender Nolan Lalonde, as well as the following OHL Priority Selection Draft picks: Erie’s 3rd in 2026 and Erie’s 4th & 6th in 2027.
“Firstly, we would like to thank Nolan for his dedication and commitment to the organization.” said Brown, “We are excited to continue to watch Nolan as he pursues his hockey career through Junior, and as he begins his professional journey.”
The Erie Otters organization wishes Nolan the best in his continued hockey endeavors.
In Benjamin Gaudreau, the team has acquired a seasoned and highly-touted veteran goaltender. Spending the entirety of his Major Junior career to-date with the Sarnia Sting, the 6’2″, 171 lbs. netminder has attained a career 3.60 GAA and an .890SV% in the regular season with a 54-43-8-5 record.
The real bread-and-butter of Gaudreau has been his ability to shine under the brightest of lights; the Corbeil, Ontario native’s postseason statistics are what have made him such a household name around the OHL, playing in 22 playoff games the last two seasons with a 2.55 GAA and .910SV%. In the 2023 OHL Playoffs, Gaudreau played in 16 games while leading the Sting to the Western Conference finals, eventually losing in six to the runner-up London Knights.
Outside of his Major Junior play, Gaudreau has also been enlisted as a member of Hockey Canada for international competition in the 2020-21 season for the IIHF World U18 Championship and last season as part of Canada’s World Junior Championship team, being part of the gold medal winning teams in both tournaments. The left-gloved netminder was selected in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks (#81 overall).
“We are thrilled to be adding a goaltender with a considerable amount of experience in the OHL, and internationally, a two-time gold medalist with Hockey Canada’s National Program. Alongside his OHL playoff experience, Ben is proven to be up to the task.” said Brown, “Equally important, Ben is someone we know will help lead this group, someone with great character, and someone we are excited to add to our group.”
Gaudreau will wear the #70 for the team – the same number he wore in Sarnia – and will be joining the team ahead of the three-game road-home-road weekend.
The Otters welcome Benjamin to the Flagship City, and look forward to seeing his skills and abilities grow and develop with the organization – on and off the ice.
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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 shawn.bednard@ottershockey.com.
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