Three Players Sign with Erie Ahead of Preseason Opening Weekend
Erie, Pennsylvania – The Erie Otters added forward and goaltending depth to their roster ahead of the preseason opener on Friday afternoon.
Erie general manager Dave Brown announced the signings of forwards Diego Da Silva and Oliver Phillips, as well as goaltender Jackson Curran, to OHL Scholarship and Development agreements. These signings come following impressionable results during the teams’ training camp.
Da Silva, an 18-year-old, 6’0″ Mississauga, ON. native came into Erie’s Training Camp as an undrafted free agent. The camp invitee showed his physicality during the exhibition sessions, and impressed offensively as well. Last season, Da Silva skated in 50 games with the OJHL’s Toronto Jr. Patriots – the same team that Dylan Edwards spent his OJHL-development portion of the season – where he contributed 17 points.
Director of hockey operations Scott Grieve spoke on what Da Silva can bring to the team
“Diego is a player who makes life hard for opponents.” said Grieve, “He plays with fearlessness to his game and we look forward to working with Diego on his continued development.”
Da Silva is looking forward to the chance to wear the navy and gold.
“It’s an honor to start my OHL career with such a great organization.” said Da Silva, “Everyone from the staff to the guys on the team welcomed me with open arms and I can’t wait to get the season started.”
Phillips, a 16-year-old from Ottawa, ON. stands 6’6 and puts the “power” in power forward. Ahead of his selection by Erie in the first round (#10 overall) of the 2024 Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Draft, Phillips split time last season with the Ottawa Jr. 67s and the Rockland Nationals where he played in 31 total games, contributing 24 total points.
“Oliver is a player who we believe is just scratching the surface in terms of his potential.” said Grieve, “We are very excited to work with Oliver as he continues to grow into his body and gain confidence.”
Phillips spoke with excitement regarding this step in his career.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Erie Otters organization.” said Phillips, “The organization has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I look forward to being part of this amazing hockey community and I can’t wait to get started.”
Two forwards that add plenty of grit to Erie’s forward core, looking to make an impact beginning with preseason.
Curran, a 17-year-old netminder from North Bay, ON adds essential young goaltending depth for the Otters. Standing in at 5’10” and 161 lbs., Curran is a southpaw goaltender. Spending the 2023-24 season in the GNML with the Sudbury Wolves U18 AAA program, Curran impressed with a 2.85 GAA and a shutout to his credit in 19 games.
“Jackson adds goaltending depth to our organization.” said Grieve, “We are happy to welcome the Curran family to the Otters.
Erie’s preseason exhibition games begin on Friday night in Kitchener as part of a three-game Labor Day weekend showcase.
The Erie Otters welcome Diego, Oliver, and Jackson to the organization and look forward to their continued development on and off the ice.
