DRAFT REWIND: ROUNDS 6 & 5
Erie, Pennsylvania – Today is Monday, thus beginning the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft Week. All anticipation leads up to Friday and Saturday’s Draft, with the Erie Otters holding 15 picks over the 15 rounds – including the #2 overall pick. The upcoming Priority Selection Draft will be the 27th in team-history for the Otters; showcasing excellence in drafting in all rounds of the prior drafts.
This is day five of the lead-up Draft review coverage of all 15 round with picks of the OHL Priority Selection for the Otters, looking back at the names selected and players who staked their claim in the Flagship City – concluding on Thursday, April 28 with the history of First Round selections for Erie.
The first four days have covered rounds 7-15, where Erie found 57 players who would break onto the roster – including stars like Travis Dermott, Josh Disher, Connor Brown, Shawn Szydlowski, Daniel Murphy, Chad Yetman, and Maxim Golod.
Today is a review of Rounds 6 & 5 of the draft. Now in the low-numbered rounds, high-quality players can be found by carefully-scouting teams. As stated for the previous rounds, picks here are decently touted, scouted, or hyped up, but a number of notable players made their way to the main roster from the high-middle rounds. In the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Erie has one pick in Round 6 – a pick from Peterborough in exchange for Emmett Sproule – and one pick in Round 7.
Asterisks next to players name in the charts below will signify players who made the Otters regular season roster, and bolded will be spotlighted.
ROUND 6
| 1996 | #93 | Mike Somerton | D |
| 1997 | #96 | Jason Baird* | F |
| 1998 | #122 | Scott Neil* | F |
| 1999 | #121 | Marc Higginbotham* | D |
| 2000 | #114 | Drew O’Connell* | F |
| 2000 | #115 | David Herring* | F |
| 2001 | #120 | Robert Bilski | F |
| 2004 | #109 | Patrick Lee* | F |
| 2004 | #111 | Terrance Hakli* | F |
| 2005 | #110 | Mike Dalhuisen | D |
| 2006 | #104 | Anthony Luciani* | F |
| 2006 | #113 | Marc Rubino | F |
| 2008 | #103 | Tyler McCarthy* | D |
| 2010 | #111 | Brandon Johnston | F |
| 2011 | #109 | Nick Betz* | F |
| 2011 | #114 | Ryan Coulter | F |
| 2012 | #104 | Thomas Lattavo* | F |
| 2012 | #115 | Greg Allen | D |
| 2013 | #106 | Sean Kohler | F |
| 2014 | #119 | Taylor Egan* | D |
| 2016 | #121 | Cal Kiefiuk | F |
| 2017 | #120 | Brendan Kischnick* | D |
| 2018 | #113 | Logan Maunder-Sanderson | D |
| 2018 | #120 | Elias Cohen* | F |
| 2020 | #106 | Kaleb Smith* | F |
| 2020 | #108 | Patrick Geary | F |
| 2021 | #103 | Braxton Ross | F |
2022 PICKS:
- One pick in Round 6
- Erie traded its 6th Round Pick to London ahead of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft, but received Peterborough’s 6th Round Pick in exchange for 2021-22 Overager Emmett Sproule
QUICK FACTS:
- Erie has not had a pick in the 6th Round in six Drafts – 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2019
- Alternatively, Erie has had multiple picks in seven Drafts – 2000, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2020
- Despite not having a 6th Round pick in all 26 Drafts, the Otters have drafted 27 players this round.
- Of the 27 players, 19 were Forwards, eight were Defensemen
- Erie has never drafted a goaltender in the 6th Round
- Of the 27 players, 19 have been Canadian-born, and seven American-born, one Netherlands-born
- Mike Dalhuisen (2005, #110 D) is the only Dutch player ever selected by the Otters in a Draft
- Of the 27 players, 19 were Forwards, eight were Defensemen
- Erie’s highest 6th Round pick was Marc Higginbotham (1999, #121) and lowest pick was Mike Somerton (1996, #93)
- 15 players drafted by Erie in the 6th went on to suit up in the regular season for the Otters – including five players from four-straight Drafts:
- Jason Baird (1997, #96 F)
- Scott Neil (1998, #122 F)
- Marc Higginbotham (1999, #121 D)
- Drew O’Connell (2000, #114 F)
- David Herring (2000, #115 F)
- Patrick Lee (2004, #109 F)
- Terrance Hakli (2004, #111 F)
- Anthony Luciani (2006, #104 F)
- Tyler McCarthy (2008, #103 D)
- Nick Betz (2011, #109 F)
- Thomas Lattavo (2012, #104 F)
- Taylor Egan (2014, #119 D)
- Brendan Kischnick (2017, #120 D)
- Elias Cohen (2018, #120 F)
- Kaleb Smith (2020, #106 F)
PRO RANKS:
- Seven of the players drafted by Erie in the 6th would go on to play professional hockey later in their careers:
- Jason Baird: 2001-2008 with five teams
- ECHL, CHL, BNL
- Marc Higginbotham: 2002 with two teams
- ECHL
- David Herring: 2005-07, 2010 with eight teams
- ECHL, UHL, IHL, FHL
- Mike Dalhuisen (2005, #110 D): 2013-Present with 11 teams
- AHL, ECHL, Denmark, DEL2, VHL, Slovakia, ICEHL
- Dalhuisen never played for Erie, electing instead to play NCAA
- Dalhuisen did play in multiple world tournaments for Team Netherlands
- Anthony Luciani: 2011-Present with 12 teams
- AHL, ECHL, Italy-A, DEL2, Slovak, Czech, ICEHL
- Nick Betz: 2017-18 with two teams
- ECHL
- Taylor Egan: 2021-Present
- ECHL
- Jason Baird: 2001-2008 with five teams
CRACKING THE ROSTER:
- Jason Baird – 1997, #96 (F)
- Baird was the first 6th Round pick for Erie to ever suit up for the club, and set the standard high for draftees from the round
- Baird played his entire terrific four-year OHL career in Erie between 1997-2001
- During the four seasons, the Cayga, ON native appeared in 245 games for the team, scoring 218 points (87G+131A) with a +36.
- Baird also played in 39 playoff games, grabbing 26 points (9G+17A).
- Following the end of his Major Junior career, Baird would play seven seasons of professional hockey between 2001-08 in the ECHL, CHL, and in Great Britain in the BNL
- Sadly, Baird passed away in January 2014 due to Pancreatitis at the age of 33. The legacy that Baird created and bar that he set for future 6th Round picks assures his memory and life will never be forgotten.
- Scott Neil (1998, #122 F)
- Neil would spend one season in the OHL with the Erie Otters, playing in the 1999-2000 season and post-season
- In 66 total games played for Erie, the Brampton, ON native would grab 10 points (3G+7A)
- Neil would go on to finish his junior career as a productive-scorer in the OPJHL
- Marc Higginbotham (1999, #121 D)
- Higginbotham would be the first Defenseman drafted in the 6th Round to play for the Erie Otters, playing in parts of two seasons with the club.
- Higginbotham would play in 47 games in the 1999-2000 season, but score zero points with a -2.
- The Long Island, NY native would grab his first career OHL point in just a six-game stint in 2000-01, before finishing his career in the QMJHL.
- Higginbotham would play eight professional hockey games in the ECHL after his time in Major Junior.
- Higginbotham would be the first Defenseman drafted in the 6th Round to play for the Erie Otters, playing in parts of two seasons with the club.
- Drew O’Connell (2000, #114 F)
- O’Connell would appear in parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters between 2002-03, playing in 43 regular season and four playoff games
- O’Connell would make his debut in the 2002-03 season, grabbing a goal in 37 games
- During the 2003-04 season, the Cold Spring Harbor, NY native would appear in six regular season and four playoff games with no points.
- O’Connell would finish his junior career in the NAHL.
- O’Connell would appear in parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters between 2002-03, playing in 43 regular season and four playoff games
- David Herring (2000, #115 F)
- Herring would be picked right after O’Connell in the 2000 Priority Selection Draft, and have a four-season career in Erie
- The Murray River, PEI native would spend 216 games with the Otters over four seasons from 2001-05, scoring 57 points (22G+35A).
- Herring would also play in 32 playoff games – including Erie’s 2002 OHL Championship Season – netting eight points (3G+5A).
- After a fine career in the OHL, Herring would bounce around Minor Pro Hockey for parts of five seasons, finishing his career playing Senior Hockey.
- Patrick Lee (2004, #109 F)
- Lee would play two seasons for the Erie Otters from 2005-07, being a role player.
- In 119 games in Erie, the Sharon, ON native would grab 30 points (10G+20A).
- Lee would play his final two seasons of the OHL in Plymouth and Niagara, where he would set career bests.
- After his time in the OHL, Lee would attend the University of Western Ontario.
- Lee would play two seasons for the Erie Otters from 2005-07, being a role player.
- Terrance Hakli (2004, #111 F)
- Hakli would play in three games in the 2004-05 season, scoring zero points with a -3.
- The Thunder Bay, ON native would finish his junior career in the SIJHL.
- Anthony Luciani (2006, #104 F)
- Luciani would play three seasons with the Erie Otters from 2008-11, with his Major Junior career truly taking off in the middle season
- After a 14 point (6G+8A) rookie year, Luciani would leave the 2009-10 season as a point-per-game player with 68 points (38G+30A) in 68 games, and three points (2G+1A) in three playoff games.
- The Maple, ON native would finish his OHL career in an even more impressive way, going a point-plus-per-game in 2010-11 with 78 points (29G+49A) in 54 games, plus 10 points (7G+3A) in seven playoff games
- Luciani would finish his OHL career with 174 points (82G+92A) in 195 career games – most for any 6th Round pick from Erie.
- After the conclusion of his Major Junior career, Luciani would jump immediately into professional hockey on both sides of the pond, with his career continuing to-date with Orli Znojmo of ICEHL.
- Luciani would play three seasons with the Erie Otters from 2008-11, with his Major Junior career truly taking off in the middle season
- Tyler McCarthy (2008, #103 D)
- McCarthy would be just the second Defenseman taken in the 6th Round to crack the Otters roster, playing one season in 2011-12
- In 58 career games, McCarthy would grab eight points (0G+8A).
- After finishing his junior career in the OJHL, he would attend Ryerson University.
- McCarthy would be just the second Defenseman taken in the 6th Round to crack the Otters roster, playing one season in 2011-12
- Nick Betz (2011, #109 F)
- A true fan-favorite, Betz would spend a 6th Round pick all-time high five seasons with the Erie Otters between 2011-2016.
- In his five years in the OHL, Betz would play in 299 regular season and 39 playoff games for a total of 338 games in an Otters sweater. He would score 160 points (64G+96A) with a +55.
- Betz would be the very first 6th Round pick to wear a Letter, serving as Alternate Captain in his OA season in 2015-16.
- After his long, productive OHL career, the Mt. Clemens, MI native would attend Acadia University for a year, before playing two seasons of professional hockey in the ECHL.
- Betz currently serves as a Boys Programming Manager for Play Hockey
- A true fan-favorite, Betz would spend a 6th Round pick all-time high five seasons with the Erie Otters between 2011-2016.
- Thomas Lattavo (2012, #104 F)
- Lattavo would appear in seven games during the 2012-13 Erie Otters season, scoring zero points with a +1.
- Lattavo would finish his junior career in between the OJHL and OHL with Mississaugua.
- Taylor Egan (2014, #119 D)
- Egan would play in parts of three seasons for the Erie Otters between 2015-2016
- In 58 career games, Egan would grab five points (1G+4A).
- The Carp, ON native would close his Major Junior career in the QMJHL, before attending Lakehead University
- After the 2021-22 Lakehead hockey season, Egan would play 21 games in the ECHL with three different teams this season.
- Egan would play in parts of three seasons for the Erie Otters between 2015-2016
- Brendan Kischnick (2017, #120 D)
- The latest Defenseman to suit up from the 6th Round, Kischnick made himself a fan-fvaorite for his big hits, big fights, and ability to rouse up the crowd.
- Kischnick would play parts of two seasons for the Otters from 2018-2020, playing 80 total games with six points (1G+5A).
- Kischnick’s playing-career would come to an unfortunately early end, after a series of injuries suffered in the OHL
- The Michigan native would finish out his OHL career in the 2021-22 season as a member of the Hockey Operations Department for the Otters, working in a variety of roles including player advising, coaching, and assistant to the Director of Hockey Operations
- Elias Cohen (2018, #120 F)
- Cohen is the latest breakout-player from the 6th Round for the Erie Otters, putting up an impressive 61 points (24G+37A) in his 65 games during the 2021-22 season.
- Cohen has played in 128 career OHL games heading into his OA season in 2022-23, netting 83 points (34G+49A).
- The Toronto native is known for his impressive stickhandling, ability to find shooting lanes, and tenacity. With his final season approaching, expect the Forward to put up points en masse.
- Kaleb Smith (2020, #106 F)
- The most-recent 6th Round pick to make the Otters roster, Smith has proven himself to a be a gritty, dirty corners kind of Forward, taking pages out of the book from 7th Round mentor Brendan Hoffmann.
- Smith played in 58 games during his rookie season in 2021-22, grabbing six points (1G+5A).
- With a full year under his belt, expect the Sophomore Forward to be even more set into his role for the 2022-23 season.
With three players in the last few drafts being staples of the Otters lineup, Erie has especially hit in the 6th Round of late. With all-time players like Anthony Luciani and Nick Betz also rounding out the Round, there’ll be quite a bit of interest in the upcoming 6th Round.
ROUND 5
| 1997 | #78 | Brent Theobald* | F |
| 1998 | #98 | Jim McGillivray* | F |
| 1999 | #94 | Troy Ilijow* | F |
| 2000 | #94 | Craig Bertrand* | F |
| 2001 | #100 | Austin Corredato* | F |
| 2002 | #98 | Vince Scott* | F |
| 2003 | #85 | Jhase Sniderman* | G |
| 2003 | #92 | Chad Dunlop* | F |
| 2003 | #95 | Peter Sergeant* | F |
| 2003 | #100 | Chad Loikets* | F |
| 2006 | #84 | Mitch Forbes* | F |
| 2006 | #96 | Mathieu Cadieux | G |
| 2007 | #81 | Bryan Hogan | G |
| 2008 | #83 | Adam Scully | G |
| 2008 | #98 | Stuart Brownell | D |
| 2009 | #83 | Mihkel Poldma | D |
| 2009 | #90 | Chris Festarini* | G |
| 2011 | #94 | Sean Power | D |
| 2011 | #95 | Devin Williams* | G |
| 2012 | #84 | Darren Raddysh* | D |
| 2013 | #80 | Trent Fox* | F |
| 2014 | #85 | Mitchell Byrne* | D |
| 2015 | #83 | Nicholas Celotti | F |
| 2015 | #99 | Ryan Martin* | D |
| 2017 | #100 | Brendan Sellan* | F |
| 2018 | #81 | Ethan Ritchie | D |
| 2019 | #84 | Christian Kyrou* | D |
| 2019 | #86 | Wil Murphy | D |
2022 PICKS:
- One pick in Round 5
- With Erie picking #2 Overall, they will have the second pick in the 5th Round
QUICK FACTS:
- Erie has not had a pick in the 5th Round in six drafts – 1996, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2016, 2020
- Alternatively though, Erie had four total picks in the 2003 5th Round, from #85 to #100
- All four players picked in the 2003 5th Round would go on to play for the team
- Alternatively though, Erie had four total picks in the 2003 5th Round, from #85 to #100
- Despite not having a 5th Round pick in all 26 Drafts, the Otters have drafted 28 players this round.
- Of the 28 players, 13 were Forwards, nine were Defensemen, six were Goaltenders
- Of the 28 players, 25 have been Canadian-born, and three American-born
- Erie’s highest 5th Round pick(s) were Austin Corredato, Chad Loikets, and Brendan Sellan (2001/2003/2017, #100) and lowest pick was Brent Theobald (1996, #78)
- All four went on to play for the team
- 19 players drafted by Erie in the 5th went on to suit up in the regular season for the Otters – including an incredible 10 players from the first seven Drafts:
- Brent Theobald (1997, #78 F)
- Jim McGillivray (1998, #98 F)
- Troy Ilijow (1999, #94 F)
- Craig Bertrand (2000, #94 F)
- Austin Corredato (2001, #100 F)
- Vince Scott (2002, #98 F)
- Jhase Sniderman (2003, #85 G)
- Chad Dunlop (2003, #92 F)
- Peter Sergeant (2003, #95 F)
- Chad Loikets, (2003, #100 F)
- Mitch Forbes (2006, #84 F)
- Chris Festarini (2009, #90 G)
- Devin Williams (2011, #95 G)
- Darren Raddysh (2012, #84 D)
- Trent Fox (2013, #80 F)
- Mitchell Byrne (2014, #85 D)
- Ryan Martin (2015, #99 D)
- Brendan Sellan (2017, #100 F)
- Christian Kyrou (2019, #84 D)
PRO RANKS:
- Five of the players drafted by Erie in the 5th would go on to play professional hockey later in their careers
- Troy Ilijow: 2003-05 with five teams
- CHL, ECHL, SPHL
- Chad Loikets: 2007 with one team
- UHL
- Bryan Hogan (2007, #81 G): 2011-15 with six teams
- ECHL, CHL, DEL2, Denmark
- Hogan would never play for Erie, electing instead to play NCAA
- Devin Williams: 2017-Present with three teams
- AHL, ECHL, Slovakia
- Darren Raddysh: 2017-Present with four teams
- NHL (Tampa Bay Lightning UDFA), AHL
- Troy Ilijow: 2003-05 with five teams
CRACKING THE ROSTER:
- Brent Theobald – 1997, #78 (F)
- Theobald was the first 5th Round pick for Erie, and the first 5th Rounder to play for the Otters
- Theobald would play one season for the Otters in 1997-98, suiting up in 67 total games
- The Cochrane, ON native would score 10 points (3G+7A) between regular season and playoffs.
- Theobald would finish his OHL career with the Mississauga IceDogs and Soo Greyhounds – serving twice as an Alternate Captain
- After his time in the OHL, Theobald would go on to attend Dalhousie University.
- Jim McGillivray – 1998, #98 (F)
- McGillivray would play parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters from 1998-2000, suiting up in 50 regular season and three playoff games
- In his 53 total games, the Durham, ON native would score two points (1G+1A)
- McGillivray would finish his junior career in the WOJCHL, having a two-point-per-game season for the Hanover Barons
- McGillivray would play parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters from 1998-2000, suiting up in 50 regular season and three playoff games
- Troy Ilijow – 1999, #94 (F)
- Ilijow would play two seasons with the Erie Otters from 1999-2001, appearing in 109 total games between regular season and playoffs
- Ilijow would have a career 28 points (9G+19A) for the Otters, including the honor of being the first 5th Round pick to score a playoff goal.
- The Thunder Bay, ON native would close his OHL career in Sault Ste. Marie, being traded there during the 2000-01 season. He would play parts of three seasosn with the Greyhounds, before finishing his junior career in the MJAHL
- After his time amateur came to a close, Ilijow would spend two seasons in professional hockey.
- Ilijow would play two seasons with the Erie Otters from 1999-2001, appearing in 109 total games between regular season and playoffs
- Craig Bertrand – 2000, #94 (F)
- Bertrand would play one game for the Erie Otters in the 2001-02 season, scoring zero points and an even +/-.
- The London, ON native would finish his junior career in the WOHL.
- Austin Corredato – 2001, #100 (F)
- Corredato would play one season for the Erie Otters in the 2002-03 season, appearing in 32 total games.
- During his time in Erie, Corredato would grab two points (0G+2A).
- Corredato would jump around to three other OHL and two QMJHL teams before finishing his junior career in the OPJHL.
- Corredato would play one season for the Erie Otters in the 2002-03 season, appearing in 32 total games.
- Vince Scott – 2002, #98 (F)
- Vince Scott is solemnly, fondly remembered in Erie as one of only two numbers ever retired by the organization.
- Scott played for parts of four seasons with the Erie Otters from 2003-07, appearing in 202 regular season and 14 playoff games for the team.
- During his time in Erie, Scott grabbed 71 points (29G+42A).
- The Mississauga, ON native was traded to the Sarnia Sting in his OA season, playing in 17 games.
- After his time in Major Junior, Scott would attend the University of Prince Edward Island and Brock University
- Scott was tragically killed in April 2010 in an automobile accident at 23 years old. His memory lives on forever as the first story of success in the 5th Round for Erie, and as a truly wonderful person.
- Jhase Sniderman – 2003, #85 (G)
- The first Goaltender to ever play for Erie from the 5th Round, Sniderman would play parts of three seasons for the Erie Otters in 2004-06.
- Sniderman would appear in 42 regular season and two playoff games for Erie, with an .885 SV%, and 13-18-4 record.
- Sniderman would bounce between the QMJHL and OHL to close his Major Junior career, before attending the University of Prince Edward Island.
- Chad Dunlop – 2003, #92 (F)
- Dunlop would appear in parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters, playing a playoff game in 2003-04, and 21 games in 2004-05.
- The Lindsay, On native would grab one point (0G+1A) in his 22 career games for Erie.
- After his stint in the OHL, Dunlop would finish his junior career in the OPJHL and BCHL.
- Dunlop would appear in parts of two seasons for the Erie Otters, playing a playoff game in 2003-04, and 21 games in 2004-05.
- Peter Sergeant – 2003, #95 (F)
- Sergeant would play in eight games for the Erie Otters in the 2004-05 season.
- In the eight games, the Kingston, ON native would grab a point (0G+1A).
- Sergeant would finish his junior career in the EBJCHL.
- Sergeant would play in eight games for the Erie Otters in the 2004-05 season.
- Chad Loikets – 2003, #100 (F)
- Loikets would appear in three seasons for the Erie Otters from 2003-06, as well as two post-season appearances
- Loikets would play in 208 total games for Erie between regular and post-season, grabbing 27 points (4G+23A).
- The Yorkville, IL native would finish his Major Junior career in the QMJHL, before playing one game of professional hockey in the UHL.
- After his time Major Junior, Loikets would go on to attend Carleton University.
- Loikets would appear in three seasons for the Erie Otters from 2003-06, as well as two post-season appearances
- Mitch Forbes – 2006, #84 (F)
- Forbes would play one season for the Erie Otters during the 2006-07 season
- Forbes would appear in 52 total games, netting three points (0G+3A).
- After his stint in the OHL, Forbes would finish his junior career in the SIJHL, winning two championships.
- Forbes would play one season for the Erie Otters during the 2006-07 season
- Chris Festarini – 2009, #90 (G)
- Festarini would play parts of three seasons with the Erie Otters between 2009-11.
- Festarini would play in 30 total games for the Otters between regular and post-season, with a record of 5-14-1.
- The Oakville, ON native would close his OHL career playing parts of three seasons with the Niagara IceDogs.
- At the end of his time in the OHL, Festarini would play in 119 games with a 3.52 GAA and .888 SV%
- After the OHL, Festarini would attend Wilfrid Laurier University.
- Festarini would play parts of three seasons with the Erie Otters between 2009-11.
- Devin Williams – 2011, #95 (G)
- The gold-standard Goaltender for the Otters’ 5th Round selections, Devin Williams was a highly-beloved fan favorite for the team.
- Williams was voted to be part of the 25th Anniversary ‘Otters Legends’ Card Set
- Williams played parts of five seasons for the Erie Otters from 2012-16, carrying a serious workload of games under his belt.
- During his five seasons, Williams played in 175 regular season games with a 3.03 GAA, .900 SV%, and an impressive 106-47-8 record.
- In his final season in Erie, Williams was 41-10-1.
- The Saginaw, MI native also appeared in 45 playoff games, with a 3.11 GAA, .886 SV%, and a 28-14-2 record.
- Williams was awarded the Dave Pinkney Trophy in the 2013-14 season as Lowest GAA Leader with a 2.57 GAA.
- He was named a Second Team OHL All-Star in 2015-16.
- During his five seasons, Williams played in 175 regular season games with a 3.03 GAA, .900 SV%, and an impressive 106-47-8 record.
- After his time in the OHL, Williams would attend Acadia University for a year before starting his professional hockey career. Williams has played five seasons of pro hockey so far.
- The gold-standard Goaltender for the Otters’ 5th Round selections, Devin Williams was a highly-beloved fan favorite for the team.
- Darren Raddysh – 2012, #84 (D)
- Another absolutely legendary Otter player, Darren Raddysh was the first Defenseman from the 5th Round to play for the Erie Otters. He was also the first 5th Round pick to ever wear a Letter, serving as Alternate Captain in his final two seasons.
- Raddysh was also named to the ‘Otters’ Legends’ 25th Anniversary Card Set.
- Raddysh would play in parts of five seasons with the Otters from 2013-17, being part of the 2017 OHL Championship team as a major scoring component.
- Raddysh played 272 regular season games for the Otters, grabbing 184 points (41G+143A) and an incredible +135.
- In 57 career playoff games, Raddysh would have 40 points (14G+26A) and a +32.
- The Caledon, ON native would swim in accolades in his OA year – being named to the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team, OHL First All-Star Team, the Max Kaminsky Trophy recipient as Most Outstanding Defenseman in the OHL, the Most Points by a Defenseman, and Leo Lalonde Trophy recipient as Overage Player of the Year
- Raddysh would go on to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an UDFA, and has played the last five seasons between the NHL and AHL.
- Another absolutely legendary Otter player, Darren Raddysh was the first Defenseman from the 5th Round to play for the Erie Otters. He was also the first 5th Round pick to ever wear a Letter, serving as Alternate Captain in his final two seasons.
- Trent Fox – 2013, #80 (F)
- Fox would play part of one season with the Erie Otters during 2014-15, appearing in 35 games
- During his stint in Erie, Fox would put up 20 points (7G+13A).
- Fox would bounce around in his OHL career with Belleville, Hamilton, and Mississauga, before attending the University of Windsor after graduating from the league.
- Fox would play part of one season with the Erie Otters during 2014-15, appearing in 35 games
- Mitchell Byrne – 2014, #85 (D)
- Byrne would be a solid blueliner for the Erie Otters during his parts of four seasons with the team
- Byrne would play in 140 games with the Otters in the regular season between 2015-17, grabbing 17 points (4G+13A).
- In 33 playoff games with the team, Byrne would grab another four points (1G+3A) enroute to winning the 2017 OHL Championship with the team
- Byrne would finish his OHL career with the Kingston Frontenacs, playing in 57 games and grabbing seven points (1G+6A).
- Byrne would be a solid blueliner for the Erie Otters during his parts of four seasons with the team
- Ryan Martin – 2015, #99 (D)
- Martin would be another understated but solid Defenseman for Erie during their championship run, playing parts of three seasons for the Otters from 2016-19.
- Martin would appear in 147 games – all regular season – for the Otters, grabbing 27 points (5G+22A) and a +10.
- Martin would finish his junior career in the GOJHL.
- Martin would be another understated but solid Defenseman for Erie during their championship run, playing parts of three seasons for the Otters from 2016-19.
- Brendan Sellan – 2017, #100 (F)
- The latest story of success of Forwards from the 5th Round, Sellan would spend his entire OHL career with the Erie Otters from 2018-22 – with the recognition of the only 5th Round pick to ever wear the Captain’s C.
- Sellan would appear in 193 total games for the Otters, grabbing 82 points (37G+45A) as a two-way, 200 foot player
- The Bolton, ON native would be robbed of a season during the pandemic, but come back with his best career season in 2021-22 with 40 points (20G+20A) in 66 games played.
- Sellan was a major locker room presence for the Otters as a Captain, and will be missed by the team ahead of the 2022-23 season.
- Christian Kyrou – 2019, #84 (D)
- A budding defensive superstar for the Erie Otters, Kyrou had a true breakout season in 2021-22.
- Kyrou had played 21 games in 2019-20, with zero points and a -4.
- In 68 games in 2021-22, Kyrou would grab 60 points (18G+42A) to be one of the OHL’s Top-Scoring Defenseman.
- Kyrou would earn a multitude of accolades from the 2022 OHL Coaches Poll, including Western Conference Most Underrated Player, Most Improved Player (#3), and Best Offensive Defenseman (#2).
- The trajectory for Kyrou as a two-way defenseman is exponentially growing, and with the 2022 NHL Draft approaching, the Komoka, ON native could be a steal for a team.
- A budding defensive superstar for the Erie Otters, Kyrou had a true breakout season in 2021-22.
Erie has found great success in the 5th Round all-time, including two players from the round as top rotations in the 2021-22 lineup. With breakout careers at the core of the team’s picks in Round 5, time will tell if that trend will continue.
Between the 5th and 6th Rounds, Erie has found 34 players who appeared on the regular season and/or post-season roster – including notable names of Vince Scott, Nick Betz, Devin Williams, Darren Raddysh, Elias Cohen, and Christian Kyrou from the last few drafts. Who will be the next pick to join the annals of Otters mid-round history? With the 2022 OHL Priority Selection on April 29 & 30, time will tell.
Erie currently has 15 picks in the 2022 Priority Selection Draft, with two on day one (1st Round 2nd Overall, 2nd Round [SOO]), and 13 on day two (4th [NIAG conditional], 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, three in 13th [FLNT, NIAG], 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 2022 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
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 [email protected].
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