Erie Otters sign first round import selection Paul Schuster

Erie, Pennsylvania – With the summer months drawing ever-closer to their conclusion, the Otters continue to add to their club as they prepare to open training camp in just over a week.

General Manager Dave Brown and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve announced that Erie has signed their first-round pick in the CHL Import Draft Paul Schuster to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Austrian-born forward was selected by Erie with the #19 overall pick in the import draft and becomes the second and final Otter taken in this draft to sign with the team.

Schuster, a native of Wien, Austria was the first ever Austrian-born player to be selected by Erie in the CHL Import Draft.

In his native country a season ago, Schuster would suit-up in 42 games between the EC Salzburg U20 program and the RB Hockey Juniors program in the Alps Hockey League. In those games, he would tally a total of 34 points (14G+20A).

The 5’10, 2009-born right-shot winger was one of two regular 16-year-old players on his RB Juniors team last season and stood out in his time there.

Schuster is also no-stranger to the Austria National Team program, having played 18 games wearing his country’s colors between both the U18 and U20 teams. During his stint with the U18 program, he wore an ‘A’ as Alternate Captain.

Grieve spoke about the addition of Schuster and what he will bring to the club this season and beyond.

“We are excited that Paul and his family have chosen to continue his development in Erie,” Grieve said. “We believe Paul fits in well with our group of forwards. We envision his professional and international experience being a valuable addition to our team as we head into next season and beyond. The organization looks forward to seeing Paul in an Otters uniform this upcoming season.” Schuster is expected to be seen in Otters colours for the first time during main camp in just over a week’s time.