Mitch Gaulton will undergo surgery in two to three weeks to determine the extent of his left elbow injury, the Erie Otters defenseman said Tuesday. Gaulton, who will be out indefinitely, already has missed nearly three weeks. He suffered the injury on Oct. 27 in Owen Sound. But previous tests, including a magnetic resonance imaging exam, failed to reveal the injury because of continued swelling and bruising.
“It’s going to be two or three weeks before (surgery) … because of the swelling,” Gaulton said. “I know they honestly think there’s something wrong. They want to go in there and take a look around.”
Doctors haven’t given Gaulton a return date, he said. “It can’t be that bad if I’m still moving it,” said Gaulton, as he bended his arm. “I’m just hoping for the best.”

– Victor Fernandes

* Waiting for word: Defenseman Josh Kidd missed his second straight practice on Tuesday. Coach Robbie Ftorek declined to disclose Kidd’s injury. Kidd didn’t immediately return a telephone message on Tuesday. But before practice, Ftorek said Kidd was being checked out by specialists to determine the extent of his injuries. “He’s been battling some injuries all year,” Ftorek said. “He’s just trying to get a real good handle on what is wrong. He’s got to be comfortable with what’s going on.”
* Waiting for word, Part II: Ftorek also expected left wing Michael Liambas to be evaluated by a doctor for an apparent leg injury. Liambas suffered the injury Friday in Sault Ste. Marie. He spent the past two days in Toronto helping rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus complete immigration paperwork.
* Speaking of Janus: He had not rejoined the club as of Tuesday afternoon. Ftorek was unsure if Janus would return in time for tonight’s game against Owen Sound. If he doesn’t, rookie Shane Owen would start in his place. Ftorek said he would wait until learning of Janus’ availability before choosing a backup.
* Taylor update: Center Shayne Taylor was still unsure on Tuesday if he would play tonight. But he practiced on a line with wingers Kelly Geoffrey and Ronny Rogers in practice. “They haven’t said anything (about tonight’s game),” Taylor said of the coaching staff. “We haven’t talked about it yet.”
* Coyne, Pinkney reassigned: The club has reassigned center Samuel Coyne and defenseman Dan Pinkney to the Kingston and Huntsville Jr. A clubs, respectively. Both played one game during last weekend’s trip to Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.
* Spitfires acquire Neuvirth: Windsor acquired goaltender Michal Neuvirth, defenseman Tom Kane and a 2009 OHL draft pick from Plymouth on Tuesday, according to the Whalers’ Web site. In exchange, the Whalers received defenseman Michal Jordan, goaltender Matt Hackett, a second-round pick in 2008 and a third-round choice in 2009. Neuvirth, a Washington Capitals prospect, has a 5-4-1-0 record, 2.60 goals-against average and .928 save percentage this season. He led the Whalers to the 2006-07 OHL title.
* Around the rink: The CHL named Plymouth’s Jeremy Smith the goaltender of the week. He had a 3-0 record, 1.00 goals-against average and .971 save percentage.

– Victor Fernandes

* Much-needed reinforcements: Right wing Nick Palmieri (mononucleosis/tonsillitis), center Shayne Taylor (concussion) and rookie defenseman David Shields (concussion) rejoined the lineup Wednesday. Palmieri was medically cleared by doctors earlier in the day after learning results of recent blood tests.
* Kidd, Liambas out: Defenseman Josh Kidd (undisclosed injury) and left wing Michael Liambas (leg) didn’t play Wednesday. Neither has practiced this week.
* An empty net: Rookie goaltender Shane Owen earned his second OHL start on Wednesday. Rookie Jaroslav Janus, the club’s No. 1 goaltender, remains in Toronto finalizing immigration paperwork.
The club played without a backup goaltender. Taylor was designated as the emergency backup.
* Skellett on NHL list: NHL Central Scouting has center Jordan Skellett, 17, on its preliminary ranking for the 2008 Entry Draft. Skellett ranks as the 17th best OHL skater. “It’s nice to be recognized even though I’m off to a little bit of a slow start,” Skellett said before the game.
He entered the game with five goals and eight points in 19 games. Skellett said he has to improve his numbers and lead the team to wins. That could move Skellett up the list in future rankings. “Hopefully I can climb up the ladder,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the whole (draft) experience coming up.”
Sarnia center Steven Stamkos tops the list. Defensemen Drew Doughty (Guelph), Zach Bogosian (Peterborough) and Alex Pietrangelo (Niagara) and Brampton center Cody Hodgson completed the top five. Guelph’s Thomas McCollum was the top-rated goaltender. Mississauga’s Chris Carrozzi, Barrie’s Michael Hutchinson, Kitchener’s Mavric Parks and Brampton’s Patrick Killeen capped the top five. Otters rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus wasn’t listed among the top European goaltenders.
* Knights acquire O’Connor: Plymouth traded overage winger Sean O’Connor, a former Otter, to London for a fifth-round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection, the Whalers announced Wednesday. O’Connor, 20, had two points, both assists in eight games since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. He separated his shoulder with the Otters in Oct. 2006. Erie traded him to Plymouth on Jan. 9.
The Whalers needed to trim their OA total to four from five by today’s OHL-mandated deadline. Teams need to reach the three-OA limit by the OHL’s trade deadline on Jan. 10. O’Connor has 58 goals and 174 points in 259 games in his five-year OHL career. He played 203-of-204 games in the first three seasons, all with the Otters. But the injured shoulder has cost him 31 games in the past year. He would face the Otters for the first time with the Knights on Dec. 8 at Tullio Arena.
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched Kidd, Liambas and defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow). … The Attack scratched goaltender Tyler Beskorowany, centers Ondrej Pekarik and Marcus Carroll and wingers Grant McGee and Peter Mrksic.

– Victor Fernandes

Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly and defense prospect Brett Cook will represent Team Ontario in the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The tournament will be held Dec. 29, 2007, to Jan. 4, 2008, at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. Center Riley Sheahan, 15, a 2007 fourth-round pick playing with the St. Catharines Jr. B club, was on the list of finalists but didn’t earn a spot.
O’Reilly, 16, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, is tied for fifth among rookies with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Cook, 16, a 2007 third-round choice, has one goal and three points in 19 games with the Huntsville Muskoka Otters, Erie’s Jr. A affiliate in the Ontario Hockey Association.

2008 Ontario Under-17 team
Goaltenders
Bryce O’Hagen Sault Ste. Marie
Michael Zador London
Defensemen
Brett Cook Huntsville (OHA Jr. A)*
David Corrente Oshawa
Taylor Doherty Kingston
Ryan Ellis Windsor
Brett Flemming Mississauga St. Michael’s
Peter Hermengildo Sudbury
Daniel Maggio Sudbury
Forwards
Name Club
Andrew Agozzino Niagara
Casey Cizikas Mississauga St. Michael’s
Matthew Duchene Brampton
Taylor Hall Windsor
Joey Hishon Owen Sound
Peter Holland Guelph
Zach Kassian Peterborough
Colt Kennedy Sarnia
Michael Latta Ottawa
Ryan Martindale Ottawa
Ryan O’Reilly Erie
Tyler Randell Belleville
Ethan Werek Stouffville (OHA Jr. A)

Head coach – Jason Brooks (Guelph)
Assistant coaches – Jake Grimes (Belleville), Mario Cichillo (Niagara)
* Otters prospect

First Mitch Gaulton, now Josh Kidd.
Two days after losing Gaulton for an extended period of time because of an elbow injury, the Erie Otters have lost fellow defenseman Josh Kidd for at least a month. Kidd, who turns 19 on Friday, has been diagnosed with Osteitis pubis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue that connects his two pelvic bones.
The bones spread, causing the fibrous tissue, or symphysis pubis, to be inflamed and irritated, head trainer Kyle Creasy said. Sports injury or overuse can cause the condition, according to www.MayoClinic.com.
“I’m looking at a month with nothing to give it time to heal,” Kidd said Thursday before heading home to Sundridge, Ontario, to begin treatment. “There’s no treatment for it other than rest.”
Kidd has endured pain since the club’s March 16 game in London. At the time, Kidd believed he injured his groin. This pelvic condition can be mistaken for a groin problem, Kidd said. He aggravated the injury while at Los Angeles Kings’ training camp in September. He had two goals, four points and a plus-1 rating in 15 games this season despite being limited in practice because of discomfort. But on Monday, a magnetic resonance imaging exam revealed the condition. He also underwent a bone scan today.
“For now, I just have to take this month, let it heal and see how it goes,” Kidd said. “It could be severe if I don’t. There’s always a chance the (tissue) could tear. In that case, surgery would have to be done.”
In other injury news, left wing Michael Liambas has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee, said Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager. He likely won’t play this weekend against Kitchener and Saginaw. But he could return next week, Bassin said.

– Victor Fernandes

* O’Reilly, Cook honored: Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly and defense prospect Brett Cook will represent Team Ontario in the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The tournament will be held Dec. 9, 2007, to Jan. 4, 2008, at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. Center Riley Sheahan, 15, a 2007 fourth-round pick playing with the St. Catharines Jr. B club, was on the list of finalists but didn’t earn a spot.
O’Reilly, 16, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, is tied for fifth among rookies with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Cook, 16, a 2007 third-round choice, has one goal and three points in 19 games with the Huntsville Muskoka Otters, Erie’s Jr. A affiliate in the Ontario Hockey Association.
* Janus update: Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, anticipates rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus playing tonight in Kitchener. Janus spent the past five in Toronto attempting to finalize much-needed immigration paperwork that will allow him to cross the border into the United States. He missed Wednesday’s against Owen Sound at Tullio Arena.
Janus had an appointment at the United States Consulate in Toronto at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Bassin expected Janus to regain his passport by 3 p.m. today. Janus likely could play in Kitchener without his passport. But the passport would allow Janus to play in Saturday’s home game against Saginaw. In the meantime, Bassin scheduled Janus to practice on Thursday with a Jr. A club in Oshawa, Ontario, Bassin’s hometown.
* No captain – yet: Robbie Ftorek hasn’t named a captain since becoming coach two weeks ago. Instead, he has used three assistant captains, most recently forwards Nick Palmieri, Justin Hodgman and Zack Torquato. Ftorek hasn’t ruled out using a captain in the future. “We’ve got 22 players,” he said. “When someone steps to the forefront, then we’ll address it.”
* U-17 event info: Tickets for the U-17 event can be purchased by calling Labatt Centre at (866) 455-3849. Tournament packages for all 13 games at Labatt Centre cost $135. Medal game packages are $30.
Individual game tickets are $18 (gold medal or bronze medal game), $14 (Labatt Centre games) and $7 (games at satellite venues). Individual tickets at those satellite venues are on sale at Lucan Memorial Centre (Lucan, Ontario), Gemini Sportsplex (Strathroy, Ontario), Rotary Complex (Stratford, Ontario), Southwood Community Complex (Woodstock, Ontario) and Timken Community Complex (St. Thomas, Ontario).
– Victor Fernandes

Otters’ Kidd out at least a month
First Mitch Gaulton, now Josh Kidd.
Two days after losing Gaulton indefinitely to an elbow injury, the Erie Otters learned fellow defenseman Josh Kidd will miss at least a month with a pelvic injury. Kidd has been diagnosed with Osteitis pubis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue that connects his two pelvic bones, head trainer Kyle Creasy said.
The pelvic bones spread, causing the tissue, or symphysis pubis, to become inflamed and irritated, Creasy said. Sports injury or overuse can cause the condition, according to www.MayoClinic.com.
“I’m looking at a month with nothing to give it time to heal,” Kidd said Thursday before heading home to Sundridge, Ontario, to begin treatment. “There’s no treatment for it other than rest.”
Kidd, who turns 19 today, has endured pain since the Otters’ March 16 game in London last season. At the time, Kidd believed he injured his groin. This condition can be mistaken for a groin injury, Kidd said.
He aggravated the injury while at Los Angeles Kings’ training camp in September, which forced him to miss the opening two games of the season. A magnetic resonance imaging exam conducted Monday revealed the condition. He also underwent a bone scan on Thursday.
Kidd had two goals, four points, a plus-1 rating and 37 penalty minutes in 15 games this season despite being limited in practice because of discomfort. The four-year veteran has the most experience on the team (204 games). He stands 12 games shy of reaching the top 10 on the franchise’s games played list. He has 15 goals, 41 points, a minus-46 rating and 197 penalty minutes in his OHL career.
“For now, I just have to take this month, let it heal and see how it goes,” Kidd said. “It could be severe if I don’t. There’s always a chance the (tissue) could tear. In that case, surgery would have to be done.”
In other injury news, left wing Michael Liambas has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said Thursday. He likely won’t play this weekend against Kitchener and Saginaw. But he could return next week, Bassin said.

– Victor Fernandes

* Janus returns: Rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus started against Saginaw on Saturday, his first game action since last weekend. He spent most of this past week in Toronto finalizing immigration paperwork.
“I missed the team. I missed practice,” he said before the game. “When I’m here, I’m happy.”
He skated once all week – an impromptu workout on Thursday with a few amateur players in a small Brampton, Ontario, rink. “One was good,” Janus said with a smile. “One had a good shot.” Janus rejoined the club on Friday in Kitchener, serving as rookie Shane Owen’s backup.
* Hanging tough: The club’s young defense will spend at least the next month without veterans Josh Kidd and Mitch Gaulton. That puts more pressure on 2007 OHL draft picks Tyler Hostetter and David Shields. “It’s going to be tough,” Hostetter said. “We have to work as hard as we can and improve.”
Hostetter pointed to playing simple hockey. “Don’t try to do too much,” he said. “(We have to) do the little stuff to try to help the team get better.”
* Feeling at home: Saginaw center Tyler Murovich, a Mt. Lebanon native, has much experience playing at Tullio Arena. He played many games in the rink from his youth league to his high school days at Mt. Lebanon High School. “It’s like a home game,” said Murovich, who expected to have at least 40 family members and friends at Saturday’s game.
He left the Pittsburgh area before last season to play for the USHL’s Chicago Steel. That led to a scholarship offer from Western Michigan University, said Murovich, who turns 18 on Dec. 4.
But after visiting with Spirit officials and the city of Saginaw, Murovich decided that the OHL was “the right fit for me,” he said. “It will help my career (and to) play at the next level.”
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched Kidd (pelvis), Gaulton (left elbow) and left wing Michael Liambas (sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee). … Saginaw scratched defensemen Christopher Breen and Adam Comrie and goaltender Joseph Lepera.

– Victor Fernandes

A potential trade between the Erie Otters and Sault Ste. Marie has been placed on hold, Murray Kuntz, agent for Greyhounds winger Sean Jones confirmed today. Kuntz couldn’t confirm who or what the Greyhounds would receive from the Otters in exchange for Jones.
Sault Ste. Marie general manager Dave Torrie told Kuntz and Jones on Friday that the two clubs reached a deal in principle. Jones immediately invoked the no-trade clause in his contract, Kuntz said, allowing Jones more time to consider the move. Jones, 17, returned home to Newmarket, Ontario, to discuss options with his family. Jones hasn’t set a specific timetable for making a decision, Kuntz said.
“Sean’s not going to be reporting anytime soon,” Kuntz, of Los Angeles-based CAA Sports LLC, said by telephone from Toronto. “We’re going to take some time to think it through.”
In contrast, Torrie said today that he expected to hear from Jones later today or tonight. Torrie wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the pending trade. “That’s news to me,” said Kuntz, who wasn’t informed of the deal by Torrie until Friday. “Usually a team would consult (a player with a no-trade clause) first.”
Kuntz hasn’t ruled out the deal being finalized. But Jones’ relationship with his grandmother, not the Otters’ struggles, will factor into his decision. His grandmother is ill, said Kuntz, who represents former Otter Michael Blunden, a Chicago prospect. Jones’ grandmother lives in London, Ontario.
“Sean is very close to his grandmother,” Kuntz said. If Jones’ decision was based solely on hockey, he would immediately report to the Otters, said Kuntz, who confirmed he spoke at length with Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, this past weekend. Bassin didn’t immediately return a telephone message left this morning. Bassin is in Toronto today, an Otters’ office staff member said.
“He realizes the opportunity in Erie,” Kuntz said of Jones, who has two goals and four points in 21 games this season. Jones, a second-round pick (No. 25 overall) in the 2006 OHL Priority Selection, has seven goals and 12 points in 71 games during his two-year career.
“He’s as good as it gets in terms of a young man, his ambitions and his work ethic,” Kuntz said. “It’s kind of what the family decides … and what Sean Jones wants.”

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters and Sault Ste. Marie are close to completing a trade that could involve one Otter, more than one Greyhound players and draft picks, a source within the OHL said today. Sean Jones, 17, the Greyhounds’ second-year left wing, is included in those discussions, the source said.
The source couldn’t confirm the Otters’ player involved in the deal. “There are many details to be worked out,” the source said. But according to The Sault Star, a well-placed source said the Otters would send right wing Anthony Peluso, 18, to the Greyhounds.
Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, wouldn’t confirm or deny a deal. “Right now, there’s no deal,” said Bassin, who is in Toronto for the OHL governors’ meetings. When asked about the potential deal, Peluso said, “I haven’t heard anything.” Coach Robbie Ftorek also was unaware of a deal.
Bassin confirmed he is talking trades with several clubs. He declined to name those teams, but the unnamed source said the Greyhounds are one of seven clubs in discussions with Bassin.
Earlier today, Murray Kuntz, Jones’ agent, confirmed by telephone from Toronto that the clubs have agreed in principle to a trade involving Jones. Kuntz said Sault Ste. Marie general manager Dave Torrie informed them of the deal on Friday. Jones immediately invoked the no-trade clause in his contract, said Kuntz, of Los Angeles-based CAA Sports LLC. “Sean’s not going to be reporting anytime soon,” said Kuntz, who couldn’t confirm who or what the Greyhounds would receive from the Otters in exchange for Jones.
Jones hasn’t set a specific timetable for making a decision, Kuntz said. “We’re going to take some time to think it through,” Kuntz said. In contrast, Torrie said this morning that he expected to hear from Jones later today or tonight. Torrie wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the pending trade.
“That’s news to me,” said Kuntz, who wasn’t informed of the deal by Torrie before Friday. “Usually a team would consult (a player with a no-trade clause) first.” Kuntz said he spoke at length with Bassin this past weekend. Bassin confirmed speaking with Kuntz, who also represents former Otters winger Michael Blunden, now a Chicago Blackhawks prospect.
However, Jones’ close relationship with his grandmother, not the Otters’ struggles this season, will factor into his decision. The Otters (3-17-1-1) have lost a club-record, 16 straight games. Jones’ grandmother is ill, Kuntz said. Jones’ grandmother lives in London, Ontario. Jones has headed home to Newmarket, Ontario, to discuss options with his family, Kuntz said
“Sean is very close to his grandmother,” Kuntz said. If Jones’ decision was based solely on hockey, he would immediately report to the Otters, Kuntz said. “He realizes the opportunity in Erie,” Kuntz said of Jones, who has two goals and four points in 21 games this season. Jones, a second-round pick (No. 25 overall) in the 2006 OHL Priority Selection, has seven goals and 12 points in 71 career games. Peluso, a 2005 first-round pick, has 15 goals, 24 points and 283 penalty minutes in 141 games.
“He’s as good as it gets in terms of a young man, his ambitions and his work ethic,” Kuntz said of Jones. “It’s kind of what the family decides … and what Sean Jones wants.”
In other news, the source said Bassin plans to speak with Oshawa about acquiring a defenseman. The Generals reportedly have sent defenseman James DeLory, 19, a 2004 first-round pick, home to Newmarket, Ontario, for disciplinary reasons. The club also reportedly sent right wing Shea Kewin, 19, home to Guelph, Ontario. Bassin wouldn’t comment on attempting to acquire DeLory, a San Jose Sharks’ prospect.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters winger Anthony Peluso, 18, has returned home to King City, Ontario, in light of being involved in a potential trade with Sault Ste. Marie, coach Robbie Ftorek confirmed today. Peluso’s agent recommended him to leave the club until decisions are made, Ftorek said.
Peluso has been linked to a pending deal that would send left wing Sean Jones, 17, and possibly more Greyhounds to the Otters. Draft picks also could be included in a deal. But Jones has invoked his no-trade clause. Jones currently is spending time with his grandmother, who suffers from terminal cancer, said his agent, Murray Kuntz, of Los Angeles-based CAA Sports LLC.
Peluso didn’t immediately return a telephone message today. When reached at the family home, Peluso’s brother, Sam, said, “I know he’s on his way home, but I don’t know what’s going on.” Attempts to reach Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, also were unsuccessful.
Peluso informed Ftorek of his decision earlier today. Ftorek wasn’t surprised by Peluso’s move. Ftorek planned to speak with Peluso about heading home to avoid creating distractions for Peluso and the team.
“It’s difficult to have a guy on the ice that has stuff in his head about being moved,” Ftorek said. “He did a great job (Monday) at practice in a tough situation. But when you hear a bunch of stuff, it’s very, very difficult. … It’s better not to have all that kind of stuff around.”
Peluso, who stands 6 feet, 3 inches and 222 pounds, has three goals, six points and 41 penalty minutes in 21 games this season. Peluso, the 10th overall pick in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection, has 15 goals, 24 points and 283 penalty minutes in 141 career games. St. Louis chose him in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft last summer.

– Victor Fernandes

* Liambas back: Left wing Michael Liambas (sprained medial collateral ligament in left knee) has participated in full-contact workouts the past two days. He hopes to play Thursday against Belleville.
“It’s fine. It’s 100 percent right now,” he said before Tuesday’s practice. Liambas is uncertain how he injured his knee on Nov. 9 in Sault Ste. Marie. “I was on the bench and it felt kind of weird,” he said. Later that night, he awakened from a nap on the bus ride to Sudbury. “(His knee) was stiff as a board,” he said.
* Day off for Skellett, Sertic: Center Jordan Skellett (left wrist) and rookie defenseman Robyn Sertic (undisclosed injury) didn’t practice Tuesday. But both expect to play Thursday.
Skellett has been bothered by this nagging wrist problem since last season. He awakened Tuesday morning to noticeable swelling. “Sometimes when I play a few games it gets a little stiff,” he said. “Sometimes in practice it hurts and I just like to take the day off. So I just thought, (take the day off Tuesday), practice (Wednesday) and then play the game on Thursday.”
Sertic said he was injured while blocking a shot in Saturday’s game against Saginaw. But he declined to specify what he hurt to prevent opposing teams from exploiting the ailment. He planned to practice today.
* Rogers OK: Left wing Ronny Rogers had a sore head and right hand on Monday, a result of a fight with Saginaw’s Jason McDonough on Saturday. He punched McDonough in the helmet and took a punch on the head. “Everything seems to be good,” Rogers said Monday.
* Blunden close to NHL: Former Otters winger Michael Blunden (2002-06) soon could rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks, said Murray Kuntz, his agent. “He’s on the cusp,” said Kuntz, of Los Angeles-based CAA Sports LLC. “They want him back playing. They’re looking for him to be called up pretty soon.”
Blunden, Chicago’s second-round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, began his first professional season with nine NHL games. Then he played 17 games with Norfolk, then the club’s AHL affiliate, before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. This season, he has five goals, 14 points and 33 penalty minutes in 17 games with Rockford, Chicago’s new AHL affiliate. He had 100 goals, 181 points and 246 penalty minutes in 236 career games with the Otters.
* Baird traded: Former Otter forward Jason Baird (1997-2001), now playing in the Central Hockey League, recently was traded to the Youngstown Steelhounds from the Corpus Christi Rayz. Baird, 27, has 124 goals and 224 points in 339 professional games from 2001-08, primarily in the CHL. He had 87 goals, 218 points and 699 penalty minutes in 245 career games with the Otters.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have placed right wing Stanislav Polodna, 18, on recallable waivers, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said Wednesday. That seems to clear the way for Polodna, of Milevsko, Czech Republic, to begin his professional career with HC Česke´ Budĕjovice, a club in the Czech 2nd League. But that club needs to contact Bassin to begin the transfer process through the OHL.
“It doesn’t happen automatically,” Bassin said of Polodna playing for the pro club. “We’re not going to stand in his way. But there’s a process that has to go through the league office.”
Polodna remains under contract with the Otters. Through recallable waivers, Bassin can choose to keep Polodna’s rights if an OHL team attempts to claim him. The pro club contacted Polodna through his agent three weeks ago, Polodna said. He plans to return home next week. Polodna skated in Wednesday’s practice, but won’t play Thursday against Belleville or Saturday against Kitchener.
“It’s a new chance,” Polodna said. “I want to show (the new club) how good of a hockey player I am.”
The Otters selected Polodna 12th overall in the 2006 CHL Import Draft. He had 10 goals and 31 points in 63 games as a rookie last season. But he has no goals and four points in 18 games this season since returning from a shoulder injury. When asked if he was unhappy playing for the Otters, Polodna declined to comment. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he said. “It would be unfair to the team if I talk about it.”

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters and Sault Ste. Marie have finalized the much-publicized trade involving Otters winger Anthony Peluso, Greyhounds general manager Dave Torrie said tonight. Peluso, 18, a third-year veteran, will head to Sault Ste. Marie for Sean Jones, 17, a second-year left wing.
Multiple draft picks also are included in the deal. But Torrie declined to reveal the specifics surrounding those picks. “The picks can’t be released until we get league approval in the morning,” he said.
Jones has waived the no-trade clause in his contract, his agent, Murray Kuntz, said by telephone tonight. He will be in the Otters’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against Belleville at Tullio Arena. Jones, a Newmarket, Ontario, native, invoked the clause shortly after learning of the deal on Friday. Since then, he has been home spending time with his grandmother, who suffers from terminal cancer.
“She’s given her blessing,” said Kuntz, of CAA Sports LLC. “He’s excited. He’s already packed.”

– Victor Fernandes

* Otters also acquire Belleville D Cianfrini

The Erie Otters and Sault Ste. Marie have finalized the much-publicized trade involving Otters winger Anthony Peluso, Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, said Wednesday night.
The Otters sent Peluso, 18, to the Greyhounds for left wing Sean Jones, 17, a fourth-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and a 2009 third-round pick. The Otters also acquired defenseman Paul Cianfrini, 18, from Belleville for a 2008 fourth-round choice on Wednesday, Bassin said. Jones and Cianfrini will make their Otters’ debut tonight against Belleville at Tullio Arena, with Cianfrini facing his former team.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Bassin said. “I’m excited about (Jones) joining us and Cianfrini, too.”
Jones (5 feet 10 inches, 174 pounds) has two goals and four points in 21 games this season. He has seven goals and 12 points in 71 career games. Cianfrini (6 feet, 197 pounds) has three points, all assists, and a plus-7 rating in 20 games this season. He has one goal, seven points and a plus-4 rating in 77 career games.
Jones and Peluso waived the no-trade clauses in their contracts. Jones, a Newmarket, Ontario, native, invoked the clause shortly after learning of the deal on Friday. Since then, he has been home spending time with his grandmother, Gayle Wright, 64, who suffers from terminal cancer.
But she gave Jones her blessing to resume playing. “It was nice to hear her say that I have to make the decision based on what I want and how I feel,” Jones said Wednesday night by telephone. “It’s a bit of a weight off my shoulders. … It feels good to be a part of a team that’s looking to turn things around. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

– Victor Fernandes

* Thanksgiving surprise: Right wing Stanislav Polodna played for the Otters Thursday, a day after confirming he would leave the club to play for a professional team in his native Czech Republic.
Polodna cleared waivers without being claimed by another OHL club, allowing the Otters to dress him for up to three games, according to league rules. After that, the Otters need to place him on waivers again.
Yet, before the game, Polodna was uncertain why he was playing. “I don’t understand the rules in the OHL,” he said. “But I will play hard every game. We’ll see what happens.”
* Tough turnaround: Defenseman Paul Cianfrini, acquired from Belleville on Wednesday, made his Otters’ debut Thursday against his former team. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “Playing a year and a bit with those guys, practicing and playing with them every day. Now I’ve got play against them the next day.”
Cianfrini said he was surprised by the trade. “I didn’t even see it coming,” he said. Yet, he said, “It’s a new challenge, should be fun. I wanted more ice time. There’s more of an opportunity here.”
* Bennett returns: Ryan Bennett, Belleville’s athletic therapist, spent last season as the Otters’ head trainer and equipment manager. He accepted the Bulls’ position to move closer to his parents, who live 15 minutes from Belleville’s Yardmen Arena. He also doesn’t handle equipment duties with the Bulls.
“It’s a good situation all the way around,” he said before Thursday’s game. However, he has handled many injuries this season, a year after dealing with an injury-riddled Otters’ team. Bulls’ players have missed roughly 80 man games this season, Bennett said. “It’s never fun to deal with injuries,” he said. “But if there weren’t injuries, we wouldn’t have a job.”
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched defensemen Josh Kidd (pelvis) and Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) and center Jordan Skellett, who turned 18 on Thursday. He was bothered by a nagging left wrist injury earlier this week. … Belleville scratched defenseman Robert Stellick and left wings Michael Neal and Stephen Blunden, younger brother of former Otters winger Michael Blunden.

– Victor Fernandes

* Taking the next step: Defenseman Paul Cianfrini wanted more ice time, be it with Belleville or another team. That’s when Bulls officials told Cianfrini of the Otters’ interest in him. He has found that chance.
“In Belleville, they’re a very good team. They want to go for a (Memorial) Cup run this year,” Cianfrini said before his Otters’ debut on Thursday against his former team. “I know Erie’s a young, up-and-coming team. I’d like to be a part of that. I just want to rise to the opportunity that I’m given here.”
Cianfrini played roughly 25 minutes in the game. He rarely enjoyed that much ice time with the Bulls.
“(I’m) a little stiff,” he said Friday. “It was good, though, lots of ice time.” Cianfrini played alongside Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton for two years with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs in Hamilton, Ontario. They won an Ontario Minor Hockey Association championship together.
“They’re in desperate need of some bodies back there,” Cianfrini learned from Gaulton. “I wanted to come down and get some more of an opportunity down here.”
* Skellett update: Center Jordan Skellett (left wrist) didn’t play Thursday. But he practiced on Friday and plans to play tonight against Kitchener at Tullio Arena. “My wrist was bugging me at the last minute (Thursday),” Skellett said before Friday’s practice. “Coach (Robbie Ftorek) told me to sit out. He told me to take a break that night. I’ll be in on Saturday.”
* Guenther heads south: The ECHL’s Elmira Jackals have traded forward Joe Guenther, a former Otter (2000-02), to the Florida Everblades, the Everblades announced Friday. He has 119 goals and 211 points in 301 career professional games in the ECHL and Central Hockey League. He had two points, both assists, in five games with Elmira this season. He had 36 goals and 74 points in 73 career games with the Otters.
* Around the rink: Rookie defenseman Robyn Sertic (undisclosed injury) didn’t practice Friday. But he’s expected to play tonight.

– Victor Fernandes

* Tough situation: Right wing Stanislav Polodna played his second straight game since clearing waivers this past week. If he plays today at Mississauga St. Michael’s, the club needs to place him on waivers again, according to OHL rules. Meanwhile, Polodna continues to play without knowing when he will return to his native Czech Republic to begin his professional career. He hasn’t heard from his agent, Polodna said.
“It’s hard,” he said. “My (thoughts) are in (the) Czech (Republic). Hopefully I’ll go home soon.”
* Instant attraction: Left wing Sean Jones, acquired from Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday, already is fond of Erie. “I love it. It’s unreal,” he said before Saturday’s game. He also has grown more comfortable around the team. “I could really enjoy it here,” he said.
* Comfort zone: Newly acquired defenseman Paul Cianfrini said he is a student of the game. “It was tough coming in here not knowing (the system),” he said before Friday’s practice.
But on Saturday, he felt more comfortable, especially with the club’s penalty kill. Belleville, his former team, attacks forwards below the goal line with defensemen. But the Otters’ defensemen remain in their zones in that same situation, he said. “(The last) couple of days in Erie has done lots (of help),” he said.
* Crowded net?: Peter DeBoer, Kitchener’s coach/general manager, said overage goaltender John Murray (broken collarbone) could play his first game of the season in the next seven to 10 days. Murray, one of the OHL’s top goaltenders last season (40-9-1-2, 2.58, .909, 5 SO) would join rookies Josh Unice and Mavric Parks, arguably the league’s top tandem this season, on the roster.
However, before making any decisions, DeBoer wants to learn if Unice will join Team USA for the IIHF World Junior Championship. “It’s a bridge we’re not going to cross until we have to,” DeBoer said.
* Surprising start: DeBoer endured some sleepless nights last summer after learning the Rangers would host the 2008 Memorial Cup in the spring. He heard the whispers about other clubs, such as Oshawa and Sarnia, having more competitive teams for the CHL’s championship tournament. “We felt the pressure to win right off the bat,” DeBoer said. “The guys have done that. They’ve been easy to motivate.”
* Deadly combination: The Rangers’ top line of Justin Azevedo, Matt Halischuk and Nick Spaling entered Saturday’s game with 50 goals and 133 points. Individually, they aren’t superstars, DeBoer said. “But put them together and they end up being a superstar line. That’s a nice line to have as a coach.”
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched defensemen Josh Kidd (pelvis), Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) and Brian Shaw. … Kitchener scratched Murray, defensemen Steve Jensen and Myles Barbieri, left wings Josh Schram, Spencer Anderson and Alexei Dostoinov and center Jordan Hardy. Dostoinov remains with the Russian club playing in the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have designated overage winger Ronny Rogers, 20 for reassignment, the club announced Monday. Rogers was the lone overager on the roster. He had three goals, seven points and 44 penalty minutes in 23 games this season. Rogers set career highs with 18 goals, 41 points and 97 penalty minutes in 65 games last season. He has 22 goals, 50 points and 145 penalty minutes in 91 games since joining the club late in the 2005-06 season.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have placed overage winger Ronny Rogers, 20, on the trade market, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said today. “We’ve going to investigate the interest in him (around) the league,” Bassin said. If Bassin cannot finalize a deal, Rogers could be reassigned to a Tier II club, potentially with the Huntsville Muskoka Otters, Erie’s Jr. A affiliate. He played for Huntsville in 2005-06.
This past weekend, Rogers told coach Robbie Ftorek that “he wanted to get his head cleared,” Bassin said. Rogers didn’t specify if he was unhappy playing for the team, Bassin said. But Bassin said he sensed Rogers was unhappy, possibly with ice time, although Rogers never indicated that. Rogers, the club’s only overager, had three goals, seven points and 97 penalty minutes in 23 games this season. He set career highs with 18 goals and 41 points in 65 games last season. Bassin expected Rogers to score 25 goals this season.
“We want to look at another environment where he can get back to where he was productive,” Bassin said.

– Victor Fernandes

* Good news for Gaulton: Defenseman Mitch Gaulton won’t require surgery on his left elbow, he said Tuesday. After being evaluated by a physician in Cleveland a week ago, Gaulton learned he strained and badly bruised his elbow, but didn’t suffer more serious injuries. He could resume skating in non-contact drills next week and begin playing in early to mid-January. “I was so pumped,” Gaulton said of first hearing the prognosis. “I wish I could be back sooner. But it’s good news all around.”
* Polodna heading home?: Right wing Stanislav Polodna might have skated for the final time at Tullio Arena on Tuesday. Polodna said he hopes to leave for home in the Czech Republic today. All that’s left is finding a ride to Pittsburgh International Airport, he said.
“I’m so excited,” said Polodna, who expected to hear from his agent after Tuesday’s practice. He played in three games since clearing OHL waivers last week, as allowed by league rules. He can’t play in another Otters’ game until he clears waivers again.
* Banged-up Sertic: Rookie defenseman Robyn Sertic missed Sunday’s game at Mississauga St. Michael’s and the past two practices with what he called “bumps and bruises.” Sertic limped off the ice after blocking a shot in the first period against Kitchener on Saturday. But he declined to specify the injury’s location. His status for Thursday’s game at Niagara remains “up in the air right now,” Sertic said. “I can’t put a timeline on it. It’s when I can start skating.”
* Messier update: Defenseman Lyon Messier, 20, has joined the United States Hockey League’s Lincoln (Neb.) Stars. He has one goal, three points and a plus-2 rating in five games. He had no points and a minus-4 rating in eight games with the Otters before being waived three weeks ago. Messier, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, plays alongside defenseman Mike Dalhuisen, 18, the Otters’ sixth-round pick in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection. He has four points, all assists, and 29 penalty minutes in 13 games.
* Student special: The Otters will begin a ticket promotion for college students at any of the club’s nine Friday home games this season, beginning with Friday’s game against Niagara at Tullio Arena.
They can purchase a ticket for any level for $5 by showing their student identification at the arena’s box office. There is a two-ticket limit for each transaction. The offer cannot be combined with any other offers. For more information, call the club’s office at (814) 455-7779.

– Victor Fernandes

No. Club (league) Record Last week
1. Kitchener (OHL) 21-3-0-1 No. 1
2. Spokane (WHL) 19-3-1-2 No. 3
3. Halifax (QMJHL) 20-4-0-4 No. 2
4. Tri-City (WHL) 19-6-0-0 No. 4
5. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 18-6-1-1 No. 5
6. Windsor (OHL) 17-5-1-3 No. 7
7. Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) 19-8-2-1 No. 6
8. Vancouver (WHL) 18-7-1-2 No. 8
9. Gatineau (QMJHL) 19-9-2-2 NR
10. Calgary (WHL) 19-8-0-2 NR

Erie Otters winger Stanislav Polodna, 18, returned home to his native Czech Republic on Wednesday, a week after announcing he would begin his professional career with HC Ceske Budejovice in the Czech 2nd League. The Otters selected Polodna 12th overall in the 2006 CHL Import Draft. He had 10 goals and 31 points in 63 games as a rookie last season. But he has no goals and four points in 18 games this season since returning from a shoulder injury.

– Victor Fernandes