* 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