* 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