Defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left wrist) rejoined the lineup tonight, his first game since being injured Oct. 27 in Owen Sound. Gaulton, who received medical clearance on Monday, practiced with the club on Monday and Tuesday after skating each day during the Christmas break.
“Put me out there and I’ll play 30-35 minutes,” a confident Gaulton said before the game. “I think I can handle that. I’m ready to go. I feel I’m in better shape than I was before (the injury).
* Kidd update: Defenseman Josh Kidd (pelvis) participated in this morning’s skate, his first on-ice action with the team since Nov. 10 in Sudbury. However, a timetable for his return remains uncertain.

– Victor Fernandes

* Gaulton returns: Defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) rejoined the lineup on Wednesday, his first game since being injured Oct. 27 in Owen Sound. Gaulton, who received medical clearance on Monday, practiced with the club on Monday and Tuesday after skating each day during the Christmas break.
“Put me out there and I’ll play 30-35 minutes,” a confident Gaulton said before the game. “I think I can handle that. I’m ready to go. I feel I’m in better shape than I was before (the injury).
* Kidd update: Defenseman Josh Kidd (pelvis) returned to Erie on Tuesday, participated in the morning skate on Wednesday and plans to practice with the team today. He hopes the next step is playing on Friday against Oshawa at Tullio Arena. “If everything goes well (today), I don’t see why not,” he said during Wednesday’s game against Guelph. “If I don’t feel any sharp pain, there’s no reason why I can’t.”
Kidd, who left the club in early November to rehabilitate, began light skating workouts two weeks ago at home in Sundridge, Ontario. He enjoyed a more intense on-ice session on Wednesday.
“It almost felt not right having to leave (the team),” Kidd said. “But there was nothing I could do about that. But I’m excited to rejoin that defense and help them out.”
* Rolling O’Reilly: Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly had two assists in a 7-4 win against Slovakia on Wednesday in the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. He had two assists apiece in two earlier games, giving him six points in the tournament.
Ontario, which finished the preliminary round with a 4-0 record, advanced to today’s 7 p.m. semifinal against West Canada at Labatt Centre. The gold-medal and bronze-medal games are set for Friday.
* Unexpected return: Rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus remains disappointed about not being selected to represent his native Slovakia in the IIHF World Junior Championship in Czech Republic.
“I’m unhappy. I played well in the exhibition game against Russia,” he said of a 5-1 loss. He didn’t play in the opening exhibition game against Canada. After the Russia game, Slovakian officials cut him without much explanation, he said. “We won’t take you. So Merry Christmas,” Janus said he was told.
* Around the rink: Defenseman Frank Grzeszczak missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury that occurred Saturday in Belleville. … Guelph scratched defenseman Drew Doughty and left wings Denis Hollenstein, Taylor Beck and Tyler Carroll. Doughty is playing for Canada at World Juniors.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have moved the start time for Saturday’s game against Kitchener at Tullio Arena to 6 p.m. from 7:30 p.m., the club announced today. The club received approval from the OHL to avoid a conflict with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ NFL playoff game on Saturday night. The Steelers face Jacksonville at 8 p.m.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Brian Shaw won’t play Friday night against Oshawa at Tullio Arena. He appeared to injure his right arm early in the first period vs. the Storm.

– Victor Fernandes

* Trade update: Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, continues to receive telephone calls from clubs interested in trades. He hasn’t ruled out finalizing a deal. But he hasn’t received officials offers from those clubs, he said before Friday’s game against Oshawa. Bassin said he wouldn’t accept a deal unless he received “significant” assets in return. He also said, “They’re not getting younger players.”
* Kidd returns: Defenseman Josh Kidd (pelvis) played for the first time in nearly two months. He was cleared to play after not experiencing any pain in Thursday’s practice and Friday morning.
“Obviously I’m going to be winded at first,” he said of his first game action since Nov. 10 in Sudbury. “But I think I can handle good minutes out there.” Kidd played alongside defenseman Paul Cianfrini on Friday.
“We’ll try it out tonight,” Kidd said before the game. “Hopefully we’ll have some good chemistry.”
* Shaw, Grzeszczak out: Defenseman Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) arrived at Tullio Arena Friday with his arm in a sling. He suffered the injury crashing into the boards on Wednesday against Guelph.
Shaw said he didn’t suffer any structural damage, but he will miss the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, defenseman Frank Grzeszczak (concussion) still experiences symptoms, he said Friday. But he can begin riding the bike today. He could rejoin the lineup for next weekend’s trip to Windsor, Saginaw and Plymouth. “We’re being cautious right now,” he said. “We’re trying to push it.”
* Playing hurt: Left wing Sean Jones (bruised foot) limped around the rink while wearing a protective boot before the game. But Jones, who was injured blocking a shot on Wednesday, played against Oshawa.
* O’Reilly update: Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly captured a gold medal with Team Ontario in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Ontario defeated the United States 3-0 in Friday’s final at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. He finished the tournament with six points in six games. Oshawa center John Tavares (Canada) and Jakub Kovar (Czech Republic) are playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Generals defenseman David Corrente was O’Reilly’s teammate at the U-17 tournament.
* Finding a loophole: Rookie winger Josh Sidwell played in his 10th game on Friday, the most allowed for an affiliated player under OHL rules. But with O’Reilly playing in the U-17 event, Sidwell has officially played five games an affiliated player. He was considered one of three 16-year-olds allowed on the roster for those games. It’s unclear if O’Reilly will return in time for today’s 6 p.m. game against Kitchener.
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched Grzeszczak, O’Reilly and Shaw. … Oshawa also scratched wingers Shea Kewin and Murray Free. Kewin and coach/GM Brad Selwood began serving two-game suspensions on Friday. Kewin received a game misconduct on Thursday in Peterborough for leaving the bench to participate in a fight. The league also suspended Selwood for Kewin’s actions. … Associate coach/assistant GM Chris DePiero led the team in Selwood’s absence.

– Victor Fernandes

* Trade update: Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, continues to receive telephone calls from clubs interested in trades. He hasn’t ruled out finalizing a deal. But he hasn’t received officials offers from those clubs, he said before Friday’s game against Oshawa. Bassin said he wouldn’t accept a deal unless he received “significant” assets in return. He also said, “They’re not getting younger players.”
* Kidd returns: Defenseman Josh Kidd (pelvis) played for the first time in nearly two months. He was cleared to play after not experiencing any pain in Thursday’s practice and Friday morning.
“Obviously I’m going to be winded at first,” he said of his first game action since Nov. 10 in Sudbury. “But I think I can handle good minutes out there.” Kidd played alongside defenseman Paul Cianfrini on Friday.
“We’ll try it out tonight,” Kidd said before the game. “Hopefully we’ll have some good chemistry.”
* Shaw, Grzeszczak out: Defenseman Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) arrived at Tullio Arena Friday with his arm in a sling. He suffered the injury crashing into the boards on Wednesday against Guelph.
Shaw said he didn’t suffer any structural damage, but he will miss the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, defenseman Frank Grzeszczak (concussion) still experiences symptoms, he said Friday. But he can begin riding the bike today. He could rejoin the lineup for next weekend’s trip to Windsor, Saginaw and Plymouth. “We’re being cautious right now,” he said. “We’re trying to push it.”
* Playing hurt: Left wing Sean Jones (bruised foot) limped around the rink while wearing a protective boot before the game. But Jones, who was injured blocking a shot on Wednesday, played against Oshawa.
* O’Reilly update: Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly captured a gold medal with Team Ontario in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Ontario defeated the United States 3-0 in Friday’s final at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. He finished the tournament with six points in six games. Oshawa center John Tavares (Canada) and Jakub Kovar (Czech Republic) are playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Generals defenseman David Corrente was O’Reilly’s teammate at the U-17 tournament.
* Finding a loophole: Rookie winger Josh Sidwell played in his 10th game on Friday, the most allowed for an affiliated player under OHL rules. But with O’Reilly playing in the U-17 event, Sidwell has officially played five games an affiliated player. He was considered one of three 16-year-olds allowed on the roster for those games. It’s unclear if O’Reilly will return in time for today’s 6 p.m. game against Kitchener.
* Around the rink: The Otters scratched Grzeszczak, O’Reilly and Shaw. … Oshawa also scratched wingers Shea Kewin and Murray Free. Kewin and coach/GM Brad Selwood began serving two-game suspensions on Friday. Kewin received a game misconduct on Thursday in Peterborough for leaving the bench to participate in a fight. The league also suspended Selwood for Kewin’s actions.

– Victor Fernandes

* Amazing experience: Rookie winger Ryan O’Reilly rejoined the club on Saturday, a night after leading Ontario to a gold medal in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ontario.
He appreciates the feeling of winning and what it takes to win. “It shows you how hard you’ve got to play,” he said. “You’ve got to be on top of your game every shift, every game.” O’Reilly has a unique place in mind to display his medal. “I’m hanging it from the rear-view mirror in my car,” he said.
The club honored O’Reilly with a plaque in a pregame ceremony.
* Making the adjustment: The club moved Saturday’s start time to 6 p.m. from 7:30 p.m. to avoid a conflict with Pittsburgh’s NFL playoff game. The Steelers faced Jacksonville at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The time change forced the Otters to alter their pregame routine. “Everything moved up an hour and a half,” right wing Nick Palmieri said before the game. But that didn’t the team’s preparation, he said.
“We’re ready to play,” he said. “Everybody’s pretty much prepared.”
* Missing pieces: Goaltender Steve Mason (Canada), defenseman Yannick Weber (Switzerland), right wing Matt Halischuk (Canada) and Mikkel Boedker (Denmark) will rejoin Kitchener on Monday after playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship in Czech Republic. Left wing Nick Spaling, who has missed the past three weeks with mononucleosis, has resumed skating. He could play as soon as next weekend, coach/general manager Peter DeBoer said.
* Around the rink: Mason was the winning goaltender in Canada’s gold-medal win against Sweden on Saturday. Halischuk scored the winning goal in overtime. … The Otters scratched defensemen Frank Grzeszczak (concussion), Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) and Paul Cianfrini (ill). … Kitchener also scratched left wing Josh Schram (ill) and Doug Clarkson (knee). … Sergeant Karrar Alabsawi, an Erie native, dropped the ceremonial first puck on Armed Forces Appreciation Night. Alabsawi, a member of the 1st Armored Charlie Company Task Force 26, was wounded by a roadside bomb in Sadr City, Iraq.

– Victor Fernandes

* Gaulton passes test: Defenseman Mitch Gaulton completed three games in four days last weekend without any pain in his previously injured left elbow. He rejoined the lineup after missing two months.
“It feels like I never hurt it,” Gaulton said. “It’s what I was hoping for. I hope it keeps going that way.”
Gaulton was happy with his conditioning level and play during those games. “What I put into it is what I’m going to get out of it,” he said. “If I go out there and work (hard), I’ll be able to do a lot better in games.”
* On the mend: Defenseman Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) won’t play in the club’s three-game trip to Windsor, Saginaw and Plymouth this weekend. But he expects to begin skating next week.
“It’s starting to loosen up a bit,” he said of the shoulder, which still requires a protective sling. “(I’m) getting a little more mobility in it. “It’s getting better.”
* Generals acquire Neuvirth: Oshawa has acquired goaltender Michal Neuvirth, 19, and right wing Ryan Baldwin, 18, from Windsor, the Spitfires announced Tuesday. In exchange, the Spitfires received goaltender Jakub Kovar, 19, left wing Justin Shugg, 16, and second-round picks in the 2008 and 2011 OHL Priority Selection. Neuvirth, who led Plymouth to the league title last season, had an 11-5-2-0 record, 2.39 goals-against average and .924 save percentage this season.*
* Bulls acquire Perry: Belleville has acquired overage winger Adam Perry, 20, from London, the Knights announced Tuesday. The Knights received a 2008 fourth-round pick and second-round picks in 2010 and 2011. Perry has 17 goals and 42 points this season after totaling 160 points the past two seasons.
*Colaiacovo injured again: Former Otter Carlo Colaiacovo (1999-2003), now a Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, suffered a knee contusion against Philadelphia on Saturday, according to the Toronto Star.
He has endured an injury-plagued professional career, which began in the 2002-03 season. He missed the first 37 games of this season with a knee injury. He had played in only five games before the latest injury. He has not played more than 64 games in a season. He has played in 78 NHL games and 208 overall.
“I play hard and I just deal with the consequences,” he told the Toronto Star. “I’m not going to change anything about the way I play or my style of game. … The one thing I try to make people understand is that I don’t go out there with the intent to get hurt. I go out there with the intent to play hard to play hockey.”
* Around the rink: Defenseman Frank Grzeszczak (concussion) has resumed skating in non-contact drills. He could play this weekend. … Defenseman Paul Cianfrini (ill) didn’t practice Monday or Tuesday. He also missed Saturday’s game against Kitchener. … The CHL will unveil the rosters and honorary coaches for the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game during a news conference today at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The game, featuring 40 of the CHL’s top prospects in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, will be held on Jan. 23 in Edmonton. … Oshawa center Brett Parnham was named CHL player of the week on Tuesday, a day after earning the OHL’s weekly honor. He had six goals and 11 points in four games.

– Victor Fernandes

The OHL’s trade deadline could pass at 6 p.m. Thursday without a deal involving the Erie Otters’ Josh Kidd and Justin Hodgman.

Mark Guy, Kidd’s agent, said today that he believes the 19-year-old defenseman will remain with the club.

“Teams are talking about him,” said Guy, of Newport Sports Management in Mississauga, Ontario. “But I haven’t heard anything from Sherry (Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager) that he’s moving him or considering moving him.”

Meanwhile, Oshawa coach/GM Brad Selwood inquired about Hodgman, 19, on Friday at Tullio Arena. He and Bassin had general discussions before and after the Otters’ game against the Generals. Selwood said he expected to speak with Bassin again today, but said he suspects Bassin isn’t interested in trading Hodgman, the club’s leading scorer with 23 goals and 53 points.

“(Bassin) likes him,” Selwood said of Hodgman. “He’s probably going to be an (overage returnee next season).”

Before Kidd missed two months with a pelvic condition, Guy said he and Bassin discussed possibly trading Kidd to a contending club if the Otters struggled this season. Bassin and former Otter Ryan O’Marra had similar discussions early last season. Bassin traded O’Marra to Saginaw in November 2006.

On Tuesday, Kidd said, ““Obviously it would be nice to go to a contending team,” Kidd said. “You get a chance to play somewhere where you have a chance to win a championship or get close.”

However, Guy said, Kidd “hasn’t expressed that he wants to leave Erie. He’s not demanding to be moved out. If nothing happens, he’ll be fine with that.”

Bassin didn’t immediately return telephone messages today.

-- Victor Fernandes

* Making the list: Rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus and left wing Jordan Skellett made NHL Central Scouting’s midseason ranking for the 2008 Entry Draft. Janus ranks 24th among North American goaltenders. Skellett stands 178th among North American skaters.
Sarnia center Steven Stamkos, Guelph defenseman Drew Doughty and Peterborough defenseman Zach Bogosian headline the list of North American skaters. Coupled with Niagara defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the OHL holds four of the top five spots. Brampton center Cody Hodgson (10th), Windsor center Joshua Bailey (12th), Kitchener winger Mikkel Boedker (13th), Oshawa defenseman Michael Del Zotto (14th), Ottawa defenseman Tyler Cuma (15th) and Plymouth winger A.J. Jenks complete the top 20.
Guelph’s Thomas McCollum (third) and Mississauga St. Michael’s Christopher Carrozzi (5th) stand atop the list of North American goaltenders. Chet Pickard of Tri-City (WHL) ranks first. Russian-born Nikita Filatov and Finnish-born Harri Sateri are the top European skater and goaltender, respectively.
* Speaking of top prospects: Stamkos, Doughty, Bogosian and Pietrangelo will play in the 2008 Home Hardware CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 23 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The CHL announced the two 20-player rosters on Wednesday.
The OHL representatives also include Jenks, Philip McRae (London), Boedker, James Livingston (Sault Ste. Marie), Joshua Bailey and Greg Nemisz (Windsor), Hodgson, Jamie Arniel (Sarnia) and Jared Staal (Sudbury) at forward; Cuma on defense and McCollum on defense.
Former Edmonton Oilers Grant Fuhr and Glenn Anderson will join Tri-City coach Don Nachbaur as Team White coaches. Former Calgary Flames Lanny McDonald and Mike Vernon will join Calgary Hitmen coach/GM Kelly Kisio on Team Red.

– Victor Fernandes

CHL top 10
No. Club (league) Record Last week
1. Kitchener (OHL) 32-5-1-2 No. 1
2. Spokane (WHL) 29-8-1-2 No. 2
3. Vancouver (WHL) 29-8-1-4 No. 3
4. Calgary (WHL) 30-12-1-2 No. 9
5. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 27-10-1-2 No. 5
6. Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) 29-13-2-1 No. 7
7. Tri-City (WHL) 28-10-1-1 No. 4
8. Gatineau (QMJHL) 28-13-2-2 No. 6
9. Belleville (OHL) 25-9-3-2 NR
10. Baie Comeau (QMJHL) 28-12-1-3 NR

St. Louis winger Brad Boyes, a former Erie Otter, won’t participate in the 2008 NHL All-Star Weekend in Atlanta on Jan. 26 and 27. He wasn’t selected to the Western Conference roster, which the league announced Thursday. That clears the way for Boyes to attend a special event at Tullio Arena on Jan. 26.
On that night, the Otters will retire the No. 16 Boyes wore from 1998-2002. “I’ve got another big night,” Boyes said by telephone Thursday from St. Louis. “I’m not disappointed.”
Boyes, 25, holds nearly every offensive record in Otters’ history, including career goals (141), assists (168) and points (309). He has 21 goals – five shy of his career high – and 33 points in 40 games with the Blues this season. But after learning the West’s other forwards, Boyes wasn’t surprised he didn’t make the team.
Jason Arnott (Nashville), Marian Gaborik (Minnesota), Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim), Shawn Horcoff (Edmonton), Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles), Rick Nash (Columbus), Henrik Sedin (Vancouver), Paul Stastny (Colorado) and Joe Thornton (San Jose) joined starters Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit) and Jarome Iginla (Calgary) on the roster.
“Those guys are obviously very good players,” Boyes said. “There’s so many good players in this league. There’s only a certain amount that could fit on an All-Star team.”

– Victor Fernandes

London signed free agent goaltender Jhase Sniderman, 20, a former Erie Otter, the club announced Thursday. Sniderman began the season with Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL), posting a 13-4-0-1 record, 3.00 goals-against average, .887 save percentage and one shutout in 19 games. He had a 13-14-4-4 record, 3.28 GAA and .887 save percentage in 42 games with the Otters from 2003-06. After being waived by the club, he spent a season and a half with Moncton (QMJHL). He spent some time in the Niagara IceDogs' training camp before this season.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have acquired rookie winger Doug Clarkson, 19, from Kitchener, according to the OHL Web site. In exchange, the Rangers received a third-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and a conditional third-round pick in 2009. Clarkson, a Mimico, Ontario, native, has three goals, eight points, a plus-6 rating and 53 penalty minutes in 29 games this season.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have acquired right wing Doug Clarkson, 19, from Kitchener, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, confirmed today. In exchange, the Rangers received a third-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and a conditional third-round pick in 2009.
The conditional choice hinges on Clarkson, a 6 foot, 5 inch, 224-pound rookie, returning as an overager next season. If he doesn’t return, the Otters retain the pick.
Clarkson, a Mimico, Ontario, native, has three goals, eight points, a plus-6 rating and 53 penalty minutes in 29 games this season. He spent the previous two seasons playing for the Toronto Thunderbirds, Brampton Capitals and Milton Icehawks in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, totaling 23 goals, 63 points and 222 penalty minutes in 108 games.
But Bassin envisions him playing like his older brother, David Clarkson, a Kitchener alumnus and current New Jersey Devils rookie. David followed a 22-goal season as a 19-year-old in 2003-04 with a 33-goal season as an overager in 2004-05. He played for current Otters coach Robbie Ftorek with the AHL’s Albany River Rats in the 2005-06 season.
“I wanted a big, strong winger,” Bassin said. “That was a quiet objective the coaches and I had for the last month and a half. … Doug always intrigued me. His brother got nothing but better and better. We like the blood lines. We like his size. We like his spirit.”

– Victor Fernandes

Western Conference
Goaltenders
Steve Mason, Kitchener
Jeremy Smith, Plymouth

Defense
Michael Caruso, Guelph
Wes Cunningham, Plymouth
Drew Doughty, Guelph
Josh Godfrey, Sault Ste. Marie
David Kolomatis, Owen Sound
Yannick Weber, Kitchener

Forwards
Justin Azevedo, Kitchener
Jack Combs, Saginaw
Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia
Matt Halischuk, Kitchener
Justin Hodgman, Erie
Dustin Jeffrey, Sault Ste. Marie
Patrick Maroon, London
Wayne Simmonds, Sault Ste. Marie
Bradley Snetsinger, Windsor
Nick Spaling, Kitchener
Steve Stamkos, Sarnia
Chris Terry, Plymouth

Head coach: Mike Vellucci, Plymouth
Assistant coach: Todd Watson, Saginaw
Management team: Dave Torrie, Sault Ste. Marie; Dave Barr, Guelph

Eastern Conference
Goaltenders
Mike Murphy, Belleville
Bryan Pitton, Brampton

Defense
Zach Bogosian, Peterborough
Tyler Cuma, Ottawa
Ryan McGinnis, Oshawa
Alex Pietrangelo, Niagara
Bobby Sanguinetti, Brampton
P.K. Subban, Belleville

Forwards
Matt Beleskey, Belleville
Luca Caputi, Niagara
Logan Couture, Ottawa
Kaspars Daugavins, Mississauga St. Michael’s
Stefan Legein, Niagara
Brett MacLean, Oshawa*
Cody Hodgson, Brampton
Alex Hutchings, Barrie
Shawn Matthias, Belleville
Nathan Moon, Kingston
Jared Staal, Sudbury
John Tavares, Oshawa

Head coach: Mike Foligno, Sudbury
Assistant coach: Bryan Verreault, Sudbury
Management team: George Burnett, Belleville; Jeff Twohey, Peterborough

* Former Erie Otter

* Grzeszczak back, Shaw out: Defenseman Frank Grzeszczak (concussion) has participated in full-contact workouts this week. That clears the way for him to play in the club’s three-game weekend.
He could have played last weekend, Grzeszczak said Tuesday. But he was held out for precautionary reasons, he said. “Everything’s back to normal,” he said.
However, defenseman Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) didn’t practice Monday or Tuesday. Last week, Shaw said he expected to resume skating this week. “But it’s still really stiff and I didn’t have all my range of motion,” he said Tuesday. “So we’ve been working on that down at (Tullio Arena).”
Shaw hopes to begin skating later this week. But he didn’t seem confident about playing in this weekend’s games. “I go this week to get it re-evaluated and then I’ll go from there,” Shaw said.
* More injury updates: Left wing Luke Gazdic missed the past two practices because of shoulder trouble and other bumps and bruises. Center Zack Torquato (bumps and bruises) also missed those workouts. But both expect to practice today and play this weekend.
* A great roommate: David Clarkson, older brother of Otters winger Doug Clarkson, shares a room with former Otter Michael Rupp on New Jersey Devils’ road trips. “He takes care of me,” David Clarkson, a Devils right wing and Kitchener alumnus, said Tuesday by telephone from Newark, N.J. “He’s a guy I look up to. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in my pro career so far. He’s a class act.”
* Around the rink: The club reassigned rookie winger Josh Sidwell to the London Knights midget club following Saturday’s game in Plymouth. … Former Otters center Shayne Taylor recently joined the Lindsay Muskies Jr. A club after a trade from the Huntsville Muskoka Otters, Erie’s Jr. A affiliate. Taylor, an assistant captain, has four goals and five points in five games.
* Around the league: The CHL named Oshawa’s John Tavares and Niagara’s Sebastian Dahm player and goaltender of the week, respectively. Tavares, a center, had four goals and nine points in three games to earn the honor for the third time this season. Dahm had a 2-0 record, 1.01 goals-against average, .964 save percentage and one shutout in two starts.

– Victor Fernandes

* Gaulton sidelined: Defenseman Mitch Gaulton has aggravated the left elbow injury that forced him to miss two months earlier this season. Unlike the initial injury, Gaulton said the elbow isn’t bruised or swollen. He also has range of motion, even with a brace. “It really doesn’t hurt that bad,” he said.
But after being evaluated by a doctor on Tuesday, Gaulton remains uncertain how long he will miss this time. For now, he said, “I think I’m shut down again for a little while” until he is reevaluated in two weeks.
Gaulton was injured early in Thursday’s loss to Windsor. “I just got hit funny and it really started hurting again,” he said. “(It’s) week by week, day by day actually. I could be practicing (today) for all I know.”
* Special honor: Forward Justin Hodgman feels grateful for earning his first OHL All-Star Classic selection. “It’s not something at the start of the year that I could have foreseen,” he said. “But I’m excited.”
The experience includes two days at home in Brampton, Ontario, before flying to Sault Ste. Marie for the two-day event on Feb. 5-6. “I’m just thankful for all the support that I’ve had.”
* Popular promotion: Due to popular demand, the club will continue $5 College Friday’s promotion at Tullio Arena, starting with Friday’s game against Windsor. The club also has four other Friday games – Jan. 25 vs. Barrie, Feb. 8 vs. Brampton, Feb. 15 vs. Niagara and Feb. 29 vs. Owen Sound. Students can purchase tickets for $5 with a valid college ID. The offer is available after 5 p.m. on game nights only. Nearly 200 students attended the Jan. 4 game against Oshawa.
* Around the league: Plymouth defenseman Leo Jenner has been suspended for 20 games because of a hit against Sarnia forward Vladimir Nikiforov in last Friday’s game. Nikiforov could miss at least six weeks with a fractured jaw, according to The London Free Press. He didn’t receive a penalty for the hit. … Windsor left wing Conor O’Donnell will serve an eight-game suspension for a major checking from behind penalty and game misconduct against Owen Sound on Saturday.

– Victor Fernandes

CHL top 10
No. Club (league) Record Last week
1. Kitchener (OHL) 35-5-1-2 No. 1
2. Spokane (WHL) 31-8-1-3 No. 2
3. Vancouver (WHL) 31-9-1-4 No. 3
4. Calgary (WHL) 31-12-1-2 No. 4
5. Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) 31-13-2-1 No. 6
6. Tri-City (WHL) 31-10-1-2 No. 7
7. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 28-11-1-3 No. 5
8. Belleville (OHL) 28-9-3-2 No. 9
9. Baie Comeau (QMJHL) 31-12-1-4 No. 10
10. Saint John (QMJHL) 28-12-1-2 NR

* Memorable period: The Otters scored six goals in the first period, the most since a seven-goal period in a 13-4 win against Windsor on March 5, 1998. That was the highest scoring game in franchise history.
News and notes: Windsor winger Jordan Nolan, a former Otter, received an automatic two-game suspension for a game misconduct late in the third. Hodgman smacked Nolan in the shin pads with his stick, prompting Nolan to attack him. “We didn’t get along too well,” Hodgman said of Nolan’s time in Erie. … The Otters have won six of the past eight at home to improve to 9-10-0-0. … Rookie goaltender Jaroslav Janus made 39 saves. … The Otters lost the first three meetings with Windsor by a 23-8 score.
* Quick recovery: Defenseman Brian Shaw (bruised right shoulder) rejoined the lineup on Friday night after missing the past two weeks. Earlier in the week, he expected stiffness and reduced range of motion to keep him from playing. But on Thursday morning, he was cleared to play. Then he practiced that afternoon.
“I lucked out with how fast I recovered,” he said before facing Windsor. Defenseman Frank Grzeszczak (concussion) also resumed playing on Friday. He had missed the previous seven games.
“It’s good to have some guys in there for us,” Shaw said.
* Home debut: Right wing Doug Clarkson, acquired from Kitchener on Jan. 10, made his Otters’ home debut on Friday. He recalled the verbal abuse he endured at Tullio Arena while with the Rangers.
“I hope it’s a good (reception),” he said with a smile before the game, “better than what I usually got.”
Clarkson compared the crowd noise at Tullio to fans at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, even though the Rangers play in front of 6,000 or more fans every night.
* No big deal: Windsor winger Jordan Nolan’s first game at Tullio Arena against his former team held special significance. Now that he has returned a few times, these games don’t faze him anymore.
“It’s just another game,” he said.
* Staying positive: The Spitfires were surprised when club officials traded veteran goaltender Michal Neuvirth to Oshawa before last week’s OHL trade deadline. The club acquired Neuvirth earlier this season to solidify its position as league championship contender. Yet, despite looking to the future in response to other clubs bulking up, veterans remain confident about this season’s chances, Nolan said.
“We’re a young team,” Nolan said. “But there’s always room for improvement.”
* Around the rink: Otters winger Michael Liambas began his serving his three-game suspension on Friday. … Windsor winger Conor O’Donnell served the second game of his eight-game suspension. … The Otters also scratched defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow). … Windsor defenseman Elgin Reid (separated shoulder) should miss another two to three weeks. He was injured on a hit from Otters winger Nick Palmieri last weekend. … Spitfires defenseman Jesse Blacker played in his second game since missing three months with a broken wrist.

– Victor Fernandes

* Peluso returns: Sault Ste. Marie winger Anthony Peluso returned to Tullio Arena for the first time since the Otters traded him on Nov. 21 in the Sean Jones deal. “It feels different for sure,” Peluso said before Saturday’s game. “I played here for three years. It’s like moving away from home and then coming back.”
* Added motivation: Jones also faced his former team for the first time since the trade. He doesn’t hold any hard feelings toward the Greyhounds. “I’ve had a new opportunity here in Erie,” he said. But he had extra incentive to play. “I’ve got a little bit of a jump to my step,” he said. “(I’m ready to) stick it the Soo.”
* Banged-up Kidd: Veteran defenseman Josh Kidd missed Saturday’s game with a contusion on his upper left arm. He was struck on the arm by a stick in the first period of Friday’s win against Windsor. He was hit on the same spot last weekend in Plymouth. “It was really stiff and really swollen,” Kidd said, “and I was in a lot of pain.” But special padding around his arm could help Kidd play today in Guelph.
* Around the rink: Defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow), left wing Michael Liambas (suspension) and right wing Doug Clarkson joined Kidd on the Otters’ scratch list. Clarkson wasn’t a healthy scratch, coach Robbie Ftorek said. But Ftorek didn’t disclose the nature of Clarkson’s injury. … Liambas completes his three-game suspension today in Guelph. … Greyhounds center Matt Caria rejoined the lineup after completing a five-game suspension. … Sault Ste. Marie scratched goaltender Bryce O’Hagan, defenseman Dylan King and centers Simon Fischhaber and Jamie Haines.

– Victor Fernandes

Who’s next?
The Erie Otters will retire former captain Brad Boyes’ No. 16 in a pregame ceremony on Saturday night at Tullio Arena. As the first Otters’ alumnus to earn the honor, his number will stand alone in the rafters.
But who will join him in the future?
Vote for the player you believe deserves to have the next number retired by e-mailing Victor Fernandes at victor.fernandes@timesnews.com, calling him at (814) 870-1716 or by posting your choice on the Shootout, the Erie Times-News’ new Otters blog, at www.GoErie.com/blogs/shootout. The deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Also, include your reasons for selecting that player.

Erie Otters statistics

Offense
No. Name GP Goals Assists Pts. P/M PIM
25 Justin Hodgman 43 26 33 59 -2 59
22 Zack Torquato 43 17 27 44 -17 65
9 Ryan O'Reilly* 39 15 26 41 -7 12
19 Nick Palmieri 28 17 7 24 -15 78
12 Sean Jones 23 8 13 21 -2 21
21 Jordan Skellett 43 8 13 21 -21 45
39 Kelly Geoffrey 44 8 12 20 -14 26
20 Robyn Sertic* 38 3 13 16 -9 16
23 Luke Gazdic 44 7 7 14 -26 88
18 Shawn Szydlowski* 44 2 10 12 -16 40
7 Frank Grzeszczak 32 1 11 12 -17 30
4 Mitch Gaulton# 19 2 5 7 -11 17
10 Tyler Hostetter* 41 0 7 7 -19 14
14 Anthony Peluso^ 21 3 3 6 -11 41
2 Josh Kidd 21 3 3 6 -6 44
40 Ronny Rogers^ 23 3 3 6 -5 42
8 Paul Cianfrini 20 1 4 5 -1 21
15 Stanislav Polodna^ 21 0 4 4 -15 4
11 Josh Sidwell*^ 14 3 0 3 -9 2
29 Shayne Taylor^ 22 3 0 3 -15 24
24 Michael Liambas 36 0 3 3 -5 85
5 David Shields* 36 1 1 2 -22 27
17 Brian Shaw 34 0 2 2 -24 58
27 Doug Clarkson* 4 0 1 1 0 6
36 Kyle Ramsay^ 10 0 1 1 +1 0
11 Patrick Lee^ 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Samuel Coyne*^ 1 0 0 0 0 0
13 Dan Pinkney^ 1 0 0 0 0 2
33 Justin Garay^ 5 0 0 0 0 2
8 Matthew Paton*^ 8 0 0 0 -3 2
3 Lyon Messier*^ 8 0 0 0 -4 4
1 Shane Owen* 15 0 0 0 0 0
32 Jaroslav Janus* 33 0 0 0 0 2
Totals 45 131 209 340 -295 877

Goaltending
No. Name GP Min. W L OTL SL GA GAA Shots Saves Save Pct. SO
32 Jaroslav Janus* 33 1,816 7 19 2 1 140 4.63 1,283 1,149 .896 0
1 Shane Owen* 15 713 2 10 0 0 75 6.31 515 440 .854 0
33 Justin Garay^ 5 173 1 3 0 0 19 6.59 121 102 .843 0
Totals 45 2,702 10 32 2 1 234 5.20 1,919 1,691 .881 0
* Rookie # Injured ^ Not on the team

Power Play
Home – 23-of-121 (19.0 pct.)
Away – 19-of-136 (14.0 pct.)
Overall – 42-of-252 (16.7 pct.)
Goal leaders: Hodgman 13, Palmieri 10, O'Reilly 4, Peluso 3, Skellett 2, Geoffrey 2, Kidd 2
Short-handed goals against: 4

Penalty Killing
Home – 75-of-111 (67.6 pct.)
Away – 112-of-163 (68.7 pct.)
Overall – 188-of-274 (68.6 pct.)
Short-handed goals: 9 (Hodgman 2, Torquato 2, O'Reilly 2, Sertic 1, Geoffrey 1, Palmieri 1)

Goals by Period 1st 2nd 3rd OT SO Total GPG
Otters 51 45 35 1 1 133 3.0
Opponents 75 77 83 2 1 238 5.3

Shots on Goal 1st 2nd 3rd OT SO Total SPG
Otters 488 483 401 9 1 1,382 30.7
Opponents 592 655 605 10 1 1,863 41.4

Home
9-11-0-0, 18 points, 73 goals for, 90 goals against
Away
1-21-2-1, 5 points, 60 goals for, 148 goals against

Attendance
Home
20 dates: 65,084 (average 3,254)
Away
26 dates: 106,450 (average 4,094)

OHL statistical leaders
Through Tuesday

Offense
Goals
No. Name Club GP Goals
1. Brett MacLean^ Oshawa 40 46
2. Luca Caputi Niagara 45 33
T3. Steven Stamkos Sarnia 37 32
T3. Chris Terry Plymouth 45 32
T3. Cody Hodgson Brampton 46 32
T16. Justin Hodgman Erie 43 26

Assists
No. Name Club GP Assists
1. Justin Azevedo Kitchener 45 61
2. John Tavares Oshawa 36 52
3. Brett MacLean^ Oshawa 40 47
T4. Ryan Wilson Sarnia 36 43
T4. John Hughes Brampton 46 43
T20. Justin Hodgman Erie 43 33

Points (overall)
No. Name Club GP Pts
1. Brett MacLean^ Oshawa 40 93
2. Justin Azevedo Kitchener 45 90
3. John Tavares Oshawa 36 82
4. Chris Terry Plymouth 45 74
5. Jack Combs Saginaw 43 68
T16. Justin Hodgman Erie 43 59

Points (rookies)
No. Name Club GP Pts
1. Patrick Maroon* London 41 64
2. Taylor Hall* Windsor 41 43
T3. Mikkel Boedker* Kitchener 40 42
T4. Ryan Ellis* Windsor 41 40
5. Ryan O’Reilly* Erie 38 40

Power-play goals
No. Name Club GP PPG
1. Brett MacLean^ Oshawa 40 23
2. Nick Spaling Kitchener 34 20
T3. Steven Stamkos Sarnia 37 16
T3. Yannick Weber Kitchener 37 16
T5. 2 tied with 15
T9. Justin Hodgman Erie 43 13

Short-handed goals
No. Name Club GP SHG
T1. Michael Del Zotto Oshawa 43 5
T1. Kevin Baker Oshawa 46 5
T1. Brandon MacLean Sault Ste. Marie 46 5
T4. Dustin Jeffrey Sault Ste. Marie 34 4
T4. Luca Caputi Niagara 45 4
T17. Ryan O’Reilly* Erie 38 2
T17. Brett MacLean^ Oshawa 40 2
T17. Justin Hodgman Erie 43 2
T17. Jordan Nolan^ Windsor 43 2
T17. Zack Torquato Erie 43 2

Goaltending
Wins
No. Name Club GP W
1. Kyle Gajewski Sault Ste. Marie 40 26
2. Josh Unice* Kitchener 33 25
3. Mike Murphy Belleville 33 24
4. Steve Mason London 29 21
5. Andrew Perugini Sarnia 35 18
T27. Jaroslav Janus* Erie 33 7

Goals-against average
Name Club GP GAA
1. Mike Murphy Belleville 33 2.18
2. Josh Unice* Kitchener 33 2.43
3. Kyle Gajewski Sault Ste. Marie 40 2.46
4. Bryan Pitton Brampton 25 2.49
5. Chris Carrozzi Mississauga 32 2.51
T25. Jaroslav Janus* Erie 33 4.63
Minimum of 900 minutes played

Save percentage
No. Name Club GP SV %
1. Mike Murphy Belleville 33 .934
2. Jeremy Smith Plymouth 26 .919
3. Andrew Perugini Barrie 35 .918
4. Chris Carrozzi Mississauga 32 .916
5. Michal Neuvirth Oshawa 21 .915
19. Jaroslav Janus* Erie 33 .896

Shutouts
No. Name Club GP SO
T1. Chris Carrozzi Mississauga 32 4
T1. Josh Unice* Kitchener 33 4
T3. 4 tied with 3
* Rookie ^ Former Otter

OHL playoff chase
Through Tuesday

Western Conference
Pos. Team GP W L OTL SL Pct. Pts.
1 x-Kitchener Rangers 46 37 6 1 2 .837 77
2 x-Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 46 30 12 1 3 .696 64
3 Windsor Spitfires 46 25 12 5 4 .641 59
4 London Knights 45 25 16 2 2 .600 54
5 Plymouth Whalers 45 24 17 2 2 .578 52
6 Sarnia Sting 44 24 18 2 0 .568 50
7 Saginaw Spirit 44 21 17 4 2 .545 48
8 Guelph Storm 45 20 17 5 3 .533 48
9 Owen Sound Attack 47 18 25 2 2 .426 40
10 Erie Otters 45 10 32 2 1 .256 23

Eastern Conference
Pos. Team GP W L OTL SL Pct. Pts.
1 x-Belleville Bulls 45 31 9 3 2 .744 67
2 x-Brampton Battalion 46 27 16 1 2 .620 57
3 Oshawa Generals 45 30 11 1 3 .711 64
4 Niagara IceDogs 45 24 20 0 1 .544 49
5 Ottawa 67's 45 22 19 2 2 .533 48
6 Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 45 22 22 1 0 .500 45
7 Barrie Colts 47 19 22 3 3 .468 44
8 Peterborough Petes 45 20 22 0 3 .478 43
9 Kingston Frontenacs 42 12 29 0 1 .298 25
10 Sudbury Wolves 46 11 32 1 2 .272 25
x-division leaders
Notes: Top eight teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs; four division winners earn the top spots.

Erie Times-News top 10
Victor Fernandes ranks the top 10 OHL teams every week:

No. Club Record Last week
1. Kitchener 37-6-1-2 No. 1
2. Belleville 31-9-3-2 No. 2
3. Sault Ste. Marie 30-12-1-3 No. 3
4. Oshawa 30-11-1-3 No. 4
5. Windsor 25-12-5-4 No. 5
6. Brampton 27-16-1-2 No. 6
7. London 25-16-2-2 No. 8
8. Plymouth 24-17-2-2 No. 7
9. Sarnia 24-18-2-0 No. 10
10. Niagara 24-20-0-1 No. 9

The Erie Otters have signed rookie defenseman Brett Cook, 16, to a standard player agreement, the club announced today. The club also have recalled Cook, a third-round pick (No. 42 overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, from the Huntsville Muskoka Otters, Erie’s Junior A affiliate.
Cook, of Washago, Ontario, will make his OHL debut Thursday night in Barrie and play in this weekend’s road games against Owen Sound and Brampton. Then he will return to Huntsville, where he has five goals, 12 points and 35 penalty minutes in 40 games this season. He also joined Otters winger Ryan O’Reilly on Ontario’s gold medal team at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ontario.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton should miss an additional six weeks with a left elbow injury, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said last weekend. That means Gaulton could miss the rest of the regular season. He hasn’t played since re-injuring the elbow on Jan. 10 against Windsor.
He had played only three full games since returning from a two-month absence. The prognosis since the latest setback was six to eight weeks, Bassin said. However, Gaulton isn’t ready to give up on the season.
“I feel great. I’ve been working real hard,” he said today. “If the doctor says that (my season is over), then I’m just going to work twice as hard to get back and prove them wrong.” Gaulton, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 OHL Priority Selection, has two goals, seven points, a minus-10 rating and 19 penalty minutes in 20 games this season.

– Victor Fernandes

Ron Sertz, Erie Otters co-owner and director of operations, confirmed Tuesday that his stomach problems have improved in the past few days. Sertz spent four-plus days hospitalized with intense stomach pain before being released on Sunday. “I’m alive and well and kicking,” Sertz said. “I’m feeling better, feeling a little rested. I’m trying to take it easy, but I don’t do that very well.”
Sertz declined to specify the nature of his ailment, which forced him to miss the Brad Boyes #16 Jersey Retirement Night ceremony on Saturday night at Tullio Arena. “(I’m) still undergoing tests and medication with a possible surgery shortly down the road,” said Sertz, who lost 13 pounds while in the hospital.
Sertz endured stomach pain for “quite some time,” he said. “I tried to ignore it as long as I can. In fact, I was trying to ignore it to the point of getting through last weekend for that ceremony. We worked so hard on it. I certainly wanted to be there to see it come to fruition.”
The pain increased on Jan. 21 and again the following day. He was hospitalized on Jan. 22. He attended the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday morning at the arena.

– Victor Fernandes