Because of overwhelming demand, tickets to the Erie Otters’ benefit for former forward Jason Baird will begin selling on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Otters’ office (809 French Street). Tickets for the event, scheduled for Aug. 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Warner Theatre, cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
Baird, who played for the Otters from 1997-2001, suffered serious burns over 60-65 percent of his body in a lawnmower explosion on July 17 in Austintown, Ohio. Proceeds from the event will help Baird’s family handle mounting medical expenses. For those unable to attend, donations can be made through any of PNC Bank’s area locations. NHL players and Otters’ alumni Tim Connolly (Buffalo), Michael Rupp (New Jersey) and Steve Valiquette (N.Y. Rangers) will attend the event, as will former goaltender Adam Munro. Others also are expected to attend. For more information, call the Otters at (814) 455-7779 or e-mail at mark@ottershockey.com.