Peter Sidorkiewicz will return to the Erie Otters as an assistant coach for the 2008-09 OHL season, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, confirmed Saturday. The announcement occurred one day after the Aug. 1 deadline Bassin imposed on Sidorkiewicz to make a decision.
“He’s still got a strong loyalty,” Bassin said shortly after learning Sidorkiewicz’ choice. “I give him credit. He looked at other opportunities. (After) everything he looked at, this one turned out to be the best opportunity for him.” Bassin declined to disclose details of those opportunities.
Sidorkiewicz declined comment earlier in the day, since he had another telephone conversation to conduct before finalizing his decision – a call that Bassin confirmed was with him. He also didn’t confirm or deny if he pursued other coaching positions. Sidorkiewicz, 45, who didn’t immediately return a telephone message late Saturday afternoon, has one year left on the three-year contract he signed as the new coach in June 2006. He was demoted to assistant when the club hired Robbie Ftorek on Oct. 29, 2007.

– Victor Fernandes