The Erie Otters will hold its annual season-ticket holder party on Sunday from noon-2 p.m. at Tullio Arena. It includes skating with the players from noon-1 p.m. and an autograph session in the concourse from 1-2 p.m. Skate rentals aren’t available. Sticks and pucks aren’t permitted. Registration, which features light snacks and beverages, begins at 11:30 a.m. in the lower lobby.
Meanwhile, the next Otters Fan Club meeting is set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Erie (707 Sassafras Street). Enter through the side door at the building’s south side. Forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Edgar Rybakov will be the featured speakers.

The Oshawa Generals will host the 14th annual CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14, 2009, at General Motors Centre, CHL and NHL officials announced today. "We welcome the challenge. We're embracing the event," Generals owner Rocco Tullio said during a conference call.
The 40 players participating in the game will be announced at a later date. The NHL's 30 clubs will submit their list of the top 24 forwards, 12 defensemen and four goaltenders. Nineteen players that participated in the 2008 game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, were chosen in the first round of this past summer's NHL Entry Draft.

* By the numbers: Right wing Nick Palmieri wore No. 19 last season. But now, right wing Shawn Szydlowski wears that number. If asked, Szydlowski is willing to give the number back, although it honors his favorite player, former Detroit great Steve Yzerman. The number also has special meaning to Palmieri. “It was the number I wore growing up,” he said. But he’s fine with wearing No. 33.
“A number is just a number,” Palmieri said. “It doesn’t really affect your play. The mental aspect of having your own number is maybe there for some guys. But for me, it’s never really been an issue.”
Besides, Palmieri said of Szydlowski, “He’s doing well wearing it.” Szydlowski isn’t certain what other number he would wear if Palmieri asked for No. 19 back. Left wing Sean Jones wears No. 19, the number Szydlowski wore as a rookie last season.

* Speaking of Palmieri: He has been teamed with center Ryan O’Reilly and left wing Brandon Biggers in practice this week. “We’re starting to get used to each other out on the ice,” Palmieri said. “So we’ll see what happens when we get into a game situation. Palmieri developed chemistry with center Zack Torquato last season. When asked if he would be on a line with Torquato this season, Palmieri said, “We’ll see what happens. Lines change.”

* Speaking of lines: Earlier this week, coach Robbie Ftorek said he hasn’t line combinations develop much chemistry, with the exception of Szydlowski and O’Reilly. Szydlowski credits playing together the final two or three months last season and training together in the offseason for strong teamwork.
“I always love playing with him,” Szydlowski said of O’Reilly, “because he’s so creative and he’s such a good player. You just get open on the ice and he’ll get the puck to you no matter where you are”
O’Reilly praised Szydlowski, too. “He’s an easy guy to play with,” O’Reilly said. “He’s so smart and he’s got such good puck control. I’ve just got to get the puck somewhere near him and he’ll pick it up and do something with it.”

– Victor Fernandes

The New York Islanders signed Windsor center Josh Bailey to a three-year, entry-level NHL contract today, the NHL club announced on its Web site. Bailey, who officially secured the deal on his 19th birthday, was chosen ninth overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in June. He had 28 goals and 96 points with the Spitfires last season. Bailey holds the record for most goals in a game against the Otters - five on Oct. 28, 2006, while with Owen Sound.

What: Erie Otters (2-2-0-0) vs. Plymouth Whalers (1-3-0-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Tullio Arena
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330, www.ottershockey.com (live stream)
Players to watch: Erie – RW Nick Palmieri (season debut), LW Ryan O’Reilly (1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points), C/RW Justin Hodgman (2-0-2, 1 short-handed goal), RW Shawn Szydlowski (2-3-5), G Jaroslav Janus (2-2-0-0 record, 2.73 goals-against average, .933 save percentage, 1 shutout); Plymouth – G Jeremy Smith (0-1-0-0, 5.00, .884), D Michal Jordan (2-2-4 in 2 games), C Chris Terry (1-0-1 in 2 games), LW R.J. Mahalak (3-0-3), C Tyler Seguin (0-4-4)
Fast facts: Erie – Palmieri, who requested a trade to an OHL contender in May, joins the lineup after spending nearly a month at New Jersey’s training camp. … Janus posted the club’s first SO win since Feb. 5, 2005, in a 4-0 home-opening win vs. Kitchener on Saturday. … The Otters have scored 10 goals in two wins and one goal in two losses. … The defense, playing without Ds Josh Kidd (Manchester – AHL) and Mitch Gaulton (season-ending elbow surgery) has allowed 2.5 goals per game. … Szydlowski has points in three straight games. … The Otters are last in the league on the power play (4.3 percent) and first on the penalty kill (95.5). … Rookie LW Greg McKegg, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 OHL draft, hasn’t recorded a point in four games. … Rookie C Mike Cazzola won’t play this weekend. He declined to offer a reason for his absence, but said it isn’t related to the case of mononucleosis that cost him a month of training time this past summer. Plymouth – The Whalers played without Terry (Carolina camp), Jordan (Carolina), Smith (Nashville), LW A.J. Jenks (Florida) and D Brett Bellemore (Carolina) in a 6-1 home loss to the Otters on Sept. 20. … Bellemore, who has signed with the Hurricanes, is at AHL camp in Albany, N.Y. … Jenks (strained knee) and Ds Christian Steingraber (four-game league suspension) and Leo Jenner (five-game league suspension) won’t play, a club official said. … Smith allowed five goals on 43 shots in his season debut, a 5-3 loss to Guelph on Saturday. … RW Patrick Lee scored two goals in his last game against his former team at Tullio (3-2 win on March 3). … The club acquired LW Cory McGillis from Barrie on Tuesday. But he isn’t expected to play because of an apparent concussion, a club official said. … The Whalers began Thursday tied for 18th on the power play (9.1 percent) and 17th on the penalty kill (73.3).
Up next: vs. London (Saturday, 7 p.m.), at Peterborough (Thursday, 7 p.m.)

* European flavor: Former Otters center Geoff Platt (2003-05) has begun the season with Minsk Dynamo in the Kontinental Hockey League, which reportedly has replaced the Russian Super League.
The language barrier remains his biggest obstacle, Platt, 23, said by e-mail earlier this week. “Belarus speaks predominantly Russian and very minute amounts of English,” he said. “Interacting with people in everyday life and teammates can be very challenging. But with anything in life, you learn to adapt.”
Platt, who will join Ilves Tampere of the Finnish Elite League later this season, finished the 2007-08 season with Portland, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate. He had 28 goals and 58 points in 60 games. Coupled with stints in Syracuse, Columbus’ AHL club, and Anaheim, he had 32 goals and 65 points in 80 games.
But Platt chose to play in Europe “to continue developing at the game of hockey,” he said. “I felt that after three successful seasons split between the AHL and NHL and never fully becoming an everyday NHL player, I needed to pursue another angle of attack directed towards my ultimate goal of the NHL.”
Platt once was concerned about returning to North America. But, he said, “After careful consideration and now a month of KHL experience, the rush to return has subsided,” he said. “If I can be successful playing hockey here or anywhere in Europe, the so-called calling card for North America will come naturally.”
* Much-needed turnaround: Plymouth winger Patrick Lee, 20, has savored his time in the OHL since being waived by the Otters early last season. A year after being unable to earn a spot in Erie’s starting lineup, “I’m being used in a lot of situations,” Lee said before Friday’s game at Tullio Arena. “It’s a lot different than I played in Erie.” Lee has 16 goals and 30 points in 65 games with the Whalers, compared to 10 goals and 30 points in 119 games with the Otters from 2005-07.
* Scratch list: The Otters scratched defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow), centers Phil Teri, Mike Cazzola and Edgar Rybakov and wingers Michael Liambas (hip flexor), Kelly Geoffrey (shoulder) and Matthew Paton (appendectomy). … Plymouth scratched goaltender Scott Wedgewood, defenseman Leo Jenner (five-game OHL suspension), Christian Steingraber (four-game OHL suspension) and Anthony Donati and forwards Peter Neal, A.J. Jenks (strained knee) and Cory McGillis (concussion).
* Around the rink: Jenks could miss another two weeks, a Whalers’ official said. … The Otters held a moment of silence for Thomas Tewes, co-owner of the Whalers, NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and ECHL’s Florida Everblades, who lost his two-year battle with leukemia on Sunday at age 76. … Neal’s older brother, James, is battling for a spot on Dallas’ roster.

– Victor Fernandes

What: Erie Otters (2-3-0-0) vs. London Knights (3-3-0-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Tullio Arena
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330, www.ottershockey.com (live stream)
On TV: Image Sports Network – Time Warner (city – Channel 20, county – Channel 13)
Players to watch: Erie – RW Nick Palmieri (1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, 1 power-play goal in 1 game), RW Shawn Szydlowski (2-5-7), LW Ryan O’Reilly (1-3-4), C/RW Justin Hodgman (3-0-3, 1 short-handed goal), RW Anthony Luciani (3-2-5); London – C Nazem Kadri (3-4-7, 2 PPG), RW Daniel Erlich (2-4-6), C Justin Taylor (2-2-4 in 3 games), D Matt Clarke (1-3-4, +3 rating), C Jared Knight (3-0-3, 2 PPG)
Fast facts: Erie – The Otters have split the opening two games of a three-game home stand. … They have scored 15 goals and allowed 15 this season. … They are averaging 37.8 shots per game and allowing 38.6 per game. … LW Luke Gazdic had a goal and assist vs. Plymouth on Friday, his first points of the season. … Luciani has points in three of five games this season. … Rookie C Mike Cazzola (undisclosed reason) won’t play tonight. London – RW Akim Aliu (28-33-61 last season), a Chicago prospect, remains at NHL camp. … Overage D Kevin Montgomery, a Colorado prospect, was assigned to Lake Erie, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate in Cleveland, according to the Knights’ Web site. … The Knights shut out the Otters 4-0 on Sept. 19 in London. … Kadri joins O’Reilly as top prospects in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft … The Knights are in the top 10 on the power play (21.6 percent) and penalty kill (84.8).
Up next: at Peterborough (Thursday, 7 p.m.), at Oshawa (Friday, 7:35 p.m.)

* Keeping confident: Otters rookie Greg McKegg, 16, is a bit frustrated over failing to record a point in the opening six games of his OHL career, he said before Saturday night’s game against London at Tullio Arena. “(I’m) not producing the way I usually do,” said McKegg, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection in May. “But (the league is) way faster. I’m still adjusting. Hopefully (my first point) comes tonight. But if not, I’ll just keep working.”

* Shields sits out: Otters defenseman David Shields missed Saturday’s game for a reason he declined to divulge. Shields, who left Friday’s home loss to Plymouth late in the first period and didn’t return, was uncertain when he would return to the ice.

* Injury bug: Shawn Waskiewicz, the club’s assistant general manager – administration, tore ligaments in his hand after falling in the arena during Friday’s game. He will undergo surgery at a later date.

* Aliu, McRae out: Right wing Akim Aliu and center Philip McRae didn’t play for the Knights. Aliu, a Chicago prospect, remains with the NHL club while nursing a groin injury. McRae, St. Louis’ second-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in June, was given the night off to avoid any setbacks associated with a recent case of mononucleosis. He scored a goal in his season debut on Friday. Center Dominic DeSando, 17, will miss four to six months because of shoulder surgery.

* Scratch list: The Otters scratched defensemen Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) and Shields, centers Phil Teri and Mike Cazzola (unspecified reason) and left wings Michael Liambas, Matthew Paton (appendectomy) and Kelly Geoffrey (shoulder). … London scratched defensemen Scott Valentine, Matt Ashman and Barron Smith and DeSando, Aliu and McRae.

* Around the rink: London assistant coach Pat Curcio coached the Toronto Red Wings’ minor midget club that Gaulton played on in the 2005-06 season, his OHL draft year. … Former Otters winger Geoff Platt’s contract with Minsk Dynamo of the Kontinental Hockey League expires on Friday, he said by e-mail. But the club is attempting to buy out his contract with Ilves Tampere of the Finnish Elite League.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters winger Luke Gazdic, 19, missed today's practice with an undisclosed injury suffered in a second-period fight against London's Mike Yovanic on Saturday night.
"I got a little bit of a nagging injury," Gazdic said. "I'll see how I feel tomorrow. Hopefully I should be good for the weekend swing (to Peterborough, Oshawa and Barrie)."
Despite the injury, Gazdic said the fight "was well worth it. It was a good fight."
Meanwhile, rookie center Phil Teri, 17, has been a healthy scratch for the four games since forwards Gazdic, Justin Hodgman, Nick Palmieri and Zack Torquato returned from NHL camps.
With coach Robbie Ftorek preferring not to keep 25 players on the roster, Teri understands he and other players could lose their spots in the future. "We don't really know what's going to happen," Teri said. "I've got to keep working hard and try to get my spot back in the starting lineup. Keep working hard - that's really the only option I have."
In other news, left wing Michael Liambas, 19, remains uncertain when his rehabilitation from offseason hip flexor surgery will end. "It could be a day-to-day thing. It could be week to week. It could be month to month," he said. He awaits results from recent tests doctors conducted.
For now, he will stay off the ice after participating in non-contact drills in recent weeks.
"I don't want to rush anything," he said. "(The pain) would ease up after I get off the ice for a couple of weeks. Then I would start (skating) again and I would start feeling (the pain) again."

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, has signed a one-year contract with Manchester, the Los Angeles Kings' AHL affiliate, the Monarchs announced today on their Web site. Kidd spent most of the preseason and the start of the Otters' regular season at Kings' training camp before being sent to Manchester, N.H., last week. At the time, his agent, Mark Guy, of Newport Sports Management in Mississauga, Ontario, expected Kidd to sign during Monarchs' camp.
Manchester begins the season on Saturday in Portland, Maine, against the Pirates, the Buffalo Sabres' affiliate. Kidd, the Kings' seventh-round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, concludes his four-year Otters' career with 18 goals, 50 points and 229 penalty minutes in 232 games. He ranks 10th in club history in games played, 10th in points by a defenseman and sixth in goals by a defenseman.

– Victor Fernandes

Josh Kidd enjoyed a taste of the American Hockey League last spring. He wanted more.
Now he will have a season’s worth.
Kidd, 19, ended his four-year Erie Otters’ career today by signing a one-year contract with Manchester, the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate in Manchester, N.H. He begins his first professional season on Saturday, when the Monarchs face Portland, the Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate, in Portland, Maine.
“After being here last year and having a good run while I was here, this is where I want to be for further development,” said Kidd, a defenseman, who signed the contract on Sunday. “It’s time to move on.”
Kidd had a goal, four points and a plus-9 rating in nine games with the Monarchs late last season before suffering a concussion that kept him out of the Calder Cup playoffs. He was the Kings’ seventh-round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Kidd said he hopes his play this season will lead to a NHL contract.
“There’s a lot of young guys here in their system,” he said. “If I have a good year and I can improve, I think I have a shot to sign a NHL contract in the next year.”
Kidd signed with the Monarchs a week after his agent, Mark Guy, of Newport Sports Management in Mississauga, Ontario, said he expected to begin contract talks. Throughout the offseason and preseason, Kidd remained confident he would sign, even though the Kings had other contract issues to handle.
“I never really went with a mindset of going back to junior,” he said. “It’s a relief to be signed. To get that over with and be able to start my season, I’m happy and real excited to be a part of the team here and to contribute here. It’s a little bit of weight off my shoulders.”
Kidd had 18 goals, 50 points and 229 penalty minutes in 232 games with the Otters. He ranks 10th in franchise history in games played, 10th in points by a defenseman and sixth in goals by a defenseman.
“You form pretty strong bonds with a lot of guys throughout your (OHL) career,” he said. “They become your brothers. But I have 25 new (teammates) to become close with. I’m looking forward to that.”

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have acquired 6-foot-7, 224-pound defenseman Chris Breen, 19, from Saginaw for forward Jordan Skellett, 18, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said today.
The Otters also receive a fifth-round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection. They sent a 2009 seventh-round choice to the Spirit.
Breen has a goal, 10 points and 118 penalty minutes in 125 career OHL games, all with the Spirit. He reports for practice on Wednesday and is expected to play in this weekend's road trip to Peterborough (Thursday), Oshawa (Friday) and Barrie (Saturday).
Skellett has been at home in London, Ontario, awaiting a trade since returning from Vancouver Canucks' rookie camp last month. He chose not to report to Otters' training camp because he was unhappy with his role on the team. He also wanted to complete his OHL career closer to his family. Skellett, acquired by the Otters in a three-team trade that included Saginaw in Jan. 2007, had 25 goals and 57 points in 93 games with the club.
In other news, left wing Kelly Geoffrey, who has been sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery last spring, could play this weekend, Bassin said. He was medically cleared for full contact on Monday. "That's the best news I've ever heard in my life," Geoffrey said today.
Meanwhile, Bassin said defenseman David Shields, 17, won't play this weekend because of a minor concussion suffered Friday against Plymouth. Rookie center Mike Cazzola, 17, isn't expected to play because of an ankle injury, Bassin said. But left wing Luke Gazdic, 19, should play despite an ankle injury, Bassin said.

– Victor Fernandes

Jordan Skellett has the new OHL home he wanted.
Sherry Bassin has the veteran defenseman he wanted.
Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner/general manager, acquired Chris Breen, a 6-foot-7, 224-pound defenseman, from Saginaw for veteran forward Jordan Skellett today. The Otters also received a fifth-round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection while sending a 2009 seventh-rounder to the Spirit.
Breen, 19, provides a defensive presence on a unit that lost Josh Kidd, 19, to Manchester of the American Hockey League and Mitch Gaulton, 18, to season-ending elbow surgery. Breen has one goal, 10 points, a plus-34 rating and 118 penalty minutes in 125 career OHL games, all with the Spirit.
Coach Robbie Ftorek has wanted a tough defender in front of goaltender Jaroslav Janus since being hired by the club last October, Bassin said. “We expect that it will be tougher to get to the net,” Bassin said of having Breen in the lineup. Center Zack Torquato, 19, who played with Breen in Saginaw for 1½ seasons, also praised his character, Bassin said. “(Torquato) said he’s a really good person,” Bassin said.
Breen reports to practice on Wednesday and will play Thursday in Peterborough. Meanwhile, Skellett, 18, has been waiting for a trade at home in London, Ontario, since returning from Vancouver Canucks’ rookie camp last month. Skellett, who didn’t return a telephone message on Tuesday, didn’t report to Otters’ training camp. He was at times unhappy about his role with the team, his father, Jason, said last month. He also wanted to complete his OHL career closer to home, his father said. He had 25 goals 57 points in 93 games with the Otters, who acquired him in Jan. 2007 in a three-team deal that included the Spirit.

– Victor Fernandes

Jordan Skellett, who wanted out of Erie, was traded to Saginaw on Tuesday. But when asked about Nick Palmieri, who requested a trade to an OHL contender in May, Otters managing partner/general manager Sherry Bassin didn't lean in any direction. "As long as he's here, he's here to stay," Bassin said. A few weeks after confirming trade talks regarding Palmieri had intensified, Bassin didn't confirm if clubs continue inquiring about him.
"To say they're inquiring about him is an unfair comment," Bassin said. "They inquire about everybody. One of the natures of the business is that you're on the phone a lot talking to people. They want to know whoever's available."

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have reassigned rookie center Phil Teri, 17, to Elmira Jr. B in the Mid-Western Junior Hockey League on Wednesday. Teri, a native of Fergus, Ontario, made the Otters' roster as a free agent in the preseason. He dressed for the first two regular-season games. But he fell down the depth chart after veteran forwards Justin Hodgman, 20, Luke Gazdic, 19, Nick Palmieri, 19, and Zack Torquato, 19, returned from NHL camps. This week, left wing Kelly Geoffrey, 18, was medically cleared to rejoin the lineup. He will play Thursday in Peterborough.
In other news, the Otters will visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, on Friday morning to donate rookie winger Anthony Luciani's stick from the Otters' win in Plymouth on Sept. 20. Luciani scored two penalty-shot goals against the Whalers. He's believed to be the first player to accomplish that feat in the same game. The club also will donate a DVD, ticket and program from that game.
Meanwhile, former defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, who signed a one-year AHL contract with Manchester this week, could be eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Given the one-year deal, the Los Angeles Kings, who hold his rights, still need to sign him to a NHL contract by June 1 or he would re-enter the draft, said Mark Guy, Kidd's agent from Newport Sports Management in Mississauga, Ontario.

– Victor Fernandes

New Erie Otters defenseman Chris Breen, 19, arrived at Tullio Arena late Wednesday afternoon - 8 1/2 hours after he left Saginaw, Mich. Breen, acquired from the Spirit on Tuesday in the Jordan Skellett trade, became lost on Interstate 75 in Detroit while driving to Erie.
A ramp on the highway was closed, he said. "I couldn't figure out the detours," he said. "The drive down here was kind of a battle." Breen arrived late for Wednesday's practice, but he will make his Otters' debut on Thursday in Peterborough. "I was hoping to skate today," Breen said, since the Spirit didn't practice Sunday and Monday and the trade occurred Tuesday.
"It's always kind of a surprise when you get dealt," he said. "But it wasn't too shocking."
Breen was the odd man out in the Spirit's youth movement on defense, led by 18-year-olds Nick Crawford, Adam Comrie, T.J. Brodie and Joe Underwood and 17-year-olds Brad Walch, Cody Sol and Nick Trecapelli. Breen is excited about being a defensive leader with the Otters.
"Defense is my game and what I do best," he said.
His defense mates are excited to have the 6-foot-7, 224-pound Breen in the lineup. Robyn Sertic, 18, said Plymouth and London consistently sent three players to the Otters' net last weekend in hopes of scoring goals against Erie's under-sized, less physical defense. Before Breen's arrival, only David Shields, 17, stood taller than 6 feet and the average weight was 190 pounds. Breen's size and physical presence will help clear the way for goaltenders Jaroslav Janus and Shane Owen. "He will allow us to our jobs," Sertic said.

– Victor Fernandes

What: Erie Otters (2-5-1-0) at Barrie Colts (4-1-1-0)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Barrie Molson Centre - Barrie, Ontario
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330, www.ottershockey.com (live stream)

* Breen’s home debut: Defenseman Chris Breen made his Tullio Arena debut on Wednesday night against Niagara. But he played in front of pro-Otters’ crowds while with Saginaw.
“It’s a great atmosphere. It’s a wicked atmosphere,” he said before the game.
When crowds are large, Breen said, he ranks the atmosphere among the OHL’s top five. “They’re really loud,” he said. “They were getting on us pretty hard. … It definitely gets a team pumped up when the crowd’s roaring.” But with traditionally smaller Tullio crowds for mid-week games, “you have to focus on your game and play your game,” he said.

* Injury update: Defenseman David Shields (minor concussion) will miss another week, said Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager. He missed Wednesday’s game and won’t play this weekend in Guelph and Owen Sound. … Left wing Michael Liambas’ return is still undetermined since his hip flexor remains inflamed. “We miss Liambas,” Bassin said. “We miss his presence and his team mindset.”

* Around the rink: The Otters scratched Shields and forwards Mike Cazzola (ankle), Josh Sidwell, Edgar Rybakov and Matthew Paton (appendectomy). … Niagara scratched defensemen Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis – NHL), Jospeh Sarracini, Keith Maisonville, Josh Day, Matthew Maione and Shayne Rover and forwards Reggie Traccitto and Andrew Shaw.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have placed defenseman Frank Grzeszczak, 19, on waivers, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, confirmed today. The club's depth on defense, especially since last week's acquisition of Chris Breen, 19, led to Bassin's decision, he said.
With Breen on the roster and the injured David Shields, 17, rejoining the lineup next week, the Otters have six defensemen that will have a regular shift - veterans Breen, Shields, Paul Cianfrini, 19, Tyler Hostetter, 17, and Robyn Sertic, 18, and rookie Brett Cook, 17. Grzeszczak wouldn't have played in the rotation's top five, Bassin said.
Left wing Brian Shaw, 18, spent his first two OHL seasons on defense. Left wing Michael Liambas, 19, who began his career on defense, also can play the position once he fully rehabilitates a surgically repaired hip flexor.
Grzeszczak was officially placed on waivers at 4 p.m. Thursday, a couple hours after Bassin informed him of the move. The other 19 OHL clubs have until 5 p.m. Monday to claim Grzeszczak. If he isn't claimed, the Otters maintain his rights. Then Bassin could trade him or release him, possibly to a QMJHL or WHL club.
Bassin pointed out that Grzeszczak has conducted himself well since being reinstated to the club before training camp in August. Grzeszczak was suspended twice last season for poor off-ice conduct, the last of which resulted in a six-month suspension.
But since rejoining the club, Bassin said, "His conduct has been outstanding. There's not one hint of evidence of misconduct."

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Robyn Sertic, 18, continues to rest at home in Mississauga, Ontario, today, two days after being taken to an Owen Sound hospital during Saturday's game against the Attack. "He's better than he was (Saturday)," coach Robbie Ftorek said. "I talked to him today. He said he's pretty good."
Ftorek said today that Sertic's injury, caused by a hit along the boards in the Otters' zone at J.D. McArthur Arena, "wasn't stated as a concussion." Sertic laid face down on the ice, veteran forward Justin Hodgman said today, before being taken a hospital on a backboard.
"That's not something you want to see," Hodgman, 20, said. "Most of the boys hopped off the bench and took a knee. We were all worried and wondering what was going on. (The coaching staff) assured us that he was going to be fine. I'm sure he will be."
There was concern about Sertic's neck, Ftorek said, but he declined to specify his condition further. Sertic will remain at home until Thursday, when he rejoins the club before that night's game at Niagara. But Ftorek doesn't expect Sertic to play against the IceDogs. No timetable has been set for his return, Ftorek said.
Nearly a year ago to the day, Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton was taken an Owen Sound hospital after dislocating his left elbow against the Attack. He missed most of that season with the injury. He will miss the entire 2008-09 season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in July.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have designated right wing Josh Sidwell, 17, for assignment, the club announced today. Sidwell is considering a couple of different Tier II options, said Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager. A decision will be made in the next day or two.
Sidwell will be labeled a floating affiliate, meaning the Otters can recall him for as many as 10 games during his Tier II team's season. The five games he already has played this season don't count towards that 10-game total. Bassin also could re-sign him later in the season.
Sidwell, an eighth-round pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, had one goal and two points in five games with the Otters this season and four goals and five points in 19 career games. His departure leaves the Otters with 22 skaters and two goaltenders on the roster.
In other news, defenseman Frank Grzeszczak, 19, cleared waivers on Monday. According to a source speaking on condition of anonymity, Grzeszczak's agent is looking into him playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters’ Brandon Biggers, Chris Breen, Sean Jones and Shawn Szydlowski will dye their hair pink in honor of breast cancer awareness on Wednesday at Beautiworks (1602 Cherry Street). They will headline a list of as many as 12 players who will dye their hair for the Otters’ second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game at Tullio Arena on Saturday night. Erie resident Janet Pietrzak, Szydlowski’s grandmother and a breast cancer survivor, also will be on hand.
Then at 4 p.m. Thursday at Tullio Arena, the club will unveil the pink jerseys that will be worn on Saturday. Erie native Megan Collins, a breast cancer survivor, will be a featured guest. Collins is one of three athletes to represent Under Armour in its Power in Pink 2008 Undeniable Survivors campaign.

Erie Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton was suspended last month.
Not by the Erie Otters. By his doctors and physiotherapist.
Gaulton began shooting pucks soon after having the cast removed from his left arm – about six weeks after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in July. “Bad idea,” said Gaulton, 18, who is spending the week with the team. “I didn’t hurt myself. I got in trouble. I was suspended from the ice for a month.”
Right now, Gaulton still should miss the entire 2008-09 OHL season. But he wants to reach game shape by Christmas time. Then maybe he could play in March and in the playoffs, he said.
“It’s worth it to me,” he said. Gaulton said his father becomes upset with him for attempting to intensify his rehabilitation. “You’re pushing yourself too hard. You’re going to hurt yourself,” his father has told him. “It’s not worth it for the long run if I wasn’t sure,” the younger Gaulton said.
While in New York City three weeks ago, Gaulton said, Rangers’ doctors were pleased with his progress.
“They were so impressed with how well my elbow is coming along,” he said. “They never gave me a timetable. But they definitely said it’s looking a lot better than (they) were expecting at this time.”
Average recovery time is 12-14 months. “Everyone knows a hockey player is not an average person,” he said. “The way I’m working, I think I can be back in March. But I’m not making any promises.”
Gaulton, who underwent carpal tunnel surgery on his left arm last month, has begun passing pucks lightly. “I’ve been allowed to,” he said. “I feel great. It feels like it’s there.”

– Victor Fernandes

Jill Faulkner, left, owner of Beauti Works in Erie, dyes the hair of Chris Breen pink, defensive player for the Erie Otters, right, for breast cancer awareness on Oct. 22. 11 other Otters players have also agreed to dying their hair pink to raise awareness. RYAN RANDOLPH/Erie Times-News

The Erie Otters are offering 30 fans an opportunity to play pick-up hockey following Saturday night’s game against Kitchener at Tullio Arena. The one-hour session, meant for beginners and intermediate level players age 18 and older, will begin at about 9:30 p.m. The cost $10, and includes a ticket to the game.
Reserve a spot at the Otters’ office (809 French Street) or by calling the Otters’ office at (814) 455-7779 or sending an e-mail to jeremy@ottershockey.com. You need to ask for the pick-up game special. The offer isn’t valid at the Erie Civic Center box office. Players can leave their equipment in dressing room No. 4 before the game.
In other news, fans can skate with the Otters on Nov. 9 from 5-6:15 p.m. at Ice Center of Erie (3515 McClelland Avenue). Admission is $3. Skate rentals are available for $2. For more information, call the Otters’ office or the Ice Center of Erie at (814) 899-0808.

Megan Collins has overcome the most daunting triathlon of her 15-year career.
Like the swimming, biking and running portions of a triathlon, Collins approached her year-long battle with breast cancer in stages. First, the Erie native had three surgeries. Six rounds of chemotherapy began in January. Then six weeks of radiation treatments followed.
“I haven’t crossed the finish line,” said Collins, 37, who was diagnosed on Sept. 28, 2007. “No. 1, I’m still in treatment. No. 2, no one crosses the finish line until a cure for (breast) cancer can be found.”
Collins, a third-grade teacher at Tracy Elementary School in Millcreek Township, currently undergoes Herceptin treatments. According to the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov), Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody (antibodies made in a laboratory) that can locate and bind to substances in the body, including cancer cells. Once those treatments end in February, she will begin taking Tamoxifen – an anti-estrogen pill, Collins said – for five years. But she took a major step forward three weeks ago.
Collins underwent her first follow-up magnetic resonance imaging exam. “(The results) came back, knock on wood, clean,” said Collins, the keynote speaker for the Erie Otters’ second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game at Tullio Arena on Saturday night. Collins was unable to attend the Otters’ inaugural event last spring because she was undergoing treatments. But on Thursday, she was the guest of honor when club officials unveiled the pink sweaters the players will wear on Saturday.
Although Collins said her battle will be “a never-ending saga … (and) a shadow that I will be living with the rest of my life,” it won’t stop her from competing in triathlons. After taking the past year off, she will resume training this winter and begin competing full time in the spring.
“That will be my next milestone,” she said. “There are many milestones in my life. But this is something fun that I can look forward to that my husband and I can train together and do together.”
Collins also looks forward to Saturday’s game.
“It’s (special) how our community is coming together to raise funds for research,” she said. “That is one step that will help us get an inch closer, a step closer to that finish line.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters captain Zack Torquato missed the final two periods of a 5-1 win against Niagara on Thursday night because of a game misconduct. But he won't miss any more games. OHL officials didn't suspend Torquato for the major checking from behind penalty at the end of the first period.
In other news, veteran winger Luke Gazdic missed his second straight game on Friday. He declined to disclose the injury. But Gazdic had an ankle problem earlier in the season.

– Victor Fernandes

* Facing old friends: Otters defenseman Chris Breen faced Saginaw, his former team, on Friday night, less than three weeks after the Oct. 7 trade involving former Otters forward Jordan Skellett.
“I’m kind of nervous,” he said before the game. “I played with some of these guys for three years.”
But at game time, he said, “I’ll look at it as another game. I want to do what I can to help the team win.”

* Speaking of Breen: The bright pink hair Breen unveiled on Wednesday at Beauti Works salon lightened considerably by Friday. Although the dye was permanent, Breen said he believed it washed out in the shower. “I don’t like it,” he said.

* No suspension for Torquato: Otters captain Zack Torquato missed the final two periods of a 5-1 win against Niagara on Thursday after receiving a game misconduct. But he won't miss any more time. OHL officials didn't suspend Torquato for the major checking from behind penalty at the end of the first period.

* Gazdic out: Veteran winger Luke Gazdic missed his second straight game on Friday. He declined to disclose the injury, but Gazdic had an ankle problem earlier in the season.
* Welcome relief: When rookie center Mike Cazzola scored his first OHL goal on Thursday at Niagara, “a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Cazzola said Friday. He felt pressure because of a lack of production.
“It feels good to produce,” he said.

* Game scratches: The Otters scratched defenseman Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) and Robyn Sertic (undisclosed injury) and left wings Gazdic, Michael Liambas (hip flexor) and Matthew Paton (appendectomy). … Saginaw scratched defensemen Cody Sol and T.J. Brodie and forwards Kyle Tront, Daniel Pachis, Mitch Fillman and Jason McDonough.

* Around the rink: Paton said he hopes to make his season debut in the next two weeks. … Dean Pepicello will return as the Otters’ full-time public-address announcer for Saturday night’s game against Kitchener, he said Friday. He hasn’t served in that role since the 2006-07 season.

– Victor Fernandes

* Hairy situation: Twenty of 24 Otters dyed their hair pink for Saturday night’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game against Kitchener at Tullio Arena, said Shawn Waskiewicz, assistant general manager – administration. Captain Zack Torquato took a unique approach, donning a curly pink wig before the game. Head trainer David Stickney wore the wig on the bench during the game.
Coach Robbie Ftorek and assistant/goaltending coach Peter Sidorkiewicz chose pink ties instead of pink hair. But most of the Otters’ staff dyed their hair – except Mark Jeanneret, director of media relations and play-by-play announcer, Waskiewicz said. “Nobody can see me” was Jeanneret’s reason, Waskiewicz said, referring to Jeanneret’s broadcast table high in the arena’s rafters.
Jeanneret said he agreed to dye his hair pink if the Otters won all three games this weekend. They entered Saturday’s game with a win in Guelph on Thursday and a home loss to Saginaw on Friday.

* Better than nothing: The Otters spray painted the lower portion of their sticks pink, mainly because equipment manager Brian Allen couldn’t find pink tape at any local stores. Allen jokingly blamed the Erie Youth Hockey Association’s Senior D Division for buying all the tape. The adult division held “Pink at the Rink” night in support of breast cancer awareness at JMC Ice Arena on Oct. 19.
Rookie winger Anthony Luciani wished the Otters purchased pink sticks for Saturday’s event.
“I would kept one for sure,” he said.

* Strong sales: As of early Saturday night, club officials had sold 48-of-50 pink jerseys worn by the players in the game. Meanwhile, Waskiewicz said Jill Faulkner, owner of Beauti Works, 1602 Cherry Street, expected to apply pink spray paint to the hair of at least 500 people during the game.

* Versatile performer: Veteran Brian Shaw began the season on left wing. Now he’s back on defense, his natural position, in place of injured defenseman Robyn Sertic. After the first game, the transition was smooth, he said. He also has a more thorough understanding of opponents’ tendencies at both positions.
Most importantly, he provides the injury-prone Otters a valuable option at forward and on the blue line.
“We always have some guy out,” Shaw said. “It’s nice to have a guy that can play forward and D.”

* Game scratches: The Otters scratched Sertic and wingers Michael Liambas (hip flexor), Luke Gazdic (undisclosed injury) and Matthew Paton (appendectomy). … Kitchener scratched goaltender Mike Morrison (reassigned to Junior B), defensemen Dan Kelly (broken ankle) and Robert Bortuzzo (shoulder) and right wing Jason Akeson (shoulder).

* Around the rink: The Otters honored seven breast cancer survivors from Erie in a pregame ceremony, headlined by keynote speaker Megan Collins, a Tracy Elementary School teacher and triathlete. Janet Pietrzak, right wing Shawn Szydlowski’s grandmother, and Jorie Ftorek, coach Robbie Ftorek’s sister, also were guests of honors. … Defenseman Chris Breen wore No. 24 instead of No. 8.

– Victor Fernandes

The Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has claimed former Erie Otters defenseman Frank Grzeszczak, according to the Oceanic's Web site. The Oceanic are best known for having Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby from 2003-05.
Grzeszczak, 19, cleared OHL waivers last week. He made his QJHL debut on Saturday in a 2-1 shootout win against Quebec. He had no points and two penalty minutes. He had two goals, 26 points, a minus-38 rating and 71 penalty minutes in 70 games with the Otters from Jan. 2007 to this month. The Oceanic are 10-5 and second in the Eastern Division of the Telus Conference.

– Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters have traded left wing Kelly Geoffrey, 18, to Kingston for a third-round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, said today. The Frontenacs also received a 2009 fifth-round pick. Stay tuned for further updates on the Shootout.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton could rejoin the lineup after the Christmas break, an unnamed source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed today. The rehabilitation of his left elbow appears “way ahead of schedule,” the source said. Gaulton, 18, who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery in July, was expected to miss the entire 2008-09 season. He missed most of last season after being injured in Owen Sound last October.
In other injury news, defenseman Robyn Sertic has been diagnosed with a concussion, said Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager. He will miss at least the next three to four weeks. Left wing Luke Gazdic (ankle) will attempt to practice on Thursday. But his status for this weekend's games against Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury remains uncertain.
Left wing Michael Liambas, who continues to rehabilitate from offseason hip flexor surgery, should resume skating on Monday, Bassin said. But his return to the lineup remains unknown.

– Victor Fernandes

Kelly Geoffrey’s shoulder kept him from being a top-line offensive performer with the Erie Otters.
Maybe that will change in Kingston, said Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager.
Bassin traded Geoffrey, 18, and a fifth-round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection to the Frontenacs on Wednesday for a 2010 third-round choice. That deal occurred a few hours after talks with Larry Mavety, Kingston’s coach, GM and director of hockey operations, grew serious on Tuesday night.
Mavety and his staff were aware of Geoffrey’s skill level, Bassin said. “I knew Mav was looking to do some things,” Bassin said. As Mavety said in a statement on the Frontenacs’ Web site, “Geoffrey is a talented offensive forward. … He gives us more skill up front and can play on the power play.”
Geoffrey played on the Otters’ fourth line since completing a six-month rehabilitation of the shoulder he had surgically repaired twice since the spring of 2007. The club’s top three lines “seem to be playing (well),” Bassin said. “Even (coach) Robbie Ftorek) said it was tough for him.”
Geoffrey, who played with that injured shoulder the past two seasons, had no points in nine games this year. The third-year winger has 27 goals and 70 points in 121 career games.
“(He’s) too good a player to be playing on a fourth line,” Bassin said. “There’s a real good chance he’s going to prove that in Kingston. … He’d given us good service. We tried to do what was best for him.”
Bassin wanted a third-round pick in return, since he chose Geoffrey in the third round of the 2006 draft. “A third-round pick is fair value,” Bassin said.

– Victor Fernandes

OHL rosters for the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge:

Game 1 - Nov. 20 at Sleeman Centre - Guelph, Ontario
Forwards
Matt Duchene (Brampton)
Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael's)
Peter Holland (Guelph)
Anthony Nigro (Guelph)
Cody Hodgson (Brampton)
Chris Terry (Plymouth)
Nazem Kadri (London)
Taylor Hall (Windsor)
Greg Nemisz (Windsor)
Dale Mitchell (Windsor)
Logan Couture (Ottawa)
John Tavares (Oshawa)

Defensemen
Michael Del Zotto (Oshawa)
Ryan Ellis (Windsor)
Cameron Gaunce (Mississauga St. Michael's)
Mark Cundari (Windsor)
Tyler Cuma (Ottawa)
T.J. Brodie (Saginaw)

Goaltenders
Chris Carrozzi (Mississauga St. Michael's)
Tyler Beskorowany (Owen Sound)

Game 2 - Nov. 24 at Gatorade Garden City Complex - St. Catharines, Ontario
Forwards
Duchene
Jamie Arniel (Sarnia)
Zack Kassian (Peterborough)
Andrew Agozzino (Niagara)
Hodgson
Kadri
Bryan Cameron (Belleville)
Hall
Nemisz
Couture
Tavares
Eric O'Dell (Sudbury)

Defensemen
Del Zotto
P.K. Subban (Belleville)
Ellis
Shawn Lalonde (Belleville)
Gaunce
Mark Katic (Sarnia)

Goaltenders
Mike Murphy (Belleville)
Trevor Cann (Peterborough)