Erie Otters defenseman Mitch Gaulton's wait to play appears nearly over.
Gaulton, who has played five games - none this season - since dislocating his left elbow in October 2007, could rejoin the lineup next week, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said today. Club officials are waiting for final confirmation from team doctors and New York Rangers' specialists, which could occur in the next day or so, Bassin said. The Otters face Niagara and Sarnia on Jan. 16-17 at Tullio Arena.
"We expect that," Bassin said of Gaulton's return. "We're waiting for the doctors (to give) the go-ahead on him. We can't do anything until that's done. We expect that to be immiment. ... We believe, from what we understand, it's a basic formality."
In other injury news, defenseman Robyn Sertic (concussion) will be re-evaluated next week, Bassin said. A timetable for Sertic's return hasn't been set. "If Sertic is ruled healthy," Bassin said, "we're pretty solid on the blue line."

– Victor Fernandes