Shane Owen will start in goal for the Erie Otters tonight against London at Tullio Arena. A visibly tired Jaroslav Janus will serve as the backup, several hours after arriving in Erie from Detroit.
Janus' flight from Detroit to Erie on Tuesday was cancelled because of inclement weather. He spent the evening in a hotel before boarding a morning flight this morning.
He experienced the same unfortunate situation in Detroit at this time last season after being cut from Slovakia's World Junior team. But this time, he was the darling of the World Juniors, as he led his native country to a fourth-place finish in Ottawa, Ontario. Janus also was assisted by some Erie natives, who also were scheduled for the same same cancelled flight. In exchanged, Janus fulfilled a simple request - autographs.

In other news, former Otters winger Patrick Lee, who spent the past 1 1/2 seasons in Plymouth, was traded to Niagara today along with goaltender Jeremy Smith. The Whalers received three draft picks. Lee, an overager, spent two-plus seasons with the Otters from 2005-07 before being traded to the Whalers. He has 10 goals and 23 points in 37 games this season.

Game scratches: The Otters scratched defensemen Mitch Gaulton (left elbow) and Robyn Sertic (concussion) and left wing Michael Liambas (hip). London scratched goaltender Michael Zador, defensemen Scott Aarssen and Matt Ashman and center Phil Varone (knee).

– Victor Fernandes