* Don’t bet on it: The OHL has pushed the league’s anti-gambling policy to the forefront, Commissioner David Branch said during a conference call on Wednesday. Making the long-time policy more public around the league was in response to the recent gambling scandal involving NBA referee Tim Donaghy, Branch said. The policy includes a video “to show all our players and staff what can happen,” Branch said. “We’ve taken it a step further to really make our players understand that there is zero tolerance.”
The ban includes what would be considered innocent poker games on bus trips, Branch said.
“There is to be no gambling and betting of any nature in any team activity,” he said. “We recognize that we’re dealing with young people. First and foremost, it’s about education.”
Gambling was an important topic during the league’s annual summer meeting last month. “It was timely based on the NBA happenings,” Branch said. “It wasn’t because we had any internal concerns or any allegations, suggestions about what may be occurring in our league. … This was a proactive step on our part to educate our players and our staff.”
Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager, said the club hasn’t received the video. But players are required to read and sign the club’s conduct book. Then officials review the book with the team.
* Ready to play: Goaltender Jaroslav Janus is excited about his first OHL start tonight against Windsor. “(I’m) a little bit (nervous) because of it being my first game,” he said. (But) I feel good, excited.”
He unveiled new temporary equipment during Thursday’s practice. The club still awaits his permanent equipment. But Bassin expects Janus to use the team’s old equipment tonight. He has used some of that equipment in the past month. He arrived in Erie with only his helmet and athletic supporter. The Slovakian Ice Hockey Federation owns the rest.
* No expansion plans: The OHL has no plans to expand beyond 20 teams, Branch said. That could dilute the level of competition within the league, he said. “You get better through good competition,” Branch said. “So I think at 20 teams is where our owners currently see us staying.”
* Luciani waived: The club placed rookie winger Anthony Luciani on waivers Thursday, Bassin said. Luciani, 17, a 2006 OHL draft pick, headed home on Wednesday after being reassigned. OHL teams can claim him during the 72-hour waiver period. If he isn’t claimed by 4 p.m. Sunday, the Otters maintain his rights. Then the club can release or trade him.
* Around the rink: Defenseman Brett Cook and left wing Matthew Paton, third-round and seventh-round picks in the 2007 OHL draft, will play with Huntsville this season.