Erie Otters

Last updated

Erie Otters
Erie Otters logo.svg
City Erie, Pennsylvania
League Ontario Hockey League
ConferenceWestern
DivisionMidwest
Founded 1996 (1996)–97
Home arena Erie Insurance Arena
ColorsNavy, gold, gray, white
    
Owner(s)Jim Waters
General managerDave Brown
Head coach Stan Butler
Media Erie Times-News

Erie News Now
Jet Radio 1400
Fox Sports 1330 AM
Happi 927
90.5 WERG
Kinzua Country 104.3
Channel 98.9
Sunny 105.7
WKSN 1340 AM
Rock 103

Contents

ESPN 970 WFUN
Website ottershockey.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Franchise history
1946–1953 Windsor Spitfires
1953–1960 Hamilton Tiger Cubs
1960–1974 Hamilton Red Wings
1974–1978 Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups
1978–1984 Brantford Alexanders
1984–1988 Hamilton Steelhawks
1988–1996 Niagara Falls Thunder
1996–presentErie Otters
Current uniform
OHL-Uniform-ER.png

The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Midwest division of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of only three American teams in the league. The team's name refers to the North American river otter common to Lake Erie. The Otters play at Erie Insurance Arena in downtown Erie, next door to UPMC Park and the Warner Theatre.

The Otters have a history of notable achievements within the Ontario Hockey League. The team has twice captured the prestigious J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions, in the 2001–02 and 2016–17 seasons. Furthermore, they were awarded the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions in the 2014–15 and 2016–17 seasons. Their regular season dominance is underscored by securing the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for attaining first place in the league standings during the 2000–01, 2015–16, and 2016–17 seasons. Additionally, the Otters have consistently excelled in divisional play, earning the Holody Trophy as Midwest Division champions in multiple seasons. These accolades collectively highlight the team's sustained success and competitive excellence across various facets of league competition.

History

Relocation years (1946–1996)

The franchise now known as the Erie Otters originated as the Windsor Spitfires in 1946. The team remained in Windsor until 1953, when the franchise was relocated to Hamilton, and rebranded as the Tiger Cubs. During this period, the team played its home games at the Barton Street Arena. In 1960, the franchise underwent another transformation, adopting the name Hamilton Red Wings following a partial acquisition by the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). This change marked a significant affiliation between the junior team and its NHL counterpart.[ citation needed ]

By the 1972–73 season, the franchise underwent another significant transition under the new ownership of Ron Cupido and the Finochio brothers, rebranding as the Hamilton Fincups. The team remained based in Hamilton until 1976, when the closure and subsequent condemnation of the Hamilton Forum necessitated a relocation. For the 1976–77 season, the Fincups played at the Garden City Arena in St. Catharines. The franchise returned to Hamilton the following season, establishing itself at Mountain Arena. However, ongoing challenges, including low attendance figures and the absence of a new, modern facility, prompted yet another relocation. For the 1978–79 season, the team moved to Brantford, where it was renamed the Alexanders. These transitions reflect the franchise's ongoing struggle to secure long-term stability in its home markets.[ citation needed ]

By the 1984–85 season, the franchise returned to Hamilton under the new moniker Steelhawks, with plans to establish itself in the newly constructed Copps Coliseum. Despite the promise of the new venue, the team continued to face challenges with low attendance, prompting another relocation for the 1988 season. The franchise moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario, where it was rebranded as the Thunder. In the 1996 season, the team underwent its final relocation, crossing the border into Pennsylvania to become the Erie Otters. [1]

The Otters achieved significant success at the turn of the millennium, securing the Holody Trophy as Midwest Division champions in 1999, the first of three consecutive division titles. This period of dominance culminated in the team capturing the J. Ross Robertson Cup as Ontario Hockey League champions during the 2001–02 season. Head coach Dave MacQueen was subsequently recognized for his contributions, receiving the OHL Coach of the Year award for the 2001–02 season. Additionally, general manager Sherwood Bassin was honored with both the OHL Executive of the Year and CHL Executive of the Year awards in recognition of his pivotal role in assembling and managing the championship-winning team. [2] [3]

Qualifying for the playoffs for the first time (1997–2001)

In the early 2000s, the Otters moved up in the league standings gaining the help of players such as Brad Boyes and Dan Cleary. In 2001, the Otters secured a playoff berth, advancing to the Western Conference final, where they were ultimately defeated by the Plymouth Whalers.[ citation needed ]

The emergence of Ryan O'Reilly (2006–08)

During the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, the Otters finished at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, the team saw the emergence of future NHL star Ryan O'Reilly, who was selected first overall in the 2007 OHL draft, receiving the prestigious Jack Ferguson Award. [4] In his rookie season (2007–08), O'Reilly demonstrated considerable promise, recording 52 points in 61 games. He was subsequently named the Otters' Rookie of the Year and Most Sportsmanlike Player, in addition to being Erie's nominee for the Bobby Smith Trophy, recognizing his achievements both on and off the ice. [5]

The rise of Connor McDavid (2012–15)

Following their years of decline, the Otters entered a rebuilding phase, emphasizing the drafting and development of young talent.[ citation needed ] This strategy proved successful when they selected Connor McDavid first overall in the 2012 OHL priority selection. McDavid quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional player, garnering attention for his extraordinary skill and on-ice vision. Under his leadership, the Otters returned to championship contention, achieving a remarkable record of 50 wins during the 2014–15 season, a franchise best. McDavid was also granted "exceptional player" status by Hockey Canada, enabling him to join the Otters at the age of fifteen. He led the team to the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals 2015, where they were ultimately defeated by the Oshawa Generals. [6] [7] [8]

Memorial Cup appearance (2017)

On March 18, 2017, the Otters made history by becoming the first team in Canadian Hockey League (CHL) history to achieve four consecutive 50-win seasons from 2013 to 2017. Before this achievement, they had shared the record for three consecutive 50-win seasons with several teams, including the Kelowna Rockets (2012–15), Edmonton Oil Kings (2011–14), Saint John Sea Dogs (2009–12), and Kamloops Blazers (1989–92). [9]

During the Memorial Cup, on May 22, 2017, the Otters set a new record for the most goals scored by a single team in a single game, defeating the Saint John Sea Dogs with a score of 12–5. This victory surpassed the previous record of 11 goals set by the Quebec Remparts in 1974 (11–3) and the Regina Pats in 1980 (11–2). Individual achievements included Dylan Strome, who recorded a remarkable seven points in a single game (four goals, three assists), while Taylor Raddysh tied the former record of six points (two goals, four assists) in the same game. [10]

Possible relocation (2019–present)

Following several years of speculation regarding a potential relocation to Hamilton, the Otters formalized a ten-year lease agreement with Erie Insurance Arena in September 2019. [11]

On January 17, 2022, the Otters marked a significant milestone by hosting their inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK) game. This event featured Alex Randall, a student from the University of Pittsburgh, who made history as the first African-American play-by-play announcer in the histories of the Ontario and Canadian hockey leagues. This initiative continued in 2023 with Trey Matthews, a Pennsylvania native and student at Arizona State University, serving as the announcer for the MLK Jr. Day game. [12] [13] [14]

Uniforms and logos

From their inception through the conclusion of the 2016–17 season, the Otters utilized a color palette of navy blue, gold, red, and white. The team's primary logo depicted a stylized, anthropomorphic otter wielding a hockey stick and wearing hockey gear, enclosed within a circular design. The logo prominently featured the wordmark "Otters" in red, accented with gold and navy blue outlines. The home uniforms comprised navy blue sweaters with red and gold detailing, while the away uniforms showcased white jerseys accented with navy blue and red trim, maintaining a cohesive and vibrant visual identity. [15]

During the 2013–14 season, the Otters introduced a gold alternate jersey that incorporated a navy blue shoulder yoke, navy blue and white striping, and a cursive "Otters" wordmark prominently displayed across the chest. This design was a tribute to the Erie Blades, a defunct hockey team that played in the region from 1975 to 1982. In 2016, the Otters expanded the use of this alternate jersey, designating it for every Saturday home game throughout the regular season. To further enhance the uniform's aesthetic, the team replaced the blue helmets previously worn with the gold jerseys, introducing matching gold helmets to complete the look. [16] [17]

For the 2017–18 season, the Otters rebranded with a cursive "Otters" wordmark as their new primary logo. Alongside this change, the team adopted a permanent color scheme of gold, navy, and white. As part of the rebranding initiative, the previously used gold alternate jersey was designated as the team's official home uniform. Additionally, a newly designed white jersey, styled to mirror the gold home jersey, was introduced as the primary away uniform. This redesign marked a significant shift in the team's visual identity, emphasizing a cohesive and modernized aesthetic. [18]

On May 20, 2019, the Otters unveiled an updated version of a previous logo, incorporating the team's revised color palette of navy blue, gold, and gray. This refreshed emblem maintained the essence of the original design while introducing contemporary elements to reflect the team's evolving identity. The update also included a redesigned shoulder patch, which featured the name "Erie" prominently displayed within the Pennsylvania keystone symbol, emphasizing the team's connection to its home state. [19]

Arena

The Erie Otters play their home games at Erie Insurance Arena, which opened in 1983 and seats more than 6,700 spectators for ice hockey. [20]

Championships

List of championships: [21]

J. Ross Robertson Cup Wayne Gretzky Trophy Hamilton Spectator Trophy Holody Trophy
OHL ChampionsWestern Conference Champions1st Place - Regular SeasonMidwest Division Champions

2001–02

2016–17

2001–02

2014–15

2016–17

2000–01

2015–16

2016–17

1999–00

2000–01

2001–02

2014–15

2015–16

2016–17

Coaches

List of coaches: [22]

Regular SeasonPlayoffsMemorial Cup
CoachFirst SeasonLast SeasonGPWLTOTLSOLPTSPCT%GPWLPCT%GPWLPCT%
Chris Johnstone 1996-97 1996-97*39112530025.321--------
Dale Dunbar 1996-97* 1997-98 934536930102.5481248.333----
Paul Theriault 1998-99 1998-99 68313340066.485514.200----
Dave MacQueen 1999-2000 2005-06 47622918336253522.548643826.594422.500
Peter Sidorkiewicz 2006-07 2007-08*84196201241.244--------
Robbie Ftorek 2007-08* 2012-13*35313917401613307.43616412.250----
Kris Knoblauch 2012-13* 2016-17 31321683095446.712694623.667532.600
Chris Hartsburg 2017-18 2021-22*199759901411175.438--------
B.J Adams2021-22*2022-23*90364803378.400--------
Stan Butler 2022-23*2023-2495404405618.421624.333

* indicates replacement mid-season.

Award winners

List of award winners:

Season CoachAward WonAward Forref
2000-01 Dave MacQueen Matt Leyden Trophy Coach of the Year [2]
2015-16 Kris Knoblauch Matt Leyden Trophy Coach of the Year [2]

General managers

List of general managers with multiple seasons in parentheses.

Players

Award winners

List of award winners: [2]

Season Player(s)Award WonAward For
1999-00 Brad Boyes CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award
Bobby Smith Trophy OHL Scholastic Player of the Year
2000-01 Brad Boyes Red Tilson Trophy Most Outstanding Player
William Hanley Trophy Most Sportsmanlike Player
Joey Sullivan Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Humanitarian of the Year
2001-02 Brad Boyes CHL Sportsman of the Year Award
Red Tilson Trophy Most Outstanding Player
William Hanley Trophy Most Sportsmanlike Player
Wayne Gretzky 99 Award OHL Playoffs MVP
Cory Pecker Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy Overage Player of the Year
2003-04 Chris Campoli CHL Humanitarian of the Year
Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Humanitarian of the Year
2006-07 Derrick Bagshaw Roger Neilson Memorial Award Top Academic University Player
Ryan O'Reilly Jack Ferguson Award First Overall Draft Pick
2011-12 Connor McDavid Jack Ferguson Award First Overall Draft Pick
Adam Pelech Bobby Smith Trophy Scholastic Player of the Year
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award Top Academic High School Player
2012-13 Connor McDavid Emms Family Award Top First-Year Player
2013-14 Connor Brown Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy OHL Leading Scorer
Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy Top Scoring Right Winger
Red Tilson Trophy Most Outstanding Player
CHL Top Scorer Award Highest Scoring Player in CHL
Dane Fox Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy Overage Player of the Year
Connor McDavid William Hanley Trophy Most Sportsmanlike Player
Bobby Smith Trophy Scholastic Player of the Year
Oscar Dansk & Devin Williams Dave Pinkney Trophy Lowest Team Goals Against
2014-15 Connor McDavid Red Tilson Trophy Most Outstanding Player
Bobby Smith Trophy Scholastic Player of the Year
Wayne Gretzky 99 Award OHL Playoffs MVP
CHL Player of the Year
CHL Top Draft Prospect Award Top Eligible Draft Prospect in CHL
Dylan Strome Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy OHL Leading Scorer
William Hanley Trophy Most Sportsmanlike Player
CHL Top Scorer Award Highest Scoring Player in CHL
Alex DeBrincat Emms Family Award Top First-Year Player
CHL Rookie of the Year
2016-17 Alex DeBrincat Red Tilson Trophy Most Outstanding Player
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy OHL Leading Scorer
Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy Top Scoring Right Winger
CHL Player of the Year
Darren Raddysh Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy Overage Player of the Year
Max Kaminsky Trophy Defenceman of the Year
Warren Foegele Wayne Gretzky 99 Award OHL Playoffs MVP
Dylan Strome Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy Memorial Cup MVP
Dylan Strome & Taylor Raddysh Ed Chynoweth Trophy Memorial Cup Leading Scorer(s)
Anthony Cirelli George Parsons Trophy Memorial Cup Most Sportsmanlike Player

NHL alumni

List of National Hockey League (NHL) alumni: [23]

NHL first-round draft picks

Connor McDavid is the first player with Erie ties to be selected first overall in a major professional sports league’s draft. In his case, it was by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft on June 26, 2015. [24]

List of first round NHL draft picks: [25]

YearPlayerTeamRoundPick #
1997 Jason Ward Montreal Canadiens 111
1998 Michael Rupp New York Islanders 19
1999 Tim Connolly New York Islanders 15
2000 Nikita Alexeev Tampa Bay Lightning 18
2000 Brad Boyes Toronto Maple Leafs 124
2001 Carlo Colaiacovo Toronto Maple Leafs 117
2001 Adam Munro Chicago Blackhawks 129
2005 Ryan O'Marra New York Islanders 115
2013 Andre Burakovsky Washington Capitals 123
2015 Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers 11
2015 Dylan Strome Arizona Coyotes 13
2020 Jamie Drysdale Anaheim Ducks 16

Retired numbers

Season-by-season results

List of season-by-season results: [28]

Regular season

Legend: OTL - Overtime Loss, SL - Shootout Loss, PTS - Points, GF - Goals For, GA - Goals Against, GD - Goal Differential

Season GamesWonLostTieOTLSLPTSPCT%GFGAGDStandingPlayoffs
1996–97 6623367--530.402240260-205th CentralLost in Quarterfinals
1997–98 6633285--710.538261252+94th WestLost in Quarterfinals
1998–99 6831334--660.485271297-263rd MidwestLost in Quarterfinals
1999–00 68332843-730.515224229-51st MidwestLost in Semifinals
2000–01 684511102-1020.735264171+931st MidwestLost in Conference Finals
2001–02 68412241-870.632246218+281st MidwestWon OHL Championship , Lost Memorial Cup
2002–03 68243563-570.397181248-675th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2003–04 68292667-710.471221212+95th MidwestLost in Semifinals
2004–05 68312665-730.500186207-214th MidwestLost in Quarterfinals
2005–06 682635-43590.434219266-475th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2006–07 681550-12330.243209378-1695th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2007–08 681846-22400.294206343-1375th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2008–09 683429-32730.537208254-463rd MidwestLost in Quarterfinals
2009–10 683328-52730.537257259-24th MidwestLost in Quarterfinals
2010–11 684026-11820.603281229+523rd MidwestLost in Quarterfinals
2011–12 681052-33260.191169338-1695th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2012–13 681940-45470.346206312-1065th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2013–14 685214-201060.779312170+1422nd MidwestLost in Conference Finals
2014–15 685014-221040.765331212+1191st MidwestLost OHL Championship
2015–16 685215-101050.772269183+861st MidwestLost in Conference Finals
2016–17 685015-211030.757319182+1371st MidwestWon OHL Championship , Lost Memorial Cup
2017–18 682335-73560.412220270-505th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2018–19 682638-31560.412230300-705th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2019–20 632626-47630.500229236-75th MidwestPlayoffs Cancelled
2020–21 000-0000.000000Season CancelledPlayoffs Cancelled
2021–22 682737-22580.426223267-445th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2022–23 682140-25490.360207287-805th MidwestMissed Playoffs
2023–24 683328-52730.537254270-163rd MidwestLost in Quarterfinals

Playoffs

List of playoffs results: [28]

Conference QuarterfinalsConference SemifinalsConference Finals OHL Championship
Season ResultOpponentFinalResultOpponentFinalResultOpponentFinalResultOpponentFinal
1996-97 >Lost Guelph Storm 4-1
1997-98 >Lost London Knights 4-3
1998-99 >Lost Guelph Storm 4-1
1999-00 >Won Brampton Battalion 4-2>Lost Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-3
2000-01 >Won London Knights 4-1>Won Brampton Battalion 4-1>Lost Plymouth Whalers 4-1
2001-02 >Won Sarnia Sting 4-1>Won London Knights 4-2>Won Windsor Spitfires 4-1>Won Barrie Colts 4-1
2002-03 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2003-04 >Won Sarnia Sting 4-1>Lost London Knights 4-0
2004-05 >Lost Kitchener Rangers 4-2
2005-06 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2006-07 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2007-08 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2008-09 >Lost London Knights 4-1
2009-10 >Lost Windsor Spitfires 4-0
2010-11 >Lost Windsor Spitfires 4-3
2011-12 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2012-13 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2013-14 >Won Saginaw Spirit 4-1>Won Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-0>Lost Guelph Storm 4-1
2014-15 >Won Sarnia Sting 4-1>Won London Knights 4-0>Won Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-2>Lost Oshawa Generals 4-1
2015-16 >Won Saginaw Spirit 4-0>Won Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-1>Lost London Knights 4-0
2016-17 >Won Sarnia Sting 4-0>Won London Knights 4-3>Won Owen Sound Attack 4-2>Won Mississauga Steelheads 4-1
2017-18 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2018-19 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2019-20 Cancelled.
2020-21 Cancelled.
2021-22 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2022-23 Out of playoffs. Did not qualify.
2023-24 >Lost Kitchener Rangers 4-2

Memorial Cup

List of Memorial Cup results: [28]

Round Robin Game 1Round Robin Game 2Round Robin Game 3Semi-FinalFinal
YearResultOpponentScoreResultOpponentScoreResultOpponentScoreResultOpponentScoreResultOpponentScore
2002 Lost Kootenay Ice 3-0Won Victoriaville Tigres 5-1Won Guelph Storm 4-0Lost Victoriaville Tigres 5-4 OT
2017 Won Seattle Thunderbirds 4-2Won Saint John Sea Dogs 12-5Lost Windsor Spitfires 4-2Won Saint John Sea Dogs 6-3Lost Windsor Spitfires 4-3

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References

  1. ↑ "Erie Otters". ohlarenaguide.com. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "OHL Awards". Ontario Hockey League. Canadian Hockey League. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  3. ↑ "CHL Awards". chl.ca. Canadian Hockey League. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Otters to select Ryan O'Reilly". oursportscentral.com. May 4, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  5. ↑ "OHL announces scholastic award winners". Ontario Hockey League. April 28, 2008. Retrieved July 6, 2010.[ dead link ]
  6. ↑ Oilers' Connor McDavid becomes fourth fastest to 400 career assists, has 4-point game
  7. ↑ "Connor McDavid granted exceptional status, now eligible for OHL draft". National Post. March 21, 2012. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012.
  8. ↑ "Junior dreams crushed for McDavid in OHL championship". mastercardmemorialcup.ca. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Otters make CHL history, claim second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy – Ontario Hockey League". ontariohockeyleague.com. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Otters rewrite the record books in 12-5 win – Mastercard Memorial Cup". mastercardmemorialcup.ca. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  11. ↑ McKrell, Aaron (2021). Soul of Erie: Sports in the City by the Lake. pp. 169–71. ISBN   979-8722060631.
  12. ↑ "Pennsylvania's Alex Randall to Become First Black Play-by-Play Voice in CHL History". Ontario Hockey League . December 14, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Pennsylvanian Trey Matthews to call Otters' second MLK Day Game – Ontario Hockey League".
  14. ↑ "Erie Otters unveil 2023 Black history logo, jersey". October 22, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Erie Otters Logos History". SportsLogos.net. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  16. ↑ Creamer, Chris. "New Otters Jersey Evokes Memories of the Blades". SportsLogos.net Blog. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Otters lose to IceDogs". GoErie.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Otters Unveil New Color Scheme and Jersey". OttersHockey.com. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Otters Unveil New Jerseys for 2019-2020 Season - Erie News Now | WICU & WSEE in Erie, PA". www.erienewsnow.com. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Erie Insurance Arena". Erie Sports Commission. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  21. ↑ "2023/24 Ontario Hockey League Media Guide" (PDF). CHL Media. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Erie Otters—Team Staff History". Elite Prospects. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  23. ↑ "Erie Otters (OHL) Alumni". Hockey Reference. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  24. ↑ Fernandes, Victor. "Otters' McDavid chosen No. 1 in NHL draft". GoErie.com. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  25. ↑ "OHL Priority Selection Drafted by Erie Otters". Elite Prospects. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Erie Otters—Roster, News, Stats & more". Elite Prospects. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Erie Otters to retire Connor McDavid's No. 97 jersey in Jan. 10 ceremony". Erie Times-News. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  28. 1 2 3 "Erie Otters Statistics & History". HockeyDB.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
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