OHL Playoff Spotlight: Erie Otters Go "All In" at the Right Time

Credit Erie Otters

In recent history the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League have not been good. From 2005 to the end of the 2013 season they either did not qualify for the playoffs or were quickly bounced in the first round. All of this started to change when they drafted future NHL superstar Connor McDavid first overall in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft. This pickup of one of the greatest young players of this decade along with other players beginning to step up allowed for the Otters to jump into serious playoff contention, as they made it to the Conference Finals each of the last three years.

Credit Erie Highlight Reel

Unfortunately each of the last three years the Otters have failed to win the OHL championship and qualify for a shot at the coveted Memorial cup, but this year just might be their chance. After management took a look at all of the aging star power on their team that will soon be gone, most of whom will be gone at the end of the season, they decided that 2017 was their year to go "all in". This "all in" move took place at the OHL trade deadline when they traded for Oshawa Generals Captain and 3rd year OHL Center Anthony Cirelli. In return the Otters gave up their 2016 first round pick and 5 other future picks, a hefty price but hopefully worth it in the long run. Cirelli brings veteran depth to the large talent pool of Otters goal scorers along with championship experience as he won the OHL playoffs with Oshawa in 2015.

Credit Otters Hockey

This move did not go unnoticed by Otters players and fans alike as they each responded with their third straight 50 win season, good for first overall in the OHL, and large home attendances respectively. Hopefully 2017 will finally be the year that the Otters find championship success.

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