Faceoff Factor

Otter Tracking

Jesse Marshall | Juniors

Sep 12, 03:21 PM | Hype this story!

The 2006-07 season was one most Erie Otters fans would like to forget. The OHL team was eliminated from contention early and suffered blow-outs and embarrassing losses to the league’s elites.

Now, the Otters are looking to revamp as several recently drafted players look to lead the team to a new horizon.

The Penguins are experiencing an evolution, can the Otters follow suit?

This year, Faceoff Factor will be covering the Otters’ journey in the OHL. We will be on site throughout the year, offering fans an in-depth look at the franchise with exclusive interviews, game reports and player reviews.

As the season approaches, we take a look at several players who will be the key to success for the Erie franchise. These are the franchise players for the Erie Otters.

Ronny Rogers – LW – 6’1 – 170lbs – Shoots L
Experience is everything. Ronny Rogers is the only overage forward on the team right now. He needs to lead by example and be a staple player night in and out. Rogers knows the ropes, so teammates will turn to him when the going gets tough.
2006/07 Stats: 65GP – 18G – 23A – 41Pts – 97PIM

Zack Torquato – C – 6’0 – 195lbs – Shoots R
Torque put up some great numbers last year after arriving in Erie via Saginaw. This year, the new Red Wings prospect will be asked to carry the torch for the young stars in Erie. This will be Torquato’s 3rd year in the OHL, his first full season with Erie.
2006/07 Stats (Erie Only): 43GP – 20G – 26A – 46Pts – 69PIM

Nick Palmieri – RW – 6’3 – 212lbs – Shoots R
The recent third round selection by the New Jersey Devils will look to help lead the Otters on offense. Palmieri is extremely gifted and many expect him to have a breakout year. We will be keeping a close eye on his season.
2006/07 Stats: 56GP – 24G – 21A – 45Pts – 99PIM

Josh Kidd – D – 6’5 – 220lbs – Shoots R
This L.A. Kings prospect brings nearly 200 games of OHL experience to the table. Kidd will be looked to for mentoring on a fairly young defensive squadron.
2006/07 Statistics: 64GP – 9G – 18A – 27Pts – 96PIM

Jaroslav Janus – G – 6’0 – 185lbs – Catches L
Janus was taken with the 2nd overall pick in this year’s CHL import draft. With the struggles of Monaca native Justin Garay, Janus is going to be looked at for serious help in the crease this season. This rookie will play a key role in the success of the Erie franchise.
No previous stats

Check back often, as the season starts September 21 against the Windsor Spitfires, and CJ “Stoosh” Juiliante, David Hahn and myself will be focusing on the past, present and future of this Erie junior-league franchise..