Faceoff Factor

Erie Otters Hire New Head Coach

Andrew Chiappazzi | Juniors

Oct 29, 04:01 PM | Hype this story!

GoErie.com, the internet site of the Erie Times News, is reporting that the Erie Otters have hired former NHL coach and player Robbie Ftorek as the new head coach of the struggling franchise.

Current head coach Peter Sidorkiewicz has not been removed from the team, according to the website, but instead has been offered a position under Ftorek. Assistant Mike Stapleton has also been offered a position with the club.

The Otters have struggled since an impressive run that culminated in an Ontario Hockey League championship in 2001-2002. The Otters have the worst record in the OHL this year at 3-12-0-0 and they are 18-62-1-2 in the year and a half Sidorkiewicz has been at the helm.

Ftorek, meanwhile, has coached with the Kings, Devils, and Bruins after playing in the NHL for eight seasons.

Stay tuned for Faceoff Factor for more news involving this change and other Erie Otters news, as C.J. “Stoosh” Jiuliante continues his occasional “Otter Tracking” piece.