Meteors secure new path to OHL through affiliaton with Erie Otters

A new deal struck with the Erie Otters hockey team marks a major step forward for the Fort Erie Meteors.

The Otters from Erie, Pennsylvania play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of only three U.S. teams to do so, sitting above the Greater Ontario Hockey League in which the Meteors compete. The new deal gives Fort Erie direct access to OHL prospects while offering local players a clearer chance to move up.

Nik Passero, Meteors head coach and general manager, told Fort Erie Radio the connection builds on years of informal cooperation between the two teams.

“We gotta keep all doors open for these kids,” he said. “They work so hard, we have to make sure that they’re well taken care of.”

The agreement lets the Otters send affiliated players, draft picks and prospects to Fort Erie, which already has two of their young players, Colton Radford and Alex Masotti. The clubs will work together on scouting, evaluation and player advancement.

Recent shifts in junior hockey made the timing right.

“The landscape…made it important for us to take this step, and with Erie being so geographically close, it worked out perfect for us,” said Passero.

The agreement sets out a simple structure. The Otters can send players to Fort Erie when they need development time, and the Meteors will get first chance to bring them into the lineup.

The Otters have already added forward Danny Adamo to their protection list.

“Our guys are happy with it and they’re excited to open some doors that maybe weren’t open to them before,” said Passero.

Passero thanked residents for supporting the recent Circle Back Foundation charity game at which all donations collected support cancer research and early testing.

“It was a really nice night for everyone,” said Passero.

The Meteors plan to hold a cheque presentation at a home game in the coming weeks once the final donation total is confirmed.

Fort Erie beat the St. Catharines Falcons in overtime on Saturday night with a final score of 4-3.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe