Next up in the Draft In Review series is the Erie Otters, who picked up several junior-ready players with their draft picks.
The Erie Otters began their draft by selecting at 10th overall. The Otters took some strides this season, making the playoffs and taking the Kitchener Rangers to six games before losing to them in the first round.
The Otters have a young core with Malcolm Spence and Matthew Schaefer leading the way, and they added to that young group with their selections in this draft class.
1st Round, 10th Overall: Tyler Challenger, North York Rangers
Tyler Challenger is a prime example of an OHL-ready prospect in this draft class. He's a 6-foot-1 forward with the frame and strength of a major junior player in this league already. He's a strong puck driver, he's able to get to the middle of the ice frequently and create with his hands in tight.
Challenger can drive a line at the junior level, he can create offence with his quickness and consistently gains entry into the attacking zone. With the North York Rangers, Challenger was able to separate himself consistently given the abundance of talent on his team, and he was able to drive a line on his own.
He brings a player type that the Erie Otters are lacking. They lack a play-driving, strong forward, and he will compliment players like Malcolm Spence quite well because of that.
2nd Round, 25th Overall: Lucas Ambrosio, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
The Erie Otters are bringing in a big, burly defenceman on the blue line with Lucas Ambrosio. Ambrosio has good feet for a 6-foot-3 young defender, and he possesses a lot of raw tools that the Otters will be able to build upon.
Ambrosio is strong in front of his own net and along the boards, and he actively gets himself in shooting and passing lanes. He has solid defensive awareness, but he isn't exactly going to be a game changer. He isn't going to rush the puck end-to-end, but he can be responsible in his own zone.
The Otters also lack a defender with some size and strength on the back end, and Ambrosio can provide that.
4th Round, 72nd Overall: Michael D'Alessio, Vaughan Kings
Complete opposite from Lucas Ambrosio, the Otters selected Michael D'Alessio with their fourth round pick. D'Alessio is a smooth-strided, puck moving defender who can get things started in transition for his team. He has a highly effective first pass, and he's able to skate the puck well into the neutral zone and gain entries for his team.
D'Alessio was on a very deep team on the blue line, as he played with Zach Nyman, Cole Emerton, and Andrew Robinson — fellow high draft picks. Despite that, D'Alessio consistently proved that he can make things happen with the puck on his stick, and his vision is high-end.
Here are Erie's remaining draft selections:
Round 6, Pick #112: Colton Radford, F, Huron Perth Lakers
Round 7, Pick #132: Hudson Wozney, F, Guelph Gryphons
Round 8, Pick #152: Andrew Willis, D, Elgin Middlesex Canucks
Round 9, Pick #175: Michael Tamburro, G, Mississauga Reps
Round 11, Pick #212: Kayden Edwards, F, Toronto Marlboros
Round 12, Pick #232: Thomas Hamilton, D, Ottawa Myers
Round 13, Pick #252: Jameson Fabbro, F, Sudbury Wolves
Round 14, Pick #268: Owen Papp, G, Hamilton Steel
Round 14, Pick #272: Jacob Johnston, F, Mississauga Reps