Is Matthew Schaefer the bonafide No. 1 overall pick in 2025? It's been a turbulent year for the Otters both on and off the ice. Not only did they lose CEO, governor, and owner Jim Waters [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/erie-otters-dominate-saginaw-in-inspirational-win-for-owner-governor-jim-waters], but they also fired Head Coach Stan Butler [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/otters-fire-head-coach-after-internal-review] following an internal investigation. While the team has not released any new details concerning Butler's firing, they are ready to announce his replacement Former Kelowna Rockets coach Kris Mallette will be the eleventh coach in the organization's history. "Kris is a very well-respected coach in hockey circles and is regarded as an A1 person," said GM Dave Brown. "His exceptional ability to communicate on all levels with players, staff, media patterns, and community is a testament to his leadership skills." The 46-year-old Kelowna native played in both the WHL and ECHL during his playing days. After retiring, he acted as an Assistant Coach for the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL for five years before becoming the Head Coach during the 2019-20 season. He joins Erie just over a month after being relieved of his duties with Kelowna on Jan. 10. Kelowna is last in the Western Conference with just 16 wins in 51 games this year. "The more questions I asked my colleagues around the OHL and people familiar within the Otters organization it was a very easy decision for my family and I to accept this opportunity," said Mallette. "I'm excited for the challenges that come within a new league and personally." Mallette has been behind the bench for Team Canada in three straight gold medal victories at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, acting as an assistant coach in 2022 and 2023. That 2023 Canadian team featured Otters' star left winger Malcolm Spence. Kris was the Head Coach for last year's team which was captained by Otters' superstar defender Matthew Schaefer. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAhAKmN_xwM[/embed] The two young stars are highly rated prospects for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Mallette's first game behind the bench is later this evening. The Otters host the Niagara IceDogs in what should be a clash between two strong teams. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark The Hockey News OHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/] site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league.
