The Erie Otters have officially signed their first-round pick from the 2026 CHL Import Draft.
Erie announced Tuesday that Austrian forward Paul Schuster has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the team.
The Otters selected Schuster 19th overall, making him the first Austrian-born player ever drafted by Erie in the CHL Import Draft. He is also the second and final player selected by the Otters in this year’s import draft to sign with the club.
The 5-foot-10, right-shot winger split last season between the EC Salzburg U20 program and RB Hockey Juniors of the Alps Hockey League. Schuster recorded 34 points on 14 goals and 20 assists in 42 games.
Born in 2009, Schuster was one of just two regular 16-year-olds on the RB Juniors roster last season.
Schuster also has international experience with Austria, appearing in 18 games between the country’s U18 and U20 programs. He served as an alternate captain with the Austrian U18 team.
Erie Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve said Schuster’s experience at both the international and professional levels should benefit the Otters.
“We are excited that Paul and his family have chosen to continue his development in Erie,” Grieve said. “We believe Paul fits in well with our group of forwards.”
Grieve added that Schuster’s international and professional experience will be a valuable addition to the Otters as the organization looks toward the upcoming season and beyond.
Schuster is expected to join the Otters for main training camp next week as Erie prepares for the 2026-27 OHL season.