The Erie Otters are celebrating their 30th season by honoring two of the greatest players in franchise history.<\/p>\n
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Courtesy of the Erie Otters<\/p>\n
The organization announced that all-time leading scorer Dylan Strome and all-time leading goal scorer Alex DeBrincat will have their jersey numbers retired during the team’s 2017 Championship Weekend festivities in February.<\/p>\n
Strome’s No. 19 jersey will be raised to the rafters on February 6 when the Otters host the Owen Sound Attack. DeBrincat’s No. 12 jersey will be retired the following night, February 7, also against Owen Sound Attack.<\/p>\n
Strome arrived in Erie as the second overall pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection and quickly became one of the franchise’s most dominant players. During his Otters career, he scored 315 points and helped lead the team to four consecutive 50-win seasons, multiple OHL Finals appearances, and ultimately the 2017 OHL Championship. His standout 129-point season in 2014-15 led to him being selected third overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL Draft.<\/p>\n
DeBrincat joined the Otters as a free agent prior to the 2014 to 2015 season and made an immediate impact, scoring 51 goals as a rookie while earning OHL Rookie of the Year honors. He followed that with another 51-goal campaign before exploding for 65 goals and 127 points in his final junior season. DeBrincat became one of the most prolific scorers in league history and played a key role in Erie capturing the 2017 J. Ross Robertson Cup.<\/p>\n
General Manager Dave Brown said both players left a lasting legacy on and off the ice.<\/p>\n
“Some players come through your organization and leave an impression long after they have moved on,” Brown said. “Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat are two of those players. They not only put up great numbers but also helped produce countless wins, left us with many memories and helped bring a championship to Erie.”<\/p>\n
Managing Partner Jeremy Wood-Ross said the jersey retirements are a fitting way to honor two players who helped create unforgettable moments for Otters fans.<\/p>\n
“Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat helped give so many people in Erie memories that will last a lifetime,” Wood-Ross said. “We’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished and excited to welcome them back to celebrate their contributions to the Otters and the community.”<\/p>\n
The two stars will join an exclusive group in the Erie Insurance Arena rafters that includes Brad Boyes (No. 16), Vince Scott (No. 18), and Connor McDavid (No. 97).<\/p>\n
As part of the celebration, the first 2,000 fans through the doors on February 6 will receive a Dylan Strome bobblehead, while the first 2,000 fans on February 7 will receive an Alex DeBrincat bobblehead. Special meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for fans.<\/p>\n
The Otters will wear the yellow script jerseys from their 2017 playoff run during both games, with the jerseys set to be auctioned off following the conclusion of Championship Weekend.<\/p>\n
The February ceremonies will serve as a celebration not only of two franchise legends, but also of the championship team that brought the OHL title back to Erie and cemented its place in Otters history.<\/p>\n