Erie Otters Found A Bright Star In The Middle Of Adversity
The OHL's Erie Otters have been having a good season so far with their rising stars like Anaheim Ducks' second-round pick Carey Terrance and future NHL projected first-round pick Malcom Spence putting up big numbers, veteran goalie Ben Gaudreau making big saves, and the team uniting together every night. But when Terrance and Blackhawks second-round pick Martin Misiak left the team to play for their home countries in the World Juniors, the team lost two of their leaders and playmakers. Fans wondered who would step up in their absence. Well no one has stepped up more than 18-year-old Dylan Edwards, who was called up after initially missing the opening night roster.
Edwards Shined In The OJHL To Start Season
After being sent down to the Toronto Patriots of the OJHL, Edwards immediately proved to be one of the best players on the team scoring 11 goals and 35 points all together in just 21 games. In his final game before getting called up, Edwards added two goals and three assists for a five-point night in a 7-5 win over the Georgetown Raiders. He was rewarded with being called up for the team's December 28th contest, where Erie would fall 3-1 to Guelph on the road.
His OHL Comeback Was Just What Erie Otters Needed
It would take until New Year's Eve for Edwards to find the back of the net, as he netted two goals in a 7-4 victory to close out 2023. But that would only be the beginning. After Edwards only scored two more goals in the next four games, he got hot when everyone else was cold. On a freezing, snowy night in downtown Erie, Dylan Edwards scored his first-career hat-trick in a big win versus rival Flint Firebirds. In the 7-2 victory, he stepped up in a must-win game against the team just below them in the standings. He later added two assists the next game as Erie earned back-to-back victories.
While there is still plenty of season left, Edwards' success story is just one of the best things about hockey. He has made the most of his opportunity and it's so amazing to see him get the recognition he deserves. Hopefully Edwards builds on his success and help push the team to their first trip to the playoffs since 2017.
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