The Erie Otters are preparing for the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection Draft, marking their 10th participation in this event. The U18 draft offers teams a second chance to select players under 18 who may have been overlooked in the standard Priority Selection. This year, the Otters hold the #2 overall pick, aiming to add promising talent to their roster. They selected forward Zach Forwell from the Waterloo Wolves after a standout season with 126 points over 79 games. Forwell's performance has garnered praise, positioning him as a key contributor for the Otters moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Zach Forwell recorded 126 points with 51 goals and 75 assists last season.
  • The Erie Otters hold 13 picks in the upcoming 2026 OHL Priority Selection, including the #2 overall pick.
State of Play
  • The Otters have selected 26 players in the U18 draft鈥檚 history, with 10 making the regular season roster.
  • Zach Forwell will compete for a roster spot during training camp this fall.
What's Next

The Erie Otters will continue their draft activities with the 2026 OHL Priority Selection set to commence shortly. The team is excited about the potential impact of Forwell and the other new recruits on their season. With a focus on building for the future, the Otters aim to strengthen their lineup with both experience and youthful talent.

Bottom Line

The selection of Zach Forwell reflects the Otters' strategy to identify and develop under-the-radar talent. This pick symbolizes a commitment to enhancing team competitiveness as they move into their 30th OHL season. Erie is poised for an exciting future as they integrate new prospects into their squad.