2023 DRAFT REVIEW: OTTERS SELECT 16 PLAYERS IN PRIORITY SELECTION
Erie, Pennsylvania – For the 28th time in team history, the Erie Otters would welcome in the next class of prospective players by way of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft (pres. by Real Canadian Superstore). Draft Weekend is always one full of hope, anticipation, and excitement to see talented young men develop into future stars and leaders.
For Erie, the 2023 edition of the Draft was arguably the most anticipated in a decade – having the opportunity to select first overall for the first time since welcoming in Otters’ legend Connor McDavid (2012). Erie was awarded the opportunity to hold the most coveted spot in the draft thanks to luck of the draw of the Ontario Hockey League’s third Lottery Process held on March 29. With a 30 percent chance of earning the first overall pick, Erie would be the recipient of odds in their favor.
Aside from pick one of the entire weekend, Erie would hold an additional 15 picks between rounds one and 15 (excl. round three). Erie would utilize the draft to fill gaps and add depth to a team with building expectation under head coach Stan Butler, who will be coaching his first full season for the team in the 2023-24 season.
With thousands of prospective high-level players available to choose from from the 2007-born draft class, General Manager Dave Brown and scouting staff had a particular focus on what they were looking for from prospects: Size, skating, skill, hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and character on and off the ice.
We’ll take a deeper look at the first 10 players selected by the Erie Otters.
DAY 1: ROUNDS 1-3
Round 1, Pick #1 – Matthew Schaefer
| RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Erie | Matthew Schaefer | RD | 6.01.5 | 160 | 09/05/2007 | Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA | SCTA |
The year Matthew Schaefer was born was the same year that Erie drafted its inaugural first overall pick Ryan O’Reilly. 15 years later, the Stoney Creek, Ontario native would etch his own name into Otters history by becoming the third all-time first overall pick for Erie – and the organizations first ever defenseman taken #1.
The selection was made official by General Manager Dave Brown and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve as part of a special introductory press conference held at the Erie Insurance Arena on Thursday evening. The community and organization would welcome Matthew, brother and OHL alum Jonathan (Niagara 2014-19), father Todd, and mother Jen to the Flagship City. Schaefer would don the new alternate gold jerseys of the Otters, and reveal his jersey number for the team – the #48 previously worn by his brother.
Speaking to the crowd and media for the first time, the shining personality of Schaefer would shine through immediately. The Jack Ferguson Award winner would introduce himself with an icebreaking comment, and proceed to speak on what this moment and privilege means.
“This day is meaningful to my family. I promise to learn, I promise to grow as a person and a player, and I promise to involve myself in the community.” said Schaefer, “I truly wish it was August [for] Training Camp so I could start my journey to try and earn a spot on the opening night roster. This day is truly humbling.”
Matthew Schaefer comes in off a year to remember in his draft-eligible season. A point-plus-per-game regular season (12G+20A in 25GP), and nearly a three-point-per-game post-season (6G+8A in five GP) saw the defenseman as a top-scorer for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s SCTA U16 AAA league champion Halton Hurricanes. Playing in the prestigious OHL Cup tournament, the scoring touch of the season would continue for the blueliner with a point-per-game (1G+3A) in the four games played for the Hurricanes.
On top of a tremendous season with his AAA team, Schaefer would also get the chance to be a hero for his province. Selected to represent Team Ontario in the 2023 Canada Winter Games, Schaefer would be unanimously selected by the coaching staff as team captain – and go on to score the double-overtime game-winning goal in the championship game over Team Saskatchewan. Schaefer lead all Team Ontario defenseman in scoring at a point-per-game (3G+3A) in the six games for the champion province.
The top-ranked overall prospect in HockeyProspect.com’s definitive 2023 OHL Draft Guide, Matthew Schaefer was touted as a “talented prospect who excels all over the ice playing on the backend“. OHL Central Scouting featured Matthew Schaefer in their January edition of Players to Watch, comparing his skill and ability to Hamilton’s Jorian Donovan.
“A powerful defender that has speed to burn and he uses it in all three zones. He can be a one-man breakout as his foot speed allows him to beat forecheckers and make a good heads-up pass or continue though the neutral zone with the puck as he isn’t afraid to lead the play and create offence. He uses his outstanding skating ability to defend with the best of them as he closes on players fast and gives them little time and space to make plays. He has a great understanding of the game and knows what each situation calls for.”
The two-way, offensive option defenseman will find an organic fit in an Erie defensive corps. that features 2022-23 Best Skater of the Western Conference Spencer Sova – the last defenseman taken in the first round (2020) by the Otters. Alongside Sova (2020, #8), Schaefer will join a handful of fellow 1st Round draftees Malcolm Spence (2022, #2) Carey Terrance (2021, #10), and Pano Fimis (2020, #2 [NIA]) for the 2023-24 season.
“This organization has seen real elite defensemen come through it over the years – the [Darren] Raddysh’s, the [Jamie] Drysdale’s – and Otters fans have seen what a defenseman like that can do for the team.” said Grieve, “Getting the puck out of your end, moving it north, contribute offensively, and the ability to be dynamic from the back end – that’s what separated him from the group for us, and we’re excited to add that to our group.”
Round 2, Pick #24 – Wesley Royston
| RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 24 | Erie | Wesley Royston | RW | 6.02.5 | 167 | 11/22/2007 | York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA | ETA |
Two words have been associated commonly with York-Simcoe Express right winger and #24 overall pick Wesley Royston – power forward.
Playing for a loaded York-Simcoe team, the 15-year-old Royston was a true difference maker offensively. In 33 games played in the 2022-23 regular season, the Oro-Medonte, Ontario native averaged nearly two-points-per game with 56 total points (27G+29A). Royston would add another notch to his goal column in the OHL Cup.
“Wesley is a big, mean power forward who can put the puck in the net. He plays nasty, and makes the game very uncomfortable for opponents. Wesley can wear opponents down.” said Grieve, “We are happy to have him wearing an Otters jersey.”
An emphasis on size was a big Priority Selection focus for the Otters scouting staff – at nearly 6’3″ and 167 lbs. before his prospective 16-year-old rookie season, the intangibles of Royston jump off the paper. Royston has been compared by OHL Central Scouting to Brantford forward Cole Brown – a big-bodied power forward who has been a solid offensive piece for the 2021-22 champion Bulldogs.
“A power forward that that has the ability to play a skilled game or a tough physical one as well. He is a presence on the ice as he can impact a game both physically and on the scoresheet.” said OHL Central Scouting, “He is a good skater, with a nice stride and will he get more explosive as he fills out and gets stronger. He has a good skill-set and can generate offense for himself and he can finish when given the opportunity in the scoring areas.”
Otters head coach Stan Butler was able to optimize big-bodied forwards during his end of season stretch with the organization. Most notably, second-year forward Sam Alfano flourished in the Butler system – turning into a dominant physical-offensive force to close the season. With an opportunity to learn on the ice from Alfano and Kaleb Smith, and off the ice from Butler, Royston is coming into a system where he should be built to develop and thrive.
DAY 2: ROUNDS 4-15
Round 4, Pick #64 – Vital Dinis
| RD | OV | Team | Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 4 | 64 | Erie | Vital Dinis | LW | 6.01 | 190 | 01/21/2006 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | CCHL |
The only 2006-born player selected by the Otters during the 2023 Priority Selection, Vital Dinis spent his first season of junior hockey with the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League, after playing AAA with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
In the 2022-23 season, Dinis showcased his scoring touch at the junior level, putting 30 points (15G+15A) together in 52 games – third in team-scoring and top among all rookies on Pembroke’s roster. Past that, Dinis was a top-five scoring rookie in the entire CCHL.
Erie co-Director of Scouting Devin Brown commended the development that Dinis underwent this season.
“Vital is a player that skates well and had a very successful year playing as a 16-year-old in the CCHL.” said Brown, “His skills stood out and are a strength which will allow him to transition smoothly to OHL.”
With experience playing at the junior level already, Dinis will have experience to compete for a roster spot at Training Camp.
Round 4, Pick #77 (SAR) – Oliver Turner
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 4 | 77 |
Erie From Sarnia
|
Oliver Turner | D | 6.02.75 | 185 | 03/18/2007 | Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA | GTHL |
The second defenseman taken by Erie in draft, Oliver Turner is another big-bodied blueliner standing at nearly 6’3″ and 185 lbs. Playing in the GTHL for the Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA, Turner added 11 points (3G+8A) to the team’s offense.
With an appearance in the OHL Cup, Otters’ co-Director of Scouting Mike Battah gave praise to his comfort on the backend.
“Oliver is a complete defenseman with great size who can play in all situations.” said Battah, “Plays the game with a lot of detail, confidence, and maturity.
Round 5, Pick #84 – Chase Furlong
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 5 | 84 | Erie | Chase Furlong | G | 5.11 | 153 | 05/30/2007 | Thunder Bay Kings U16 AAA | GTHL |
The first of two goaltenders taken in the draft by the Otters, Chase Furlong would have his name called early on day two of the Priority Selection.
Playing in the GTHL with the Thunder Bay Kings U16 AAA, Furlong would appear in 10 games for the team with solid numbers. Two shutouts would lead the way, with a 1.90 GAA and .939 SV%. Erie’s Assistant Goaltending Coach Adrian Volpe would have high-praise for the young goaltender’s ability to take over a game.
“Hard compete, great technical goaltender. When it comes time to making good distinctive decisions, no one in this draft makes better reads than Chase.” said Volpe, “There were games that would be tight, and Chase always gave his team a chance to win in those situations.”
Round 6, Pick #110 (SBY) – Jordan Visneskie
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 6 | 110 |
Erie From Sudbury
|
Jordan Visneskie | C | 6.02 | 177 | 08/29/2007 | Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA | MHAO |
Acquiring a sixth round pick earlier this week in exchange with future picks to Sudbury, the Erie Otters would grab another big-bodied forward.
Jordan Visneskie would be the lone pick of the team in the round after spending the 2022-23 season with the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA program. Over a point-per-game scorer, Visneskie found 35 points (17G+18A) in 32 games, and found a point-per-game (1G+3A) in the OHL Cup’s four games.
“Jordan is a 200-foot player. He plays in the dirty areas, battles all over the ice, uses his body to shield opponents from the puck and takes pucks to scoring areas.” said Brown, “Jordan contributed offensively and was integral to his team’s success this year.”
Round 7, Pick #124 – Keagan Knight
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 7 | 124 | Erie | Keagan Knight | LD | 6.01 | 165 | 01/11/2007 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | GTHL |
Part of a loaded Toronto Jr. Canadiens roster, Keagan Knight would play a major role for the team in the 2022-23 GTHL season, and be drafted by Erie in round seven.
“Big, athletic defender who skates really well.” said Battah, “Plays a well rounded game and did a lot of the heavy lifting for his Toronto Jr. Canadiens team. Smart defender who can adjust to any role required.”
Round 8, Pick #144 – Matthew Lansing
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 8 | 144 | Erie | Matthew Lansing | C | 6.00.5 | 162 | 02/24/2007 | Buffalo Jr. Dabres | T1EHL |
The only American-born player selected by the Erie Otters in the 2023 draft, Matthew Lansing will look to represent western New York alongside teammate Kaleb Smith.
Lansing developed with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres during the 2022-23 season, putting together 11 points in 16 games.
“An athletic, two-way center who thrives in all situations and areas of the ice. He has a unique ability to complement his very appealing offensive skillset with an attention to detail and a relentless compete level.” said Brown, “Matthew can be trusted to take on any difficult matchup, night in and night out.”
Round 9, Pick #164 – Cayden Smith
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 9 | 164 | Erie | Cayden Smith | C | 5.09.5 | 137 | 06/10/2007 | York-Simcoe Express | ETA |
The second player taken by Erie from York-Simcoe Express (Wesley Royston), Cayden Smith would be another offensive piece of the ETA powerhouse.
With 34 games played, Smith would score 34 points (14G+20A) for a point-per-game regular season.
“Cayden is a shifty forward with skill and an ability to finish. He plays a two-hundred-foot game and controls the pace of the game.” said Brown, Cayden was a regular contributor on York-Simcoe this year.”
Round 10, Pick #184 – Ethen Fines
| RD | OV |
Team |
Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 10 | 184 | Erie | Ethen Fines | C | 5.09.5 | 148 | 10/02/2007 | Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA | ETA |
A point-plus-per-game player in the ETA, Ethen Fines would have a successful season with the Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA program.
With 37 points (11G+26A) in 36 games, Fines would add an additional four points in five OHL Cup games.
“High energy player who plays with a lot of grit and produced at a point-per-game pace.” said Battah, “Never cuts corners and plays a complete game in all three zones.”
In total, the Otters would select 16 players between the two days – including two top-25 picks, 10 Forwards, four Defenseman, and two goaltenders.
ALL DRAFT PICKS
| RD | OV | Team | Player Name | POS | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 1 | 1 | Erie | Matthew Schaefer | RD | 6.01.5 | 160 | 09/05/2007 | Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA | SCTA |
| 1 | 24 | Erie | Wesley Royston | RW | 6.02.5 | 167 | 11/22/2007 | York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA | ETA |
| 4 | 64 | Erie | Vital Dinis | LW | 6.01 | 190 | 01/21/2006 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | CCHL |
| 4 | 77 |
Erie From Sarnia
|
Oliver Turner | D | 6.02.75 | 185 | 03/18/2007 | Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA | GTHL |
| 5 | 84 | Erie | Chase Furlong | G | 5.11 | 153 | 05/30/2007 | Thunder Bay Kings U16 AAA | GTHL |
| 6 | 110 |
Erie From Sudbury
|
Jordan Visneskie | C | 6.02 | 177 | 08/29/2007 | Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA | MHAO |
| 7 | 124 | Erie | Keagan Knight | LD | 6.01 | 165 | 01/11/2007 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | GTHL |
| 8 | 144 | Erie | Matthew Lansing | C | 6.00.5 | 162 | 02/24/2007 | Buffalo Jr. Sabres | T1EHL |
| 9 | 164 | Erie | Cayden Smith | C | 5.09.5 | 137 | 06/10/2007 | York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA | ETA |
| 10 | 184 | Erie | Ethen Fines | C | 5.09.5 | 148 | 10/02/2007 | Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA | ETA |
| 11 | 204 | Erie | Dryden Riley | G | 5.10.75 | 144 | 10/11/2007 | Kingston Jr. Gaels U16 AAA | ETA |
| 12 | 224 | Erie | Max Campbell | C | 5.07 | 137 | 03/26/2007 | Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves U16 AAA | NOHA |
| 12 | 230 |
Erie From Sudbury
|
Tanner Ducharme | LW | 6.01 | 175 | 03/25/2007 | London Jr. Knights U16 AAA | MHAO |
| 13 | 244 | Erie | Dustin Lariviere | LD | 6.04 | 207 | 06/26/2007 | Niagara North Stars U16 AAA | SCTA |
| 14 | 264 | Erie | Luca Morano | LW | 6.00 | 165 | 11/28/2007 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | GTHL |
| 15 | 284 | Erie | Emerson Taylor | LW | 5.09.5 | 158 | 09/13/2007 | Mississauga Reps U16 AAA | GTHL |
The Erie Otters are excited to welcome Matthew Schaefer (D, 1st overall), Wesley Royston (F, 24th overall), Vital Dinis (F, 64th overall), Oliver Turner (D, 77th overall), Chase Furlong (G, 84th overall), Jordan Visneskie (F, 110th overall), Keagan Knight (D, 124th overall), Matthew Lansing (F, 144th overall), Cayden Smith (F, 164th overall), Ethen Fines (F, 184th overall), Dryden Riley (G, 204th overall), Max Campbell (F, 224th overall), Tanner Ducharme (F, 230th overall), Dustin Lariviere (D, 244th overall), Luca Morano (F, 264th overall), and Emerson Taylor (F, 284th overall) to the Flagship City as the Draft Class of ’23.
For further details on the Otters picks and results, head to OttersHockey.com or across the Otters’ social media. For all results of the 2023 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
For the latest Otters news, visit OttersHockey.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/erieottershockey), Twitter (@ErieOtters), and Instagram (@ErieOtters).
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at shawn.bednard@ottershockey.com.
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