24TH OVERALL PICK WESLEY ROYSTON COMMITS TO ERIE OTTERS
Erie, Pennsylvania – With the 2023 Orientation Camp taking place this past weekend for the Erie Otters, Wesley Royston – Erie’s first-selected forward and second round pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft – has officially committed to his draft club ahead of his rookie season.
General Manager Dave Brown officially announced the signing on Tuesday morning, as the 24th overall pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft became the second member of the Otters Draft Class to commit.
“We were thrilled on draft day when we selected Wesley, but we’re even more excited to sign him and watch him grow into the player we believe he can be.” said Brown, “Wesley has a very promising future, and we look forward to the years ahead and achieving our goals together as he grows into an exciting power forward.”
Playing for a loaded York-Simcoe Express team in his OHL Draft eligible season, the 15-year-old Royston was a true difference maker offensively. In 33 games played in the 2022-23 regular season, the 6’2″, 167 lbs. right-winger 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. Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve spoke highly of what the forward brings to the Otters attack.
“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.”
Royston was able to get his first taste of Erie and the Otters staff during the team’s Orientation Camp this past weekend. Royston, alongside fellow members of his Draft Class, participated in drills, assessments, and scrimmages under the tutelage of the Otters hockey operations department. The camp also gave the rookie a chance to meet veteran members of the team.
“To hear my name called was fantastic, and it was a moment I’ll never forget. I didn’t know too much about Erie, but I had a call with them during the season and it went really well. I liked the way the conversation went. I like to be a power forward. If I can bring that to the team, that’s something Erie really going to strive for. said Royston, “It’s been amazing to meet all the guys; team chemistry is going to be huge.”
The Oro-Medonte, Ontario native will wear the #77 for the Otters in the Fall – the same number he wore when drafted from the York-Simcoe Express.
The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Wesley Royston home to the Flagship City, and see what the dynamic forward can bring in the Fall.
Wesley Royston Scouting Report from OHL Central Scouting: “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. 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.”
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.
###
