Ftorek relieved of duties as head coach; Knoblauch named as head coach

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League have announced that Robbie Ftorek has been relieved from his role as head coach. The announcement was made by Otters Managing Partner and General Manager Sherry Bassin.

Ftorek was in his sixth season as head coach of the Otters. He led the Otters to their third-best win total in franchise history with a 40-win campaign during the 2010-2011 season.

“Robbie has a distinguished career in coaching and is one of the classiest people in the game,” Bassin said. “He is a great mentor on and off the ice. I decided after considerable thought to make this difficult decision and to move in a different direction. The entire Otters family has the utmost respect for Robbie, Wendy and their family and expect that he will go on to bigger and better opportunities.”

“Based on this decision, I negotiated through the night and am happy to announce that Kris Knoblauch has accepted, in principle, the position as head coach of the Erie Otters.”

Knoblauch will join the Otters in time for Friday’s game in Sault Ste. Marie. Peter Sidorkiewicz will remain with the Otters as assistant coach.