The Erie Otters Tuesday introduced a first-of-its-kind partnership to enhance player development. The Otters and the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League's Port Colborne Sailors have signed an affiliation agreement, 

"The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, renowned as a premier development league, has been a stepping stone for players who want to further their careers in the Ontario Hockey League," said Erie Otters general manager Dave Brown. "We are excited to enter into an affiliation where the development of young players with aspirations to become elite individuals and hockey players is the central focus."

The affiliation will allow Erie to have a development partner close by, as well as being closely located to several OHL opponents. The Otters will assign affiliated players, draft picks and prospects to play and develop with Port Colborne.

"Our commitment to this partnership is unwavering, and we will work diligently to ensure that it is mutually beneficial," said Brown. "We are confident that both organizations will be proud of the development model we can provide to young Otters and Sailors prospects."

“To have a partnership with an OHL club at our level is a great opportunity. However, adding a partner like Erie specifically is a giant leap above just affiliation. Starting at the top with Mr. Waters and the environment he has built, the culture amongst the staff, their drafting ability, and their willingness to make this a mutually beneficial partnership are all such major impacts for a club at our level." said Port Colborne general manager Christian Wiley. "We are honored at the opportunity and are fully committed to developing the future of their roster. We are going to emulate their daily program as much as possible to ensure players have an easy transition to the workload and expectations at the OHL level. We are also committed to developing young talent, intentionally."