The Erie Otters’ 2017 Championship Run: What We Can Learn from It

The Erie Otters’ 2017 OHL Championship run was the culmination of years of careful team building, strong coaching, and player development. It was a season that saw the Otters break records, showcase future NHL talent, and prove that a well-structured system, combined with individual excellence, leads to championship success.

For coaches, players, and parents, the lessons from Erie’s dominant run extend far beyond the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Their journey offers insights into building winning cultures, developing players effectively, and supporting young athletes in a way that maximizes their potential.

How the Erie Otters Built a Championship Team

The 2016-17 Erie Otters finished the regular season with a remarkable 50-15-2-1 record, winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s top team. They then powered through the playoffs, defeating the London Knights, Owen Sound Attack, and Mississauga Steelheads to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup. Their run continued to the Memorial Cup Final, where they fell just short to the Windsor Spitfires.

This team was packed with elite talent, including:

• Dylan Strome – Captain and key offensive force

• Alex DeBrincat – Three-time 50-goal scorer

• Taylor Raddysh – Dominant power forward

• Anthony Cirelli – Clutch performer, later a key piece for the Tampa Bay Lightning

• Erik Cernak – Reliable, shutdown defenseman

• Troy Timpano – Solid goaltender who delivered when it mattered

Despite the offensive firepower, the Otters were more than just a high-scoring team. They were structured, disciplined, and committed to a fast, puck-possession game. Here are some of the key lessons from their success that coaches, players, and parents can apply.

Lessons for Coaches

1. Build a System That Maximizes Your Players’ Strengths

The Otters played a fast, possession-based game that emphasized skill, creativity, and high hockey IQ. Instead of forcing players into a rigid system, head coach Kris Knoblauch tailored Erie’s style to its roster’s strengths.

• Lesson: Don’t just copy another team’s system. Build a style of play that suits your players’ skills and strengths.

• Tip for Coaches: Identify what your team does well and create systems that put them in positions to succeed.

2. Balance Development and Winning

The Otters weren’t just a one-year powerhouse. They had five consecutive 50-win seasons (2013-2017), showing that their success wasn’t built on short-term gains but long-term player development.

• Lesson: Develop players over multiple years, focusing on skills that translate to higher levels.

• Tip for Coaches: Don’t just chase wins—make sure your players are growing each season.

3. Teach Players to Play Without the Puck

While Erie’s offensive stars grabbed headlines, their commitment to team defense and transition play was just as crucial.

• Lesson: Offensive skill alone doesn’t win championships. Players need to contribute in all three zones.

• Tip for Coaches: Emphasize defensive responsibilities, backchecking, and puck retrieval in practice.

4. Create a Championship Culture

From captain Dylan Strome’s leadership to the team’s accountability in the locker room, the Otters had a winning culture.

• Lesson: A strong team culture is as important as talent.

• Tip for Coaches: Establish clear team values, promote leadership among players, and create an environment where everyone is committed to success.

Lessons for Players

1. Skill Development Wins Championships

The Otters’ offensive dominance was driven by elite individual skills. Alex DeBrincat’s shot, Taylor Raddysh’s size and hands, and Dylan Strome’s vision made them dangerous every shift.

• Lesson: Skill development should be a daily focus.

• Tip for Players: Spend extra time working on shooting, passing, and skating outside of team practices.

2. Play Fast, Play Smart

One of the biggest takeaways from Erie’s game was how quickly they moved the puck. They didn’t waste time; passes were crisp, decisions were made instantly, and their transition game overwhelmed opponents.

• Lesson: Speed isn’t just about skating—it’s about making quick, smart decisions.

• Tip for Players: Work on reading the play and making quick, accurate passes in small-area drills.

3. Buy Into the Team Concept

Even though Erie had stars, everyone played a role. Anthony Cirelli, for example, wasn’t the flashiest player, but his work ethic and clutch performances made him a critical piece.

• Lesson: Even if you’re not the top scorer, you can be a difference-maker.

• Tip for Players: Find ways to contribute—blocking shots, winning battles, making smart defensive plays.

4. Be Resilient

Erie faced adversity throughout the playoffs, particularly in their tough seven-game series against London. They responded with discipline, patience, and execution.

• Lesson: Every season has ups and downs, but champions push through.

• Tip for Players: Learn to handle setbacks and use them as fuel for improvement.

Lessons for Parents

1. Development Takes Time

Many of Erie’s top players didn’t dominate right away. Alex DeBrincat went undrafted in the OHL before proving himself. Dylan Strome needed time to develop his game before making the NHL.

• Lesson: Player growth happens at different rates.

• Tip for Parents: Support your child’s development without rushing their progress.

2. Focus on Long-Term Goals, Not Just Immediate Success

Some parents focus too much on short-term results, like ice time or stats. But players like Erik Cernak made huge strides over years of hard work.

• Lesson: The bigger picture matters more than one season’s stats.

• Tip for Parents: Encourage steady improvement, not just points or awards.

3. Support Without Pressuring

Players in Erie thrived because they played in a positive, supportive environment. Overbearing pressure from parents can harm a young athlete’s confidence.

• Lesson: Kids need support, not added stress.

• Tip for Parents: Be a source of encouragement, not extra pressure. Let coaches handle the hockey side.

4. Let Players Take Ownership of Their Journey

Erie’s players were self-motivated. They worked on their skills outside of practice and took responsibility for their own growth.

• Lesson: Players improve most when they take initiative.

• Tip for Parents: Allow your child to develop their own passion and work ethic for the game.

Final Thoughts: Why Erie’s Championship Run Matters

The 2017 Erie Otters weren’t just a great junior hockey team—they were a blueprint for building a successful program. Their commitment to skill development, team culture, and structured coaching made them a force to be reckoned with.

For coaches, the lesson is to develop players, build the right system, and create a culture of accountability.

For players, it’s about developing skills, playing smart, and buying into the team concept.

For parents, it’s about supporting long-term growth, avoiding pressure, and letting players take ownership of their journey.

Whether you’re coaching a youth team, playing at a competitive level, or supporting your child in hockey, the lessons from the Erie Otters’ 2017 championship are valuable reminders of what it takes to succeed in the modern game.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.