OHL start, A win and an Assist....

Devin started his first OHL game against the Sudbury Wolves in Ontario and won 7-4, getting an assist in the process. This is the first win by the Otters in 12 games and the 6th win of the whole season. He looked strong in net and did not appear to be nervous at all. Two of the goals he probably should have gotten, but didnt have alot of help on a short handed goal by the Wolves, but he was able to keep them off the board the last four minutes of the game when they pulled their goalie and we got an empty netter. He was so excited to be playing a game and was so pumped that he won his first game as an Otter starter. The announcer said they could see why Erie drafted him and that he played a very good game. We watched the game at the Williams house, it was like a superbowl party, the Kalandyks were there, uncle Larry, Nathan and Logan, Paster and his girlfriend and Clarence's mother, Stan and I. We watched it on the big screen TV and it was so exciting. We are so proud of Devin and all that he has accomplished, keep up the good work!

Living His Dream...

Devin was called up to the Erie Otters just before New Years and is now a regular on the roster as the backup to Ramis Sadikov. He is billeting with a wonderful family and has two other teammates in his home, he is extremely excited. He will remain with the Otters until March 17th, which is their last game and then will come home to finish school. How much he will play is yet to be determined; however, they are not making the playoffs, having only five wins so far. Getting him some experience in the net would be of benefit to him for next year. Hopefully with daily practise, goalie coaching and working out, he can become aclimated to the speed and intensity of the games and become the starting goalie. He is living his dream.

OHL Debut

Well Willy (as the team calls him), played in his first OHL game in Kitchener, Ontario last Thursday and looked great. He was put in in the third period when the starting goalie allowed his sixth goal. Though he only had 12 shots and let in two goals, he looked really good, stopping a two on none and a two on one back to back. He made some great saves and there were approx. 45 scouts in the stands. The building was sold out and he was so pumped to be in his first game. He did not appear to be nervous, looked strong in net and loved every minute of it. He is currently still in Erie and will be there for at least a week, maybe more and will practise with the team and attend the next two games. Whether he will be in net at all remains to be seen, but the Erie fans are anxious to see him play.

Its Official.....

Devin signed on the dotted line in Erie and is now on the roster as an Erie Otter. He played his first OHL game on Friday, well was in the warmups as backup goalie for Tyson Teichman, but was on the bench for the game and loved every minute of it. He has his own locker stall with his jersey, which is 29, the same number he is on the Metro Jets. I am assuming he will use this number from now on. He will continue to play with the Jets but can be called up to play by Erie for up to 10 games this season. As you probably know, he is so very excited as this has been his dream to play in the OHL as a stepping stone to the NHL. He is eligible for the NHL draft in 2014.

An Erie Otter

Well we finally received the call today and we are on our way to Erie to sign the contract. They will hold a press conference following the signing and Devin gets to be the back up in their home game tomorrow night. Its finally coming together and taking shape. Devin has been playing very well in the Junior league, has helped the team win eight of their eleven games, losing only twice so far. He is getting riddled with shots, has the most in the league next to Battle Creek. His coach is worried that they will be taking him to Erie early, wants him to play for the Jets this year. Which is what he will likely do; however, he can be called up to Erie anytime once he is under contract. Unless something goes wrong with the signing, Devin will officially be an Otter by this time tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

Metro Jets

Well the Jr.season has begun and Devin has adjusted to the size and speed quite well. As promised he has played four of the five games so far and won every game. He looks great in net and holding his own against the bigger, older kids. He loves the team, loves his coaches and the team seems to be gelling well together. We are still in negotiations with the Erie Otters and are hoping it gets resolved soon, as Devin needs new equipment and they will provide him what he needs. Hopefully the team will continue to improve as a MI team has never made the playoffs.

Otters Training Camp

Well the training camp is over and Devin made a great showing. He hung in there with the rest of the older goalies, played well, played strong and reaped the benefits. He will be signed to a five yr. contract which will include alot of benefits including a four yr. college scholarship to the University of his choice. Though he will not play with the Otters until next yr., he will be on the Junior team Metro Jets, play every game and will have his own OHL goalie coach. He will be groomed and developed to become the starting goalie for the Erie Otters in the future. It was a win, win situation for him considering he is only 15 years old and can now live one more year at home before he heads out on his own to reach his dream. We are all very excited and he cannot wait for the season to start so he can begin his development and make the Erie lineup next year.