Three Otters appear on NHL CSB...

National Hockey League Central Scouting announced today their preliminary rankings for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Erie Otters forwards Dane Fox, Stephen Harper and Nick Betz all appeared on the pre-season watch list.

Fox was one of two “B” skaters listed from the Otters. The center from Thamesville, Ont. scored 23 goals and added 31 assists for 54 points with the Otters and London Knights last season. Fox was acquired by the Otters from the Knights in January and was invited to New York Rangers rookie camp in the summer.

Harper was also listed as a “B” skater. The 2011 first round draft pick of the Otters had a terrific rookie season with 24 goals and 11 assists, and earned an invite to Team Canada’s Under-18 camp in the summer. Harper was recently named as one of the assistant captains for the Otters this season.

Betz was the last of the Otters to appear on the rankings as a “C” skater. The native of Michigan collected five goals and nine assists in his first OHL season and is one of the biggest prospects available in the upcoming draft at 6-foot-5, 209-pounds.

In total, there were 40 Ontario Hockey League players listed in the preliminary rankings by NHL Central Scouting. The Otters were one of five OHL teams to have three or more players listed on the rankings.

The regular season begins for the Otters Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. on the road against the Niagara IceDogs. Fans can listen to all the action starting with the Erie Federal Credit Union Pre-game Show beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The Fan.

The home opener at Erie Insurance Arena is almost here. Welcome back the Erie Otters Friday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. when they take on the Brampton Battalion. For tickets, call 814-452-4857 or go to OttersHockey.com.