Erie, Pennsylvania – A highly-anticipated prospect of the Erie Otters has officially joined the team – 17-year-old forward Ondrej Molnar from Slovakia.
Holding the fifth overall pick in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft for just the third time in team-history – and first time since the selection of two-time Stanley Cup champion Andre Burakovsky – the Otters would take the highly-touted Slovakian. Near the halfway mark of the 2022 Ontario Hockey League season, Molnar officially joins the Otters ranks.
Molnar has received high regard and rank from around the scouting world in his draft-eligible season. Playing for Slovakia in the 2022 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in the Summer, he would play against now-Otters teammate Carey Terrance (USA) and find three points (3A) in four games to lead the Slovakian team. Most recently, Molnar’s suited up for HK Nitra in Tipos Extraliga – the highest-level professional ice hockey league in Slovakia – grabbing five points (2G+3A) in 22 games.
Earlier this season Molnar was named to NHL Central Scouting’s October “Players to Watch” List, earning a ‘B’ Ranking – indicative of a player likely to be drafted between the second and fourth rounds of the NHL Entry Draft.
Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve spoke with great excitement on the introduction of Molnar to the organization.
“We are very excited to officially welcome Ondrej to Erie. Ondrej brings skill and speed, and has both professional and international experience.” said Grieve, “We look forward to working with him, and assisting in his continued development.”
Erie will now roster two CHL Import Draft picks, as Molnar will join 2020 82nd overall pick & second-year defenseman Artyom Kulakov (Russia).
Ondrej Molnar will wear the #96 for the Erie Otters, and is expected to join the team’s lineup during this week’s road trip.
“I am very happy that I can play for Erie.” said Molnar, “I will do everything I can to help the team be successful.”
The Erie Otters welcome Ondrej to the Flagship City, and look forward to his Major Junior and North American debut in the near future.
