A former eighth round (150th overall) pick by the Erie Otters in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Dylan Edwards is a sheer example of unwavering determination and believing in oneself.
Appearing in 44 games with the Otters last season, Edwards faced a setback when he was released from Erie after training camp this past September. However, he rebounded impressively, registering 35 points (11-24-35) in just 21 games played with the Toronto Patriots of the OJHL this year. Edwards’ impressive start to the season earned him a spot on Team Canada East’s squad for the World Junior A Challenge held in Truro, Nova Scotia in December.
A sensational Saturday night for Dylan Edwards! 👏
Give the @ErieOtters forward seven goals through eight games this season following his first career #OHL hat-trick in a winning cause 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ECOQNaLC8B
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 14, 2024
Recalled by the Otters on December 28, Edwards has been an outstanding contributor, tallying nine points (7-2-9) in his initial nine games since his return to the team.
“At first I definitely thought my time in Erie was over,” said Edwards. “Emotions were high and there was a lot going on in my life, but after settling down and mapping out my next steps in hockey, I believed that there was still a way for me to earn a spot back on the team.”
Surprising not only himself but also proving his abilities to the Otters organization, the Toronto native, has demonstrated that he is not only a diligent worker but also a valuable asset to the program.
“The way in which Dylan has dealt with adversity is exactly what you would describe to other players in how to handle this type of situation,” said Otters general manager Dave Brown. “I’m sure Dylan was upset at first, but he took it in stride, he worked his way back up, and he did all the little things we asked of him in order to improve. He regained his confidence and he’s really enlightened us here in Erie. I give our head coach Stan Butler a lot of credit here too because he puts our players in situations where they’re able to succeed.”
Recording his first OHL hat-trick on January 13th in a 7-2 win over the Flint Firebirds, the 5-foot-8, 162lb. forward has established a consistent routine for self-improvement, pushing him to perform every single night.
“Something that’s pushed me to have success was not making the roster to start the season,” said Edwards. “When I got sent down it gave me a chance to play and build up my confidence again. I was thankful that the Patriots organization believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play. It allowed me to become a producer and get myself back into the OHL which is what my goal has always been. Once I got called back up again, I knew what the stakes were and I knew I had something to prove. I wanted to take that energy back to Erie and continue playing my game at the highest level.”
Recording three multi-point showings in his nine games played, Edwards has proven himself reliable for his team. His contributions also include a notable achievement as he netted the shootout game-winner against the Windsor Spitfires on January 6th.
Welcome back to Erie, Dylan Edwards! 💪
Fresh off an impressive performance with @HockeyCanada East at the #WJAC, the @ErieOtters forward has a pair of goals on the final day of 2023📽️ pic.twitter.com/pUSCBISNBi
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 31, 2023
“I think anyone who knows Dylan and his family can say that they are hard-working people,” noted Brown. “Dylan deserves all the credit he’s receiving, he’s a great person to have around the room. He’s a team guy first. It’s so refreshing to see a player put their head down and put in the work, it’s not something you see a lot of anymore. Not only is he contributing points, but his play away from the puck has really improved as well. The Patriots were great to him and credit is deserved there as well, but ultimately this is a strong representation of who Dylan is as a person and as a player, and that hard work really does pay off.”
Playing to a 19-16-4-0 record this season, good for sixth in the Western Conference, Edwards hopes to play a crucial role in guiding the Otters back to playoff contention for the first time since 2017.
“Helping the team get back into the playoffs would mean a lot. I think we have a great group that can surprise a lot of people heading into the playoffs. Since coming back, I’ve been trying my best to help the team in anyway that I can.”
Edwards and the Otters return to action on Thursday as they head to the North Bay Memorial Gardens to take on the Battalion at 7:00pm.
Source link
