A Hockey Family Steps onto Erie Ice
A Torrent of Talent Arrives in Erie
At just 16 years old, Colin Kennedy isn’t just another rookie stepping into the Ontario Hockey League—he’s a game-changing force. After lighting up Detroit’s Little Caesars U15 AAA team with 24 goals and 12 assists in 20 games, plus an additional five goals and two assists at the OHL Cup, his numbers demanded attention. The Erie Otters took notice, selecting him second overall in the draft.
"He was a no-brainer pick," declared Head Coach Kris Mallette, not just for his skills but for his relentless work ethic—even when the puck wasn’t bouncing his way. In a league where habit shapes destiny, Kennedy’s relentless grind sets him apart.
Family Ties: A Hockey Dynasty Unfolds
Kennedy’s arrival isn’t just about individual prowess—it’s a family affair. His uncle, Chris Hartsburg, not only coached the Otters in the past but now works as an assistant and skill developer under Mallette. The hockey lineage runs deeper: Hartsburg’s own father once steered three NHL teams.
Yet Mallette insists the draft choice was 100% skill-based, not influenced by kinship. Kennedy, however, gratefully credits his relatives for honing his game daily. For a young athlete navigating pressure, that kind of support is invaluable.
Bench Changes: A New Era Behind the Scenes
Shaking up the coaching staff, Kyle Makaric joins as an assistant after a season scouting in the OHL. His résumé boasts stints with the University of Windsor and a coaching role in Saginaw last year. Now, his focus is on helping the Otters weather the brutal OHL season.
His arrival replaces Keenan Reynolds, who’s taking over his own rival squad—and in doing so, sets a league record as the youngest head coach in decades.
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A Global Recruit: Anton Gesink’s Unorthodox Journey
Not all new Otters arrived for camp—the 17-year-old Anton Gesink signed from overseas without stepping foot in North America.
The Illinois-born forward spent last season at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia—a rarity for OHL prospects—before making waves in Chicago’s youth ranks alongside teammate Tyler Cooper. Distance couldn’t dim his talent and now, he’s part of the fabric of a team that thrives on unexpected brilliance.
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The Stage is Set: A Season of Promise
When the puck drops on September 18 in Guelph, Kennedy won’t be just another rookie—he’ll be stepping into a family-infused program, surrounded by coaches who’ve walked these very ice paths before and teammates who’ve already shared battles in the locker room.
The question lingers: Can a rookie’s firepower merge with veteran wisdom to turn potential into dominance?
The Erie Otters aren’t just drafting players—they’re forging legends.
