Blue Jackets Prospect Dansk Set to Join Otters

Press Release

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League are proud to announce that they have agreed to terms with goaltender Oscar Dansk.

Born February 28, 1994 in Stockholm, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound Dansk was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the 31st overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Dansk was ranked second among European goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings for the draft. A few days after he was drafted by Columbus, the Otters selected Dansk with the third overall pick in the 2012 CHL Import Draft.

“It is extremely exciting for the Erie Otters to be able to sign one of the most elite young goaltenders in the world,” Otters general manager Sherry Bassin said. “He appears to be the type of goaltender that the players like to play in front of and is highly skilled. Oscar appears to be highly competitive and I’m told he has high character, which drives him to be the best he can possibly be. Obviously, we’re very proud to have him as part of our organization.”

In 28 games with Brynäs in the junior-level Super Elitserien, Dansk had a 2.82 goals-against-average and a save percentage of .910 with Brynäs. He also won a silver medal with Sweden at the 2012 IIHF Under-18 World Championships.

Dansk has previously played in North America with the storied Shattuck-St. Mary's program in Minnesota, which has produced hockey superstars such as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise and Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews.

Elite Prospects describes Dansk as "A very agile goalie with a large frame. Plays a hybrid style of play. Solid technical skills and is also strong mentally. Uses his size to his advantage and cuts off angles well. A good competitor."

Dansk will join the Otters at their annual training camp in Ancaster, Ontario later this week. The Otters are set to play in their first exhibition game at the Morgan Firestone Arena Friday night at 7:00 p.m. against the Niagara IceDogs.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)