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Hockey world residents often shorten last names into nicknames.
David Egorov falls into that category. The goaltender, whom the Erie Otters acquired in a June 2 trade with Brantford, was called ‘Ego’ multiple times during the team’s June 20 news conference at LECOM Sports Park.
Egorov, though, didn’t sound like he had an outsized one as he spoke.
The Ottawa, Ontario, native, who turned 20 on May 18, never boasted his potential worth for a franchise that’s coming off one of its worst Ontario Hockey League seasons (18-41-0-9) since it moved here 30 years ago.
“I want to bring a calm presence,” Egorov said, “and have (the skaters) put their trust in me.”
Egorov can take solace that Kris Mallette already has such faith in him. Erie’s coach had no issue raving about the newcomer's potential influence on the 2026-27 Otters.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand how important a goaltender is (to a team),” Mallette said. “We got one who comes with a pedigree and who’s won a junior championship.
“Ego’s very driven and his work ethic is going to be contagious with bringing guys into the fight. We’re excited to lean on him.”
More: Colin Kennedy among Erie Otters newcomers at weekend camp
Erie general manager Dave Brown sought a veteran goalie with Noah Erliden’s graduation.
Brown found a willing seller in Brantford, the league’s best regular season team (48-10-8-2) last season. The Bulldogs, who reached the Robertson Cup’s Eastern Conference final, received four draft picks from Erie in exchange for Egorov.
The Bulldogs dealt Egorov after he served as their No. 2 netminder over three seasons. Ryerson Leenders was Brantford’s regular starter over that same span.
Egorov’s best season was his most recent one. He went 21-4-3 with a .920 save percentage and four shutouts for the 2025-26 Bulldogs. He also won his lone playoff start.
“We had a really strong team with Brantford,” Egorov said, “and a lot of potential to win. It’s fun when everyone is coming to the rink wanting to win, so I want that here.”
Egorov was one of two players the Otters traded for on June 2. They also acquired Liam Beamish, 19, from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for two mid-round picks.
Beamish, a forward from Bearsville, Ontario, totaled 25 goals and 37 assists over Sarnia’s last two seasons.
Erie, in a bid to shed its role as the league’s youngest team by average age, traded away many of its on-ice assets as last season progressed.
Mallette indicated that the Otters’ upcoming season won’t be like that bleak, self-inflicted one.
“Last year wasn’t easy,” Mallette said. “I know we talked with you guys (the Erie media) about those decisions we made. Now, I think (these trades) show the seriousness of what we’re trying to do.”
Contact Mike Copper at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Otters goalie David Egorov seeks same success he experienced with Brantford
Continue reading...
David Egorov falls into that category. The goaltender, whom the Erie Otters acquired in a June 2 trade with Brantford, was called ‘Ego’ multiple times during the team’s June 20 news conference at LECOM Sports Park.
Egorov, though, didn’t sound like he had an outsized one as he spoke.
The Ottawa, Ontario, native, who turned 20 on May 18, never boasted his potential worth for a franchise that’s coming off one of its worst Ontario Hockey League seasons (18-41-0-9) since it moved here 30 years ago.
“I want to bring a calm presence,” Egorov said, “and have (the skaters) put their trust in me.”
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Egorov can take solace that Kris Mallette already has such faith in him. Erie’s coach had no issue raving about the newcomer's potential influence on the 2026-27 Otters.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand how important a goaltender is (to a team),” Mallette said. “We got one who comes with a pedigree and who’s won a junior championship.
“Ego’s very driven and his work ethic is going to be contagious with bringing guys into the fight. We’re excited to lean on him.”
More: Colin Kennedy among Erie Otters newcomers at weekend camp
‘I want that here’
Erie general manager Dave Brown sought a veteran goalie with Noah Erliden’s graduation.
Brown found a willing seller in Brantford, the league’s best regular season team (48-10-8-2) last season. The Bulldogs, who reached the Robertson Cup’s Eastern Conference final, received four draft picks from Erie in exchange for Egorov.
The Bulldogs dealt Egorov after he served as their No. 2 netminder over three seasons. Ryerson Leenders was Brantford’s regular starter over that same span.
Egorov’s best season was his most recent one. He went 21-4-3 with a .920 save percentage and four shutouts for the 2025-26 Bulldogs. He also won his lone playoff start.
“We had a really strong team with Brantford,” Egorov said, “and a lot of potential to win. It’s fun when everyone is coming to the rink wanting to win, so I want that here.”
Egorov was one of two players the Otters traded for on June 2. They also acquired Liam Beamish, 19, from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for two mid-round picks.
Beamish, a forward from Bearsville, Ontario, totaled 25 goals and 37 assists over Sarnia’s last two seasons.
Erie, in a bid to shed its role as the league’s youngest team by average age, traded away many of its on-ice assets as last season progressed.
Mallette indicated that the Otters’ upcoming season won’t be like that bleak, self-inflicted one.
“Last year wasn’t easy,” Mallette said. “I know we talked with you guys (the Erie media) about those decisions we made. Now, I think (these trades) show the seriousness of what we’re trying to do.”
Contact Mike Copper at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Otters goalie David Egorov seeks same success he experienced with Brantford
Continue reading...
