Erie Otters coach Robbie Ftorek wants his players to go the extra mile this season. That’s how his youngest child, Anna Ftorek, would want it.
“She always did extra,” he said of his daughter, who died unexpectedly July 21 at the age of 23.
Anna taught the young players on the soccer team she coached to do the same.
That lesson started with T-shirts she presented to first-year players. The phrase “It’s Never Crowded on the Extra Mile” were emblazoned on them, which prompted her players to continue working hard long after other players had left the field.
“How many other people are (out) there working? See, it wasn’t crowded over there. That’s what she would say,” Robbie Ftorek said. “How come I can’t get these guys to think like that? She wasn’t going to be a pro in anything. These guys think they want to be pros (in hockey). Yet they don’t get it. So I get mad (because) I know how hard she worked to get better.”

- Victor Fernandes

Here’s an updated story on the tragic passing of Anna Ftorek, daughter of Erie Otters coach Robbie Ftorek.

Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner and general manager, confirmed that Anna Ftorek, youngest child of Otters coach Robbie Ftorek, died unexpectedly Saturday in New Hampshire. She was 23 years old. Bassin said she collapsed on the patio at the family’s home Saturday afternoon. Bassin said an autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death.
“This is an absolute tragedy,” Bassin said Monday. “There is no justice here. There’s no sense of fairness here for such a young, vibrant woman. She was so full of life. … It’s more than devastating to the (Ftorek) family. It’s absolutely devastating to the Erie Otter family.”
Bassin said he spoke with Anna Ftorek many times since Robbie Ftorek joined the Otters as coach in October 2007. Bassin last spoke with her at the end of the 2011-12 season. Bassin said she hugged him and spoke glowingly of the young, rebuilding team’s bright future.
“God didn’t make them much better than that young girl,” Bassin said. “I can’t begin to imagine how they feel. … It’s a sad, sad time.”
Bassin said funeral arrangements were being made Monday in New Hampshire.