The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League are proud to announce that right wing Shawn Szydlowski has signed an entry-level contract with the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres.

Szydlowski completed his Otters career sixth in all-time point scoring with 197 and tied for fifth in goals with 94. He scored a career-high of 41 goals in his overage campaign, and was an invite to Ottawa Senators rookie camp before the season.

The native of Michigan was initially drafted in the 10th round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection by the Otters. His father, Steve, played professionally for three seasons, including the 1985-86 season with the Erie Golden Blades of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.

Szydlowski is expected to report to the American Hockey League’s Portland Pirates, where he will reunite with former Otters play-by-play broadcaster Mark Jeanneret. Former Otters Brad Boyes, Tim Connolly and Steve Montador all play for the Sabres, making up the largest contingent of Otters alumni within the NHL. Earlier in the week, Otters forwards Anthony Luciani and Greg McKegg signed pro contracts with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively.

- From Erie Otters news release