The Erie Otters have added a new name to their roster, announcing the signing of Austrian forward Paul Schuster to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement after he was selected 19th overall in the CHL Import Draft.
Born in Wien, Schuster becomes the first Austrian‑born player ever drafted by the Otters, bringing with him a season spent in the Alps Hockey League where he recorded 34 points in 42 games for EC Salzburg U20 and RB Hockey Juniors.
Austrian Prospect Poised for OHL Debut
The 16‑year‑old, who has already earned caps for Austria’s U18 and U20 squads and served as an alternate captain at the younger level, is expected to bolster the team’s forward depth as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.
General manager Dave Brown and director of hockey operations Scott Grieve both expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of integrating Schuster’s professional experience into the lineup, noting that his skill set aligns well with the club’s offensive philosophy.
Schuster is slated to make his debut during the Otters’ training camp later this week, a moment that will mark the culmination of a draft‑year journey that began across the Atlantic.