The Erie Otters announced this week that they have acquired forward Liam Beamish from the Sarnia Sting, a move that strengthens their offensive depth ahead of the upcoming season. The transaction was completed during the league's active trade window, which will close on June 11 at 3:00 p.m.
Details of the Deal
In exchange for Beamish, the Otters sent a 2027 fifth‑round pick and a 2028 third‑round selection to Sarnia. The Sting, looking to replenish their prospect pool, now hold additional draft capital that could prove valuable at the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.
Beamish, a native of Beamsville, Ontario, spent the 2025‑26 campaign with the Sting, appearing in 66 games and posting 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points. The performance marked his second full season in the OHL and built upon the promise he showed after being drafted in the eighth round of the 2023 Priority Selection.
A Player on the Rise
Beyond his OHL contributions, Beamish honed his skills in the GOJHL with the Fort Erie Meteors, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in the Golden Horseshoe Conference. He also gained experience in the BCHL with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, further diversifying his developmental background.
The trade adds another forward to Erie's roster, giving the team more flexibility in shaping its lineups. General manager remarks highlighted the organization's commitment to blending youthful talent with veteran leadership as they prepare for the next competitive cycle.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection is scheduled for June 12‑13 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston. Round 1 will begin on June 12 at 7:00 p.m., followed by Rounds 2‑15 on June 13 starting at 9:00 a.m. The influx of draft picks acquired by Sarnia could influence their selections, while Erie will look to integrate Beamish into their prospect pipeline.
For both franchises, the deal underscores the strategic calculations that shape OHL rosters each offseason. As the trade window draws to a close, teams are finalizing moves that will define their competitive outlook for the upcoming year.