The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced that they have selected Ryan O’Reilly of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens with the first pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.

“Ever since I watched my brother play in the OHL it was my goal to be in a position to be selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection,” said O’Reilly, whose brother Cal played three seasons for the Windsor Spitfires (2003-2006) and recently completed his first full season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

“I am excited that I reached this goal and I am honored to be in this position today.  I would like to thank the Otters for selecting me and for all of the support I received from my family allowing me to enjoy this memorable moment.”

O’Reilly spent the 2006-2007 season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens minor midgets where he collected 31 goals and 43 assists for 74 points in 50 games. The 16 year-old from Varna, Ontario also played five games (one regular season and four playoff) with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League collecting three goals.

“We are excited to make this young man a part of our team,” said Otters General Manager and Managing Partner Sherry Bassin. “Ryan is a tremendously talented player who will help our hockey team as we continue to move forward. On top of that, he is also an outstanding individual who comes from a caring family and possesses all the values that we, as an organizations, consider to be extremely important when it comes to putting together the pieces of a successful team.”

Cal finished the season as the Admirals top rookie scorer and second on the team's roster with 65 points (18g-47a).  He was named the AHL's rookie of the month in April when he postned three goals and six assists for nine points and a +5 rating in just five games.