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6:45	Welcome to the debut of the Erie Otters' live blog - live, of course, from Tullio Arena.

6:47

The Otters face Sault Ste. Marie tonight, meaning the return of former assistant coach Mike Stapleton and former player Jordan Nolan.
Nolan didn't appear to interact with any former teammates before the game. Not surprising, given the feistiness Jordan has displayed in past games against the Otters.

6:48

By the way, it's Turn Back the Clock Night at Tullio Arena Saturday night. The Otters will honor the 1983-84 ACHL champion Erie Golden Blades. So the Golden Blades' banner, and a few other Erie Blades' banners, returned to the rafters at the east end of the rink. They had mysteriously disappeared earlier in the season.

6:52

The Otters have scratched rookie winger Anthony Luciani, winger Michael Liambas (hip) and defenseman Robyn Sertic (concussion). The Soo have scratched forwards Simon Fischhaber, Brendan Childerly and Jamie Haines. Center Michael Fine was originally scratched. But after getting a few moments on the ice to test an injury earlier this evening, he apparently felt well enough to play.

7:02	[Comment From coachBT] i think otters not just great TEAM but grear PROGRAM

7:03	They've been playing well of late. Now they need to keep it up.

7:05	But some people might question the idea of the Otters being a great program, given the team's struggles the past 3 seasons.

7:07

The Otters honored Scott Stafford, a 17-year-old who hasn't allowed having his left arm partially amputated stop him from reaching his hockey goals. He currently plays for the Sarnia Blast Jr. B team. Apparently (at least what was said during the pregame ceremony), he's considered the best amputee hockey player in the world.

7:08	A bit of a small crowd tonight, I'd say in the neighboorhood of 3,000 or so.

7:09	By the way, defenseman Mitch Gaulton headed to the dressing room moments before the opening faceoff. But moments later, he emerged from the room. My guess is an equipment issue.

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