IceDogs deal Fimis to Otters (updated)

The Niagara IceDogs began 2023 with yet another trade.

The club announced Sunday they have dealt forward Pano Fimis to the Erie Otters in exchange for five priority draft selections. 

The IceDogs will receive second-round picks in 2024 (Erie), 2025 (Oshawa) and 2026 (Peterborough) as well as third-round selections in 2024 (Windsor) and 2025 (Hamilton).

“The IceDogs would like to thank Pano for his service and dedication during his time in Niagara,” IceDogs owner/general manager Darren DeDobbelaer said in a press release. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

The deal was the 21st transaction by the IceDogs under DeDobbelaer featuring 26 players and 56 draft picks. 

Fimis was drafted by the IceDogs second overall in the 2020 draft. The Richmond Hill native set a franchise record for most assists by a rookie in a season (30) and was named an assistant captain at the beginning of this season. In 82 games with Niagara, he tallied 22 goals and 46 assists for 68 points.

Fimis will help fill the void in Erie left by the injury of leading scorer Brett Bressette, who had surgery for a broken collarbone following a check by Niagara’s Zakary Lavoie Saturday night in Erie. Lavoie was assessed a major for a check to the head and game misconduct. The play will likely be reviewed by the league for a possible suspension.

“Acquiring Pano is a very exciting acquisition for the organization,” Erie general manager Dave Brown said on the team’s website. “This is great for our immediate needs and to help build our organization for the future.  Pano is an ultra-competitive centre with impressive skills and vision.”

Otters assistant coach Wes Wolfe feels Fimis will help the team both in the short and long term.

“Pano is an exciting addition for our team both in the immediate and the future,” Wolfe said. “He is a competitive player who excels in all three zones with speed and skill, and is a natural centre that will fit in with a dynamic young forward core that we are looking forward to building around.”

Fimis enjoyed his time with the IceDogs.

“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, all the amazing fans, and last but not least, my amazing billet family Chris, Bryony, and Jack for all their love and support and making my time in Niagara one to remember. Niagara will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. 

Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 4,700 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.