Connor McDavid to have his number 97 jersey retired
The Erie Otters have announced that on Jan. 10 next year they will bestow the highest possible individual honour, to the greatest player in team history.
In an honour which is more than well-deserved, Connor McDavid is going to have his number 97 jersey retired. However, this isn't a case of us predicting what the Edmonton Oilers are going to without question do one day in the future.
Instead, this is about another team retiring McDavid's number 97 jersey a lot sooner. We're talking about his former OHL team the Erie Otters, who confirmed the decision via social media.
The Otters announced the honour on Saturday and will raise McDavid's number into the rafters in 97 days, on Friday, Jan. 10 next year. And as it turns out, the three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner will be in attendance to witness the celebration.
The best hockey player to come from Erie
The Otters started play in 1996-97, and they have no hesitation in calling McDavid the greatest player in team history. He played three seasons for them in the OHL between 2012-13 and 2014-15, before he was selected first overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft by the Oilers.
The five-time Art Ross Trophy winner was tremendous during his three seasons with the Otters, as he totalled 353 points in 200 games including playoffs. This included a phenomenal 169 points in 67 games during his final season in Erie.
About the only thing McDavid didn't achieve during his time in the OHL, was to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Otters did advance to the OHL Championship Finals in 2014-15, but ultimately lost 4-1 to the Oshawa Generals.
An incredible honour for McDavid
As you'd expect, McDavid is delighted to be receiving the ultimate individual honour from his former team. As per a press release on the Otters' site, he said: "I chose to wear number 97 when I was seven years old because that’s the year I was born. At that time I had no idea picking that number would become such a big part of me. Never, not in my wildest dreams, did I think it would hang in the rafters forever. I want to thank the entire Otters organisation for this incredible honour. Also, thanks to all my former teammates and all the Otters fans!"
Otters general manager Dave Brown also shared his thoughts on the team site. He said: "Connor’s excellence in the NHL is no surprise to anyone who watched him during his time in Erie. His growing-legacy in the NHL as one of the greatest players of his generation is a testament not only to his talent but also to the foundation he built here. We are incredibly proud that his journey to greatness began with the Otters, and he continues to embody the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence that represent our organisation."
It will be interesting to see if Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is also in attendance on Jan. 10, given that he coached McDavid for all three of his seasons in Erie. Keep in mind though, that the Oilers have a game the following night in Chicago versus the Blackhawks and Knoblauch will have plenty to prepare ahead of time.
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Regardless, it will undoubtedly be a special night McDavid, the Otters and everyone who is in attendance at Erie Insurance Arena on Jan. 10. To never have your number worn by another player on a team is indeed a great honour, and it's without question the right thing for the OHL team to do.
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