Ten years ago, a 17-year-old set the Ontario Hockey League on fire and became a legend for a team that hadn’t tasted success in over a decade. He’ll now be honoured in a way befitting his status.
No Erie player will wear the No. 97 ever again, as the Otters have announced that on Jan. 10, they’ll retire Connor McDavid‘s iconic jersey and celebrate the team’s best product since its inception in 1996.
The team announced the news Saturday on X, 97 days from the date that the threads will make their way to the rafters of the Erie Insurance Arena to hang from now until forever.
“Retiring Connor’s number 97 is the highest honour we can bestow, and there is no one more deserving; his impact on our organization, our league, our sport, and the city of Erie is immeasurable,” said Otters general manager Dave Brown in a press release from the team.
“Connor not only elevated the team with his skill and leadership on the ice, but he also uplifted the Erie community and our fan base. Retiring his number is a fitting tribute, not only to him as a player, but also as a person who embodied the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence. His legacy will now be permanently enshrined in Erie Otters history.”
McDavid, born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ont., cemented his legacy in an incredible 2014-15 OHL season, his final season in junior hockey before being drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL.
He finished the season with 44 goals and 76 assists for 120 points in 47 games to come in third in OHL scoring, despite missing 21 games. He then followed it up with an incredible playoff run, tallying 21 goals and 28 assists in 20 games to help lead the Otters to the OHL Finals.
Though they eventually lost those finals 4-1 to the Oshawa Generals, that run was the best Erie had since they took home their first J. Ross Robertson Cup in the 2001-02 season.
Joining the team in the 2012-13 season after being given exceptional player status, allowing him to play at the age of 15, McDavid finished his junior career with 97 goals and 188 assists for 285 points over 166 games.
“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.” said McDavid in the statement released by the Otters. “I want to thank the entire Otters organization for this incredible honour. Also, thanks to all my former teammates and all the Otters fans!
“My time in Erie was so special to me and I can’t wait to go back and celebrate with you all.” said McDavid, “See you January 10th – Go Otters Go!”