Bassin has so many anecdotes about McDavid’s time with the Otters, starting with his first scrimmage with the team. McDavid, ever humble, wore his old minor hockey gear instead of Otters colors because he hadn’t made the team yet.

It took years of practice and determination for Connor McDavid to reach this pinnacle, and much of that hard work happened here in Erie. McDavid has called his three years in Erie the best of his life.

The inevitable will become reality on Friday when the Erie Otters retired the No. 97 jersey worn by Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid.

McDavid will face the Penguins tonight and have his jersey retired in Erie tomorrow. His appearances in Pittsburgh are always a big deal.

An Erie hockey legend is coming back to town Friday and the excitement has only just begun. Connor McDavid is regarded as one of the best hockey players in the NHL, but his success started years ago playing for the Erie Otters.

McDavid landed on French Street 'like it was fate' Comparisons between me and Connor McDavid start and end with us both playing ice hockey in Erie in the 2010s. McDavid was better

Oilers captain recognized for his incredible stint with minor league team The Erie Otters will likely never see a player quite like Connor McDavid again and, on Friday, they made sure no one will ever wear his jersey number again.