Connor McDavid makes his feelings known about OHL’s impact on his career during jersey retirement ceremony. 

Edmonton Oilers star center Connor McDavid praised the OHL as one of the best platforms for raising and developing young hockey talent.

On Friday night, the Erie Otters, for whom McDavid played in the OHL, organized a ceremony to retire his jersey number. McDavid and his family were honored at a special pregame ceremony during which the well-known No. 97 was hoisted to the rafters at Erie Insurance Arena. Speaking to the press at the event, the Edmonton Oilers captain said that junior hockey is an essential stepping stone for professional players to succeed.

"The OHL is, I think, the best developmental league in the world. It’s highly, highly competitive," McDavid said. "Each and every night, you're playing against guys who'll be playing in the NHL one day. It was absolutely vital for my development."

McDavid played junior hockey with the Otters from 2012 to 2015. He averaged 2.55 points per game, the most in the team’s history. The Otters played a highlight video featuring 15-year-old McDavid’s greatest plays on the ice.

Connor McDavid scored 285 points in 166 games with the Erie Otters, comprising 97 goals and 188 assists, the fourth highest in the franchise’s history.

The Otters team wore #97 jerseys during their warmup and McDavid read out the roster on Friday.

Oilers coach says he has options regarding line partners for Connor McDavid

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates up ice with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Credits: IMAGN)

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch discussed Connor McDavid’s potential line partners for the rest of the season on Thursday. With Zach Hyman returning to the roster and Connor Brown’s recent form, Knoblauch is spoilt for choice regarding his forward line.

McDavid and Hyman have been among his top forward pairs in recent seasons, while Brown has stepped up his game this season. Knoblauch has played Hyman and Jeff Skinner on the third line this year, but he said that McDavid and Zach Hyman would definitely play together at some point.

"In practice, we mix things up often, and players get familiar with different combinations during games—whether it’s after a penalty, power play, or someone in the box. So yes, McDavid and Hyman will definitely play together at some point,” he said.

“Right now, it’s more about rewarding Connor Brown for his play. He’s been on the third or fourth lines most of the time, but since moving up to the top line, he’s done a great job. That said, Hyman, after a 50-goal season, is obviously a top-six guy, and you don’t put someone like that on the third line long-term."

The Oilers suffered a shock 3-5 defeat against the Pittsburgh Penguins after four straight wins. They next face the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.