'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
On Friday night, the Erie Otters retired Connor McDavid’s No. 97 jersey, commemorating a decade since he last played for the team. The ceremony was held at Erie Insurance Arena and it honored McDavid’s achievements during his time in junior hockey.
McDavid’s wife Lauren Kyle shared a few stories on her Instagram from the memorable night. In one of the stories, Connor can be seen retiring to take a seat beside Lauren after giving his special speech on the dais.
“Proud of you”, Lauren Kyle captioned the story tagging McDavid.
The Otters players took to the ice wearing McDavid-themed jerseys during warm-ups on the night to celebrate the former OHL star. His No. 97 jersey was officially raised to the rafters and Lauren wrote caption for one story featuring Connor McDavid’s #97 banner in the arena.
Trending
“This face forever staring at you in the rafters”, she wrote.
McDavid played for the Otters from 2012 to 2015 before being selected first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. With his 1,040 points in 683 NHL games, three Hart Trophies, five Art Ross Trophies, and one Rocket Richard Trophy, McDavid is one of the most brilliant alumni of Otters Hockey.
Connor McDavid reflects on his journey from the Otters to the NHL
Speaking about the honor on the night, McDavid described it as meaningful and a reminder of how much time has passed.
“It’s definitely a reminder that time is passing. It’s been 10 years now since I played in Junior Hockey, you know, some of the things are starting to be recognized, the banner, and the game, stuff like that, make me feel a little bit old, I guess. I’m still young, I’ve got lots of time left.”
He reflected on starting his OHL career at age 15, and how far he has come since then. McDavid also mentioned his bond with his then-coach there, Kris Knoblauch, now the head coach of the Oilers, and praised Knoblauch’s coaching career.
“I feel like his time here in Erie was kind of the golden age of Otters hockey,” McDavid said. "Four 50-win seasons, the playoff runs, and ultimately them winning in 2017. What he's done as a coach is so impressive and he continues to do great work with us each and every day in Edmonton.” [NHL.com]
During the ceremony, McDavid addressed the current Otters players and announced the starting lineup before the banner with his number was unveiled. After the event, McDavid rejoined the Oilers in Chicago for their game against the Blackhawks.
