Otters sign first overall pick McDavid

Press Release

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League are proud to announce that center Connor McDavid has signed an Ontario Hockey League contract. The announcement was made by Otters General Manager Sherry Bassin.

“This is a proud moment in the history of the Erie Otters to sign Connor McDavid,” Bassin said. “This is a special player and a special person. The whole hockey world knows him as a player. We are fortunate to know him as a person. When you put his ability together with his character, you get a special player. We welcome the McDavid family into the Erie Otters family.”

Born January 13, 1997, McDavid is the third player to receive “exceptional player” status for entry into the OHL, joining 2005 first overall pick John Tavares and last year’s first overall selection Aaron Ekblad. He was selected first overall in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by the Otters in April.

As a 15-year-old with the minor midget Toronto Marlboros, McDavid dominated the opposition as he averaged over two points a game. In 33 games during the regular season, McDavid collected 33 goals and 39 assists to earn GTHL Player of the Year honors. McDavid also led the 2012 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament in scoring with 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points in seven games and was the recipient of the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP, recording the most points in an OHL Cup since Sam Gagner’s 17 points in five games for the Marlboros in 2005.

“It is a tremendous honor to sign a contract to play in the OHL,” McDavid said. “I couldn’t be happier and am very proud to be part of the Erie Otters organization. It is a dream come true for me.

OHL Central Scouting described McDavid as having “all the skill and tools to be very exciting and dominate at the next level. He controls the puck as if it were on a string and has the ability to make everyone around him a better player. He is also a fierce competitor and does whatever it takes to win a game.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)