On Saturday, April 7th, The Erie Otters selected Connor McDavid as the 1st pick overall for the 2012 Ontario Hockey League Draft.
Connor McDavid, a Power Edge Pro Ambassador was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada last month. Only two other players have been granted this before – New York Islanders star John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad, this year’s OHL rookie of the year with the Barrie Colts.
Power Edge Pro students Josh Ho-Sang of the Toronto Marlboros was selected 5th overall by Windsor Spitfires and Damian Bourne was selected 11th overall by the St. Michaels Majors.
Connor, who plays for the Toronto Marlboros, scored 33 goals and added 39 assists in 33 games to earn GTHL Player of the Year honours. He also led the 2012 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament in scoring with 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points in seven games, recording the most points in an OHL Cup since Sam Gagner’s 17 points in five games for the Marlboros in 2005.
McDavid will also be the 2012 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award. The Jack Ferguson award is presented annually to the player selected first overall in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. The award recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the Ontario Hockey League, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67′s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting.
Connor is one of the best young men I have ever had the privilege to train and work with. When you work with a player 4 days a week you get to know his character pretty well and Connor has tremendous character all the while remaining extremely humble considering he is a young emerging star.
The Erie Otters not only have a franchise player but one that will lead by example in every important category on the ice and just as importantly off the ice. Congratulations to Connor McDavid, Sherry Bassin and the Erie Otters!
