OHL Erie Otters

Otters to Select McDavid as First Overall Pick

April 6, 2012 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced this evening that they will select exceptional player Connor McDavid of the Toronto Marlboros with the first pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

The announcement was made during the Otters Priority Selection Party, presented by Springhill Suites by Marriott, held at the Bayfront Convention Center.

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. McDavid is the second player to be chosen first overall by the Otters, joining current Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly.

"It's unbelievable to be drafted first overall," McDavid said. "It's a dream come true. I am very excited to be starting my Ontario Hockey League career in Erie."

As a 15-year-old with the minor midget 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.

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."

"This is a proud moment for the Erie Otters organization and the city of Erie to select Connor McDavid," Otters general manager Sherry Bassin said. "He has such exceptional ability and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a franchise. The hockey world thinks he's exceptional because of the ability he has displayed. We know he's exceptional because of his ability and high character. It is a credit to his parents, Brian and Kelly, that they have raised a son with such exceptional character."

McDavid will be officially announced as the top pick of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection presented by State Farm tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:00 a.m. when the Priority Selection process begins via the Internet and conference call in all 20-member team locations.

The Otters own 14 other picks in the 15-round event including the 27th overall pick. Erie will be busy in the first three rounds of the process with five of the first 55 selections.

Complete Otters pick-by-pick coverage during the 2012 OHL Priority Selection begins at 9:00 a.m. at www.ottershockey.com with live updates on Twitter (@ErieOtters). Additional 2012 OHL Priority Selection information will be available throughout the event at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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