It’s Friday and I’m in Erie, Pennsylvania.
I’m looking forward a full day at the Mill Creek Mall, a flick at Tinseltown, a lengthy walk along State Street, a night at the Plymouth Tavern and of course, the Ontario Hockey League game tonight at the Tullio Arena between the Attack and the Otters.
I’m also looking forward to my first live look at Connor McDavid of the Otters, the centerman who entered the OHL a year early under the ” exceptional player ” avenue.
I’ve seen McDavid on TV, and he’s good.
But is he good enough to resurrect the Otters ?
Ten years ago under Sherry Bassin and coached by Dave MacQueen, the Otters were the OHL champions.
In the past decade, their success has been limited.
Since 2002, Erie has won one playoff series, that over Sarnia, another OHL club who have had limited success in the post season.
Five times in the last 10 years, the Otters have missed the playoffs.
And even getting a top 4 pick in the OHL Priority Selection in the years in which they didn’t qualify for the post season didn’t yield much.
Greg McKegg, Ryan O’Reilly, Mitch Gaulton and Ryan O’Mara were all good to great players, but none could lead the Otters out of the quicksand they’re embedded in.
Maybe Connor McDavid will be that player to inspire an Erie return to the top.
Tonight, we’ll get a pretty good indication when McDavid and the Otters host the Attack.
I’m Fred Wallace