Connor McDavid's No. 97 jersey joined those of Brad Boyes (16) and Vince Scott (18) when the Erie Otters retired it Friday at Erie Insurance Arena.

It took years of practice and determination for Connor McDavid to reach this pinnacle, and much of that hard work happened here in Erie. McDavid has called his three years in Erie the best of his life.

Bassin has so many anecdotes about McDavid’s time with the Otters, starting with his first scrimmage with the team. McDavid, ever humble, wore his old minor hockey gear instead of Otters colors because he hadn’t made the team yet.

The inevitable will become reality on Friday when the Erie Otters retired the No. 97 jersey worn by Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid.

An Erie hockey legend is coming back to town Friday and the excitement has only just begun. Connor McDavid is regarded as one of the best hockey players in the NHL, but his success started years ago playing for the Erie Otters.

Number 97 in the rafters forever! 9⃣7⃣ Connor McDavid's legacy as an @ErieOtters is officially recognized as his jersey is retired in honour of his incredible junior hockey career 🎥 #OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/yCR8AeUZoy

Connor McDavid’s name will forever hang in the rafters in Erie. Ten years after last playing for the Otters of the OHL, the team will be retiring McDavid’s jersey on Friday night.

JET 24/FOX 66’s Mike Fenner talks with Erie legend Connor McDavid and Erie Otters general manager Dave Brown as the Otters retire McDavid’s #97 jersey. Related Coverage

Former Erie Otters star Connor McDavid has his no. 97 jersey retired Friday night. The 27-year-old spent three seasons with Erie from 2012-2015 where he amassed 285 points (97 goals) in just 166 games.

Number 97 to the rafters at Erie Insurance Arena. Oilers captain Connor McDavid made a detour from his team's four-game road trip on Friday to spend the day in Erie, Pennsylvania – the city he called home for three Ontario Hockey League seasons as an exceptional status,