Those who watched a young Connor McDavid play for the Erie Otters from 2012 to 2015 knew they were seeing someone special.

According to current Otters head coach Stan Butler, McDavid's jersey retirement ceremony this Friday January 10 at Erie Insurance Arena will show the world how special Erie hockey is too. "It's unbelievable for the community but unbelievable for the hockey community around the world to realize that long before he was becoming one of the best players in the NHL he was a great player for Erie Otters in Erie Pennsylvania," Butler said.

Every seat and box in Erie Insurance Arena will be filled when Connor McDavid returns to his junior hockey home ice on Friday. "To be able to have a legend of this sport and this organization here in the building I think it's really special for fans and it's something that we're super excited to be able to have this kind of intimate atmosphere where it'll you feel like you're right there with him," said Shawn Bednard, director of community outreach for the Erie Otters.

For the sold out crowd what happens on Friday will be a once in a lifetime experience.  In preparation, Connor McDavid's number is already emblazoned on the Erie ice and the current players will be wearing it on special jerseys during warmups that night too, so it will be a once in a lifetime experience for them as well.

Erie Otters goalie Charlie Burns, getting ready to practice for Friday's game against the Saginaw Spirit said, "I think everyone's excited.  It's going to be a special night and there's going to be a lot of people here, so there's some nerves, but I think everyone's excited.  You see him (Connor) a lot on TV he's a really special player so to be able to meet him it's going to be pretty cool," he added.

Martin Musiak, Erie Otters forward said, "Everybody knows how exceptional he is and what kind of player he is so it's going to be pretty surreal to see him here and obviously what he did for the organization was amazing so to see his jersey go up, it will be a special moment for us for sure."

Bednard understands the excitement of the players.  "We're talking about a modern era Wayne Gretzky who's trying to write his own history and story and to be able to say - I played on the night his jersey was retired here in Erie, that's unforgettable in junior hockey.

Other players from McDavid's era are expected to be back to celebrate along with him. Otters officials keeping those names under wraps for now.  And as number 97 becomes only the third jersey to be retired in Erie Otters history, expect Erie Insurance Arena to get loud.  "It gets loud here, it's an exciting environment and I think just having that kind of fervent energy in the building is going to make for a memorable night," Bednard added.

Fans with tickets are advised to arrive early, and be bundled up they do expect a line at the door as fans file through security.  If you have digital tickets, have them called up on your phone.  All arena seats are sold out as well as box, club level and east end box seats. The Erie Otters are giving away commemorative t-shirts at the door. The Erie Otters plan other special displays and photo ops to make the night special.