The highly anticipated Game One of the Stanley Cup Final is set to begin this Wednesday, with the Edmonton Oilers hosting last year’s champions, the Florida Panthers. Hockey fans are eagerly awaiting this matchup, which features some of the sport’s biggest names, including Edmonton’s captain, Connor McDavid.

For fans of the Erie Otters, there’s an extra reason to cheer for the Oilers. Connor McDavid, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, spent his formative years playing for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Erie fans have a special connection to McDavid, having watched him develop into the superstar he is today. Earlier this year, Erie Insurance Arena was packed with fans when McDavid returned for a ceremony to retire his number 97 Otters jersey.

McDavid’s incredible stats and dynamic playing style have earned him a reputation as the best in the game, and many fans are rooting for him to finally win the coveted Stanley Cup. Trevor Kubeja, the voice of the Erie Otters, shared his thoughts on McDavid’s potential victory: “For a player like Connor McDavid, who is just such a dynamic player and a great representative of the Erie Otters alumni, to lift the Stanley Cup would just be incredible. For a Canadian team to do it for the first time in a long time, and for him to do it, would be amazing.”

Adding to the excitement for Erie fans is the presence of former Otters coach Kris Knoblauch, who now serves as the head coach for the Edmonton Oilers. In just two years as an NHL head coach, Knoblauch has led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final each year. A championship win for Knoblauch would also be a proud moment for Erie, as Kubeja noted: “Obviously, bringing the championship to Erie in 2017 and having a chance to win a cup last year, now he has an opportunity to run it back this year. A chance to get the Stanley Cup to his name, and for such a young coach, it would be incredible.”

The Stanley Cup Final also highlights the talent of other OHL alumni. On the Florida Panthers’ side, Matthew Tkachuk, a former London Knight, is a key player. Meanwhile, Edmonton boasts OHL standouts like Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse and Connor Brown. These players have built on their OHL success to achieve remarkable careers in the NHL.

Even though it has been a decade since McDavid played in Erie, his legacy remains strong. His merchandise continues to be a top seller at the Erie Otters store, and interest in number 97 is only growing as he heads into the Stanley Cup Final. “We get people all the time coming from out of town that will stop by the store and maybe pick something up McDavid-related,” Kubeja said. “There’s still plenty of interest in number 97.”

As the Stanley Cup Final begins, fans of the Erie Otters and hockey enthusiasts everywhere have plenty of reasons to tune in. Whether it’s cheering for McDavid, Knoblauch, or the other OHL alumni, this series promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and determination. If you’re not a fan yet, now is the perfect time to join in on the excitement.