Connor McDavid worth the price of admission

by Rob Benneian

The Otter could hardly draw a breath without first asking for permission.

The game plan for the Windsor Spitfires heading into their Oct. 18 match with his Erie Otters was geared specifically towards shutting him down. For more than 50 minutes, they were successful.

And then Connor McDavid came out of the penalty box, caught a pass, and showed everyone who had gathered at the WFCU Centre what makes him exceptional.

With his Otters teammates controlling the play in the Spitfires defensive zone, McDavid coasted towards the action before using an explosive stride to find an empty patch of ice. His hands a blur, McDavid stickhandled once, twice, three times and split the Windsor defence. Like a cobra, he struck and before the Spits knew what happened he had extended his point streak to nine games.

“Did you see McDavid’s goal? He was just like …. man,” said Windsor Spitfires centre Michael Clarke after the game.

Yes, Michael, I saw it.

Clarke frequently drew the unfortunate assignment of shutting down the Ontario Hockey League’s most celebrated rookie. McDavid, at just 15 years old, was drafted first overall in April by the Otters after earning “exceptional player status,” the third player to do so after John Tavares in 2005 and Aaron Ekblad in 2011.

Spitfires rookie forward Josh Ho-Sang has played with McDavid for years, most recently as members of the midget minor Toronto Marlboros. The dynamic duo combined for 64 goals and 151 points in their OHL draft year. Ho-Sang was drafted just four picks after McDavid was selected by the Otters.

“It was different, but it’s good to see (Ho-Sang) in an OHL uniform,” McDavid said. “I’m happy for him.”

Prior to taking to the ice as McDavid’s opponent for the first time since he was nine years old, Ho-Sang said he was looking forward to the challenge his former teammate would present.

“I think I know his game inside and out and he knows my game inside and out,” said Ho-Sang. “I think the beauty of both of our games is that even if you know them and understand them, they’re still difficult to stop.”

If you ask me, the beauty of their games is something you have to see to appreciate.

The Otters will revisit the WFCU Centre Feb. 21

I know I’ll be making sure I have a front row seat.