Connor McDavid named Canadian junior hockey player of the year

Connor McDavid, the Erie Otters star who is widely expected to be the top pick in June's NHL Entry Draft, was named the Canadian junior hockey player of the year on Saturday.

Connor McDavid, the Erie Otters star who is widely expected to be the top pick in June's NHL Entry Draft, was named the Canadian junior hockey player of the year on Saturday.

McDavid, 18, is forecasted to hear his name called first overall by the Edmonton Oilers on June 26. He was also named the top Canadian junior prospect of the year  and the scholastic player of the year. The Canadian Hockey League announced the awards as the umbrella organization for the Western, Ontario and Quebec Major junior hockey leagues.

“It’s been an exciting time for me. It’s been a whirlwind of a year,” McDavid said. “It’s nice that it’s getting close to the draft. I’ll be able to take some time off this summer.

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“You come in as a 15-year-old just hoping to do the best you can and for this to happen is very special.”

McDavid finished third in the OHL with 44 goals and 120 points in 47 games. The Otters reached the league final with McDavid scoring 21 goals with 49 points in 20 playoff games.

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McDavid beat out the Moncton Wildcats' Conor Garland and the Portland Winterhawks' Oliver Bjorkstand for the player of the award.

- Mike Fiammetta