The star of the show finally emerged from the Edmonton Oilers locker-room at Rexall Place — his new hockey home — following a mandatory round of medical and fitness tests in advance of the Young Stars Classic.
He didn’t look any worse for wear.
Nor did Connor McDavid, who is carrying the hopes of a city on his 18-year-old shoulders, look concerned about what lies ahead.
The Young Stars rookie tournament, which gets underway Friday in Penticton, B.C.’s South Okanagan Events Centre, marks the start of McDavid’s journey towards his first NHL regular season game. After the tournament, which wraps up Monday, he is expected play in the annual rookie game against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Wednesday at Rexall Place before reporting to the Oilers’ main training camp.