Sports in Erie, Pennsylvania facts for kids

There are numerous sports teams in Erie, Pennsylvania, all of which are minor league. There are also numerous college sports teams along with high school teams. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 10 high school sports are played in the area, often with close results due to the even distribution of athletic talent. Throughout history, Erie has had various semi-pro and professional sports teams. The city hosts the nationally recognized McDonald's Classic.

Hockey

The Erie Otters play hockey in the Ontario Hockey League at Erie Insurance Arena.

Connor McDavid, a Canadian center, played for the Erie Otters from 2012 to 2015, before joining the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Otters chose him as their first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau subsequently named McDavid the top North American prospect for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, where the Oilers selected him first overall. The Greater Toronto Hockey League named McDavid "Player of the Year" for the 2011–12 season following a record of 79 goals and 130 assists. Hockey Canada, the governing body for amateur hockey in Canada, granted McDavid "Exceptional Player" status, which permitted him to play in the OHL a year earlier than would otherwise be permissible for a player his age. He was only the third player to receive that status, after John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad.

Soccer

Erie Commodores FC play soccer in the National Premier Soccer League at McConnell Family Stadium.

Stock car racing

Outside of North East, Pennsylvania is Lake Erie Speedway, a 3/8 mile (0.6 km) NASCAR sanctioned race track.

Images for kids

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  UPMC Park

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  Erie Insurance Arena