Connor McDavid is already playing a big part in shaping the history of Rogers Place.

The Edmonton Oilers' star center became the first player to take to the ice at the club's new downtown arena Thursday, skating half a lap before being joined by local minor hockey players and a handful of teammates.

It's a piece of team history he wasn't aware he'd be owning.

"No, (I didn’t know I’d be first). I just heard we were going to come here and do a little skate with some of the kids," McDavid said, per the Oilers website. "But it was pretty special to be on the ice and do all that.

"I can't wait to play here. The fans are going to be great. I hope it's loud," he added.

If Oilers fans are going to have anything to cheer about in the coming years following a lengthy rebuild, it'll most certainly be as a result of McDavid's impact.

The first regular-season game at Rogers Place is scheduled for Oct. 12 against the Calgary Flames.

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