Connor McDavid, Todd McLellan impress fans on Day 1 of training camp

The first day of practice for the Edmonton Oilers, fired the imagination of hundreds of fans Friday.

Coach Todd McLellan was not shy in pushing his players through fast-paced, intense, high-speed drills, loudly urging them to pay attention to details.

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For the hundreds of Edmonton Oiler hockey fans who crammed the Leduc recreation center to watch the new-look Oilers, the practice offered a peek into how McLellan sees his team placing the smooth-skating phenom Connor McDavid between the speedy Taylor Hall and veteran Teddy Purcell.

"Teddy and Taylor are both very smart players," McDavid told reporters following the practice. "Just being fast isn't the only way to play fast. There's a certain time to slow down and be in the right position."

It didn't take long for McDavid to impress his fans.

"Silky smooth," said Alex Braunig. "He is as advertised. I can't wait to see what he can do."

After scrumming with reporters McDavid took the time to sign dozens of autographs, further thrilling his fans away from the ice.

"I think it's crazy to have it in your own town where you play hockey to see all these great players and to see the next great one out here," said Brendan Kemper, 15. "It's very cool."

Fan interest in McDavid is so high, the Oilers held a lottery to allow spectators into the multiplex.

But dayone of training camp did not leave anyone disappointed, giving long-suffering Oilers fans a glimpse at just what might be this year.

"We'll be very close to making the playoffs, if not making the playoffs," said George Papay who has been taking his sons to watch Oiler preseason camps since Gretzky was a rookie.

The camp continues in Leduc all weekend long. The Oilers play a split squad game against the Calgary Flames Monday night.