For a teenager from New Brunswick, investing during the pandemic to amass an extensive collection of hockey cards featuring NHL star Connor McDavid has proven to be beneficial.

The 15-year-old Recchi Robichaud has almost 500 hockey cards of his idol. 

The teenager from Baie-Sainte-Anne began this collection a few years ago. However, as Robichaud worked extra hard during the pandemic—when he wasn’t attending school or working at his part-time job—it more than doubled in size. 

The current NHL MVP learned of the superfan’s collection earlier this autumn. 

Robichaud and his parents received an invitation from McDavid to watch an Oilers practice and game in September via video chat. And to meet McDavid himself, of course. 

This week, Robichaud’s dream was realized. At the Rogers Place in Edmonton on Thursday, the teenager and his parents, Brian and Paula, watched McDavid and the Oilers practice. 

“Oh my goodness, seeing McDavid out there,” exclaimed Robichaud. “Everybody knows he’s fast and that, but when you see him skate in person… you see how fast he is.”

It was almost empty, according to Robichaud, who said that it felt like they had the entire arena to themselves when they watched the practice. 

“When you watch someone practice, you can truly see their entire range of skill. And it’s pretty amazing to see how talented, athletic, and in shape they truly are.”

However, the thrill didn’t end there. McDavid visited the family at their hotel, which is located across the street from the stadium, shortly after practice concluded. 

“We went downstairs and Connor was waiting for us,” Robichaud recalled, barely having had time to slip back into his room and retrieve some pucks for the superstar to autograph. 

According to Robichaud, the meet-and-greet took place in a lounge in the hotel lobby that was set aside especially for the event. Security and a few members of the Oilers PR staff were present. 

There was a 15-minute meeting duration. Along with signing a jersey, a few pucks, and hockey cards, he also gave Robichaud a signed practice stick. 

“It was incredible. That’s undoubtedly something I will always remember,” Robichaud said. 

“Eight years of collecting — all worth it for this moment.”

In contrast to the video call he had with McDavid back in September, when the teen was undoubtedly starstruck, Robichaud said it felt like a typical conversation with his hero. 

“He’s such a great guy, super nice, you know, he’s laid back, he’s relaxed, he’s chill.”