Team Canada fan Connor McDavid laments another missed Olympics

This isn't how Connor McDavid expected to watch the Beijing Olympics.

The Edmonton Oilers superstar planned to be on the ice and in the athletes village in China. Instead, he's catching the action from his couch.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play at the Olympics since I was a little kid. So to have that kind of squashed as we were getting close was disappointing," McDavid told The Canadian Press in a phone interview.

"But just to be able to watch the athletes do their thing and put on a great show from home, it's been a different experience but something I'll still remember. The Olympics are such a special event and any time Canada is over there and participating, I try to support."

After Oilers games, he comes home to catch whatever event is on. Snowboarding has been a favourite, with some competitions even featuring a familiar face.

McDavid is friends with Mark McMorris, the Canadian snowboarder who slid to bronze in the men's slopestyle. It was the third Olympics in a row the 28-year-old from Regina has won bronze.

"Seeing his performance over the years, it's been really special to watch," McDavid said. "And he's come home with medals each and every time."

The hockey phenom is encouraging sports fans to support their favourite Canadian athletes, too. He's partnered with the Cheerios cheer card campaign which allows people to send athletes digital messages of encouragement and celebration throughout the Games.

"It means a lot to have a way for us as athletes to connect with our fans, for them to share their words of encouragement," McDavid said. "It can really keep us going. It can really keep athletes pushing forward."

He's also hoping to one day get a chance to feel the same support when he finally takes the