WATCH: It’s summer, but that doesn’t stop Canadians from focusing on hockey. And one of this country’s greatest players is spending the off-season coaching some of the sport’s next generation. Ross Lord reports.
HALIFAX — Sid isn’t a kid anymore, but Nova Scotia’s most famous hockey export hasn’t forgotten what it means to be a youngster — learning the game that propelled him to the top of the hockey world.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has returned to his hometown, Cole Harbour, to impart skills to 160 pre-teens at his first-ever hockey school.
“I think the energy the kids bring and the passion for the game is pretty apparent,” said Crosby, who turns 28 later this week. “I just wanted to find a way to give back, and it made the most sense.”
Thousands of young players applied for the week-long camp, forcing organizers to hold a lottery.
“He showed us how to do some of the drills, and he made us better,” says Nicholas Walker, a 10-year-old from the Halifax area.
Carter Hercun, an 11-year-old from Calgary, is among many who have come here from outside Nova Scotia.
“It’s great to be with sid and it’s a great meeting other people around the world.”
Including 12-year-old Kosei Satoh, who flew here with his mother, from Tokyo, Japan.
Satoh said Crosby is his favourite player — which is a remarkable example of hockey’s international reach.
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Crosby admits helping star-struck children relax is a challenge.
“They’ve seen me a few times out there now, or met me off the ice. So, that might wear off a bit and hopefully they can just focus on their lessons out there and have some fun,” the hockey star said.
Small gestures, like a tap on the pads, or encouraging words, go a long way.
So does off-the-ice generosity, like autographs — a big highlight for Caitlyn Delaney, an 11-year-old forward from Dartmouth, N.S.
“It’s really special. It’s a great experience,” she said.
Off-the-ice techniques include soccer drills, and, Crosby also imparts personal skills, like manners.
A thoroughly impressive training program, according to local parent Marie Cleary.
“It says a lot about him, and it teaches children to be kind and respectful and really good on the ice.”
Crosby himself isn’t always an angel on the ice. But, despite legendary achievements — captaining a Stanley Cup champion, leading Canada to two Olympic Gold Medals, and, a World Hockey Championship — he hasn’t forgotten what matters most, passion for the game.
A reminder to park expectations and have fun.
“It’s easy to forget that not too long ago, you were a kid and just enjoying being out there, and the thought of that kind of stuff wasn’t in your mind at all,” he said.
Crosby hopes to use the enthusiasm of his “students” to elevate his own game — while paying it forward, by making this hockey school an annual summer event. He’ll donate the proceeds from this year’s camp, approximately $200,000 to children’s charities through the Sidney Crosby Foundation.
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