Sidney Crosby

Sidney Patrick Crosby (born August 7, 1987, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada) is a professional ice hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing Career

One of the most anticipated new talents for years, Wayne Gretzky has predicted that Crosby might one day break his NHL scoring records, an assessment that has led to the nickname, The Next One, which is actually a recycled nickname, originally belonging to Mario Lemieux and occasionally to Eric Lindros.

Related Topics:
Wayne Gretzky - NHL - Scoring records - Nickname - Mario Lemieux - Eric Lindros

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On July 22, 2005 the NHL, upon ratification of its new CBA, held its first league-wide draft lottery in its history and it was won by the Pittsburgh Penguins. On July 30, the Penguins selected Crosby in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft with the first overall pick. This will give Crosby the opportunity to play alongside the man to whom he has drawn several comparisons, Mario Lemieux.

Related Topics:
July 22 - 2005 - Pittsburgh Penguins - July 30 - 2005 NHL Entry Draft - Mario Lemieux

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Wayne Gretzky has also said that Crosby would be considered for the 2006 Canada Olympic hockey team if his performance in the first half of the 2005-06 NHL season warrants it. Given the likelihood of his joining a team already blessed with Mario Lemieux, Ziggy Palffy, Mark Recchi, and John LeClair, his scoring statistics may very well be where they need to in order for his consideration.

Related Topics:
Wayne Gretzky - Canada Olympic hockey team - 2005-06 NHL season - Ziggy Palffy - Mark Recchi - John LeClair

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Crosby was drafted first overall in the QMJHL Draft on June 7, 2003 by the Rimouski Océanic. He won the scoring title and set a new scoring record for 16-year-olds in his rookie season in the QMJHL. He achieved 54 goals and 81 assists.

Related Topics:
June 7 - 2003 - Rimouski Océanic

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Crosby played his first professional NHL game on October 5, 2005, against the New Jersey Devils, and registered an assist on a goal by Mark Recchi.

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Trivia

• At age 2 1/2 he would play in the basement of their home, which his father had painted white and added red and blue lines
• At age 3 Crosby started skating on ice
• At age 7 Crosby gave his first newspaper interview and was already on the radar of the sports press
• At age 14 he was featured on the CBC's show Hockey Day in Canada
• Wayne Gretzky told a reporter from The Arizona Republic, in answer to a question if a player may some day break some of his records: "Yes, Sidney Crosby. He's the best player I've seen since Mario Lemieux."
• On December 28, 2003 Crosby scored his first goal of the world junior hockey championship in a 7-2 win over Switzerland, becoming the youngest player ever to score for the team at age 16 years, 4 months, 24 days. The puck from Sidney's record making goal is in the Hockey Hall of Fame
• In 2003 Sidney was the only player under 18 invited to join the Canadian Junior Hockey Team
• While having great success in hockey, Crosby still managed to maintain an 85% average as a Grade 11 student.
• Sidney's father, Troy Crosby, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
• Was a Montreal Canadiens fan as a child.
• Appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on August 4, 2005, five days after being drafted by the Penguins.
• Arrived in Pittsburgh for the first time on August 10, 2005.
• Lives with Mario Lemieux's family during his rookie year in Pittsburgh.
• His jersey number is 87 due to his birthday being August 7, 1987 (8/7--87)
• Sidney attended Astral Drive Junior High School and graduated in 2003.

Quick Facts

• Nickname: The Next One, Darryl (named after Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler), Baby Legs, Sid the Kid (given by sportscaster Jim Hughson)
• Current Team: Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Salary : $850,000
• Previous Team: Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
• Hometown: Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia
• Place of Birth: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Country: Canada
• DOB: August 7, 1987 (Zodiac Sign: Leo)
• Height: 5-foot-11
• Weight: 193 pounds
• Shoots: Left
• Position: Centre
• Jersey Number: 87
• Favorite Team: Montreal Canadians