I can’t imagine there have been many memorable preseasons for Sidney Crosby over the years. Most years it is play a few games and acclimate yourself to game speed against outside competition while side stepping some of the younger players trying to make a mark with a big hit. This year is a lot different. The Penguins are playing in Halifax and it has been the homecoming you would expect it to be for Crosby.
Crosby and the Penguins have been in Halifax for a number of days hanging out where their captain and leader grew up. Crosby’s dented washer has made an appearance. The team practiced in the rink Crosby got his start in and then ran a clinic for the local kids. This hasn’t been just another preseason game. Their leader got to go home and show off his pride, something he keeps close to the vest in most situations.
You can tell how much this means to Crosby and you can tell how much his teammates are invested in him as well. It is about as good of a preseason experience as you’ll see.
Crosby on today's practice at his childhood rink: "I had a lot of early morning practices in this rink and had dreams of playing in the NHL. I didn't ever think that I'd be able to be here with our team and do something like this. You just try to take it all in and enjoy it." pic.twitter.com/t3mfee2VnM
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 1, 2023
Introducing the newest hockey coach in Cole Harbour, Sidney Crosby (for one day only)! pic.twitter.com/Uxm7vvGdHK
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 2, 2023
Evgeni Malkin played a big supporting role so far in the trip helping Sid run the camp for the locals and of course insert his special brand of humor along the way
Geno's reaction 😂 pic.twitter.com/2Aa1j8INPD
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 1, 2023
Fans at Cole Harbour Place: "CROSBY! CROSBY!"
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 2, 2023
Malkin: "Go tell them I'm here too. Not just Crosby." 😂 pic.twitter.com/V5hPGWzPhZ
The Crosby family is keeping everyone well fed
Acciari on the Crosby family acting as hosts in Nova Scotia: "His parents coming with goodie bags at our hotel - it's first class. There was a loaf of banana bread in the room, which was unbelievable. Everyone was telling me that Sid was making it, but I didn’t believe them."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 1, 2023
As for the actual game it looks to be another quality lineup for the Penguins. One which would be used in a regular season game.
HOCKEY IN HALIFAX! 🏒
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 1, 2023
Here is our roster for tomorrow night's matchup. pic.twitter.com/JgtUBfvGql
For all Crosby has given to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins it is nice to see him get to come home and share his NHL family with his hometown one.
Thanks for reading!