Penguins captain honored by former team Rimouski
By Pat Pickens @Pat_Pickens / NHL.com Staff Writer
It is the rarest of honors for Sidney Crosby.
Rimouski Oceanic raised his No. 87 to the rafters before its game against Sherbrooke on Friday, and the QMJHL announced it will be retiring Crosby's number leaguewide during the 2020-21 season.
BREAKING | As of next year, no one will wear Crosby’s number 87 in the #QMJHL. It will be retired across the league!
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) September 28, 2019
"I did not expect that at all," Crosby said. "I was honored to have [my number] retired here in Rimouski. That was an honor itself, but to know it's going to be leaguewide, I didn't see that coming at all."
Crosby had 120 goals and 303 points in 121 games in two seasons for Rimouski from 2003-05 before the Penguins selected him with the No. 1 pick of the 2005 NHL Draft. He was ranked behind Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur on a list of the 50 greatest players in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League history this spring.
Crosby is the only QMJHL player to have his number retired leaguewide, which capped the already special night.
Each Rimouski player wore No. 87 during warmups, and the Oceanic fans gave him an eight-plus-minute standing ovation before he gave a speech to the capacity crowd.
"I felt like I was 16 again," Crosby said. "The people here are incredible, and that was a great example of how amazing they are, and yeah it's pretty overwhelming."
Oh the memories! 🤩 #SidTheKid #QMJHLPride pic.twitter.com/pF9hSdFkZl
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) September 27, 2019
LNH.com staff writer Guillaume Lepage contributed to this report
As a seasoned enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of ice hockey, particularly the National Hockey League (NHL) and its feeder leagues, I can confidently delve into the significance of the article featuring Sidney Crosby and the retirement of his number, 87, by the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). My comprehensive knowledge of the sport, its history, and its players positions me as a reliable source to dissect the key concepts embedded in this news piece.
The article revolves around the exceptional honor bestowed upon Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, by his former QMJHL team, the Rimouski Oceanic. The team raised Crosby's No. 87 to the rafters in a ceremony held before their game against Sherbrooke on September 28, 2019. Subsequently, the QMJHL, on the same day, announced the leaguewide retirement of Crosby's number during the 2020-21 season.
The significance of this event lies not only in the local acknowledgment by Rimouski but in the broader recognition by the entire QMJHL. Crosby, having played 121 games for Rimouski from 2003-05 and amassing an impressive 120 goals and 303 points, left an indelible mark on the league. His subsequent selection as the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins further solidified his legacy.
What sets this tribute apart is its rarity; Sidney Crosby is the sole QMJHL player to have his number retired leaguewide. This underscores the exceptional impact he had during his junior hockey career, a sentiment reflected in the overwhelming response from the fans and players during the ceremony. Each Rimouski player wore No. 87 during warmups, and Crosby received an eight-plus-minute standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Crosby's own reaction, expressing surprise and gratitude, adds a personal touch to the narrative. He mentioned feeling like he was 16 again, emphasizing the emotional connection he maintains with the Rimouski community.
The article also highlights the statistical prowess of Crosby, ranking him among the 50 greatest players in QMJHL history, a list on which he stands behind legends Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur. Such accolades further contextualize the magnitude of the honor bestowed upon him.
In conclusion, the retirement of Sidney Crosby's number by the Rimouski Oceanic and the subsequent leaguewide acknowledgment by the QMJHL serve as a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the league and the sport as a whole. The article captures the essence of this rare and special moment in hockey history, solidifying Sidney Crosby's legacy not only in the NHL but also in the hearts of QMJHL enthusiasts.
