This time last year, hockey fans were holding their breath, hoping that Sidney Crosby would put his bout with concussions behind him and return as a top player in the National Hockey League.
He did and is arguably once again the best player in the league.
Crosby has been hockey’s poster child for many years.
“He’s still young, he’s still learning,” says former NHL player Mike McPhee. “He’s still trying to get better every game, every practice.”
McPhee first met Crosby when he was a guest speaker at an awards dinner 12 years ago.
"After the banquet was over, there was one player who came up and said ‘thank you,’” says McPhee. “He came up and shook my hand and said ‘thank you’. That was a 14-year-old kid, Sidney Crosby."
McPhee was impressed.
Now, after watching him bounce back from multiple concussions, he is blown away.
“He's driven to be the best he can be and driven to be the best player in the NHL," says McPhee.
After two injury-plagued seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguin has not missed a game this year and leads the NHL in points, with 54.
"I think he's back and he's good to go," says fan Logan Gillis.
Crosby has seen it all - accolades, championships, injuries, comebacks – and through it all, he has maintained a squeaky-clean appeal.
“If you look out there at the sports world, there are a lot of great athletes, but there are some where as a parent you would say, I'm not sure I want my son or daughter to have this person as a role model," says McPhee.
Many young players, like Gillis, agree.
"I think he's a role model because he always tries his hardest. He puts it out there," says Gillis.
As for Crosby himself, he’s staying quiet, at least off the ice. However, on the ice, his play speaks volumes.
Last night’s game-winning goal helped the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Montreal Canadiens.
"Just saw some open ice,” says Crosby. “Great pass to get it to me. I was able to get a clear shot on net there."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have now won 13 straight games.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Paul Hollingsworth
