PITTSBURGH – The story of Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby’s relationship began when McDavid, as a young boy growing up north of Toronto, hung a poster of the number 87 on his bedroom wall.
Perhaps, through incredible luck, the future captain of the Edmonton Oilers told himself, he would be able to meet him one day.
Next month, with this goal already achieved for over 10 years now, another of McDavid’s dreams will come true.
At this time, the mentor and his runner-up will become teammates at the 4 Nations Showdown from February 12 to 20, both donning the red and white uniform of Canada.
This is something both men have wanted for a long time. This wish will finally come true.
They won’t just rub shoulders at an All-Star Game or during a simulated game over the summer. No, they will play together to represent their country that they love so much.
For McDavid, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Monday, it was one of the best holiday gifts he could have asked for.
“There’s an old adage that says you should never meet your idols because you’ll be disappointed,” McDavid told NHL.com. But nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Sid.
“When I watched him play as a kid, when I saw what he accomplished in the league, eight-year-old Connor never thought I would have the chance to get to know him the way I have over the past few years , attending camps with him and skating alongside him on occasion to develop a relationship. That said, I couldn’t be more excited to be his teammate, to be on the same team, to play on the power play with him, maybe even to skate on his line. Regardless, having the chance to be on his team is very exciting. »
You can almost sense childlike wonder when McDavid talks about Crosby, a sign of the mutual respect that exists between these two generational players who arrived in the league 10 years apart.
“Over the years, whether it was playing against each other or rubbing shoulders with each other at various camps, or at league events, I got to know him,” Crosby said. He’s a great role model, as well as obviously being an incredible player.
“I’m just excited to play with him. »
