The morning skates of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Calgary Flames attracted a number of curious onlookers, autograph seekers, and Penguins fans to the ‘Dome as Sidney Crosby was slated to make a rare Calgary appearance.
The two teams will take to the ice Friday night in what will be Crosby’s, a 10 year NHL veteran and the league’s marquee attraction, fourth NHL visit to the Saddledome.
Canadian hockey fans throughout Western Canada roll out the welcome mat when Crosby arrives in town.
“If you go to Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto, the cities that see him a lot, he may not be the most beloved figure but when he comes to Western Canada it’s a little bit different,” said Dejan Kovacevic, a Pittsburgh sports columnist. “Sidney Crosby went for years without coming out here because of the way the NHL schedule was laid out. Now he comes out and it’s still something of a novelty”
A number of fans wearing Crosby jerseys claimed seats in the arena’s lower bowl waiting for a glimpse of the Penguins’ captain.
“They come out with their 87 sweaters and they want to see Sid and they remember him, not so much for what he’s done for the Penguins and for Pittsburgh, but what he’s done for Canada.”
Morning skates at the Saddledome are regularly opened to the public and free of charge. According to Flames brass, the Penguins are by far the biggest draw.
“It’s one of the best kept secrets in town,” said hockey fan Lloyd Sabas who brought his young daughter to the morning skate.
Lloyd’s son Dylan was not able to catch Friday’s skate but his father hopes to surprise him with a memorable keepsake from the Pens visit.
“He’s a big Crosby fan and he’s at school. He doesn’t know if yet, but we’re hoping to surprise him with an autograph of Crosby.”
To the chagrin of the fans, Crosby did not take part in Friday’s morning skate. Crosby is expected to be in Friday night’s lineup when the Penguins face the Flames. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
