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Sidney Crosby remembers fellow Nova Scotian Lowell MacDonald, the former NHL player who died Sunday, as an inspiration for his career.
“As far as Nova Scotia goes, there aren't a lot of players coming out of there,” Crosby said during his post-practice press conference Thursday.
“You knew the history, you knew who these guys were, you respected these guys. The fact that there was a connection with Pittsburgh, [with MacDonald] was obviously special.”
MacDonald, 84, was a two-time NHL star and played nearly 15 seasons in the league. The forward is ready to play Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Macdonald was born in Thorburn, North Carolina, and always considered this province his home.
Pictou County man's obituary said he and his wife, Joyce Smith McDonald, returned for a few months each year to visit family. They had a home in Little Harbor, N. S. McDonald was an avid golfer, playing countless rounds at Abercrombie Golf and Country Club.
MacDonald finished his NHL career with 180 goals and 390 points in 506 games, last playing in the 1977–78 season.
“Just a great man and a proud Nova Scotian,” Crosby said. “I think you always appreciate the guys that you look up to and paved the way for you, and he’s definitely one of them.”
Emphasis on Education
During MacDonald's NHL playing days, he attended college for 14 years, earning bachelor's and master's degrees, according to his obituary.
After his playing days ended, McDonald worked as a teacher, hockey coach and athletic director at University School of Milwaukee, where he remained for almost two decades.
McDonald was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
Bruce Rainney, president of the Hall of Fame, said he met with McDonald several times and called their interactions outstanding.
“These guys feel better when the conversation ends than when it started,” he said.
Rainney said MacDonald's career was hampered by knee injuries, but he didn't let that stop him.
McDonald did not play in the 1971–72 season, but bounced back the following season, scoring a near-career-best 75 points and winning the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy. The trophy is awarded to an NHL player.”which best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
Rainney said it was probably a no-brainer to induct MacDonald into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
“It's proof that you can come from the second largest province in the country, from a small area like Thorburn, and through passion for sport, hard work and dedication, get to the very top,” Rainnie said.
A celebration of life will be held in Little Harbor this summer.
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