Crosby wows Penguins fans while delivering season tickets

SEWICKLEY, Pa. -- Sidney Crosby has a unique and natural connection with the city of Pittsburgh. 

Winning the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017) in more than two decades with the Pittsburgh Penguins will do that.

But, maybe more importantly, it comes from how Crosby has carried himself since being selected No. 1 by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft. At age 39, he is established as one of the most accomplished players in NHL history but has the same demeanor from when he was an 18-year-old rookie trying to live up to lofty expectations on a team that still had Mario Lemieux. 

That was on full display Tuesday, when the Pittsburgh captain delivered season tickets to the Duryea family as part of an annual Penguins tradition that began in the lead-up to Crosby's third season in 2007. 

“I think you just recognize the pride that people have,” Crosby said. “Hearing their stories, how long they’ve had tickets for or how they got connected to going to games and things like that, it’s fun to hear that. You always feel the support, that’s the main thing. 

“I think it’s a pretty cool event that we’ve been able to do here for a long time and, yeah, it does never get old.” 

It was the first of several houses Crosby visited across southwestern Pennsylvania. Some of his teammates, including defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, did the same. 

Crosby walked into the backyard of Neal and Jenny Duryea to speak with them, their daughters, Lucy and Josie, and son, James. He kept the conversation centered on the family -- How long have they been ticket holders? Do the kids play hockey? What is everyone dressing as for Halloween? 

“He just seems like a normal guy,” Neal said. “This just confirmed that he is.”

Afterward, Lucy shyly approached with a piece of paper. It was a permission slip for missing school. Crosby signed it, wishing her luck and hoping it was good enough of an excuse. 

“I felt a rush of excitement,” Lucy said. “I got really excited and I couldn’t stop. I wanted to scream. 

“He’s really nice. He’s not, like, I don’t know, he’s just really nice.”

The family first bought season tickets in either 2010 or 2011, Neal said. It has since seen Crosby win the Stanley Cup twice with Evgeni Malkin and Letang, his teammates since 2006-07. 

“I don’t know how to feel about them not being there,” Neal said. “I just consider myself lucky. Everyone I talk to about hockey (tells us) we’re so lucky.” 

Crosby is likely to make more deliveries next year, but it’s technically not guaranteed. This season will be his 22nd in the NHL and last on a two-year, $17.4 million contract ($8.7 million average annual value) signed Sept. 16, 2024. 

At this point, it’s taken one year at a time. Still producing at a high level, he led the Penguins with 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games last season to extend his NHL record of consecutive seasons averaging at least a point per game to 21. 

Crosby will become the longest-tenured professional athlete in Pittsburgh sports history, passing Willie Stargell (21 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1962-82), but he gets that nothing lasts forever. 

“I think you talk to guys who are later in their careers. I think it’s different for everyone,” Crosby said. “I don't think you ever know until you get to that point, but I’m guessing it’s your level, it’s how your body feels, it’s a combination of all those things. Overall, I feel pretty good. 

“I’m hoping that’s not something I have to think about too much, but that’s just the reality of things. So, you know, we’ll see, but I’m happy with the way I feel.” 

In the meantime, Crosby won’t look too far ahead.  

The fans were the sole focus Tuesday. This past Sunday, Crosby took in the Pittsburgh Steelers season opener with several of his teammates. On Thursday, he’ll take the ice with them at training camp. 

It’s a special time of year and will stay that way for as long as Crosby plays.

“I feel like the excitement or anticipation has probably been pretty much the same from when I started,” Crosby said. “I think, you know, that feeling does never change.”