QMJHL, Rimouski Oceanic retire Sidney Crosby's jersey number
Sidney Crosby gave the Rimouski Oceanic 120 goals, 183 assists and 303 points in his two years of junior hockey.
Those numbers, unsurprisingly, led to Crosby receiving the highest honour possible from the Oceanic, as the team retired his No. 87 for good.
Sidney Crosby makes his entrance in Rimouski. Quite a scene. pic.twitter.com/EkY4m75lzs
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) September 27, 2019
The standing ovation Crosby received reached impressive heights, as the hockey phenom was treated to an extremely lengthy reception that apparently lasted minutes.
Sidney Crosby fighting back tears with a minutes-long standing ovation in Rimouski, crowd chanting “Cros-by, Cros-by!” Honestly one of the longest standing ovations I’ve ever witnessed. It’s unending. pic.twitter.com/4dPqVkoJ9I
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 27, 2019
It went on so long, 6+ minutes that @oceanicrimouski mascot Louky offered Crosby a towel and some water.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 27, 2019
That goes to show you just how much Crosby’s contributions meant to the community.
The appreciation for his efforts didn’t end there. In addition to the Oceanic making No. 87 off-limits, the QMJHL also announced that nobody will wear Sid’s iconic number again.
QMJHL announces here tonight in Rimouski that no player will ever wear No. 87 in the league again.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 28, 2019
As part of his speech, Crosby thanked his sister, Taylor, for waking up and being there for all of his practices and games, even the really early ones.
Crosby thanks his sister, Taylor, for waking up early for all of his practices and games. Maybe the most Sid moment ever. pic.twitter.com/Pv6G1ItLzT
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) September 28, 2019
He also discussed the decision to play junior hockey in the QMJHL rather than going to play college hockey.
Crosby tells the story about picking Rimouski over college hockey. pic.twitter.com/i1Lqte25DG
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) September 28, 2019
And to top it all off, there was an orchestra hired to play Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ while his number was raised to the rafters.
Bringing an orchestra anywhere is a big play, so respect to the Oceanic for having one ready for this occasion.
So now there is a damn orchestra playing We Are The Champions as No. 87 rises to rafters. I gotta say, Rimouski is a great place. pic.twitter.com/CWQ18npvjG
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) September 28, 2019
What a night. pic.twitter.com/inFHd0bHRL
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 28, 2019
Aside from all of the ridiculous stats, Crosby also led Rimouski to the 2005 Memorial Cup Final, where the team lost to the London Knights.
Crosby was also named QMJHL MVP, CHL First All-Star team, CHL Player of the Year, CHL Top Scorer Award twice, along with many other prestigious distinctions during his junior career.
Saluting Sidney Crosby 👏
16 years ago a 16-year-old phenom began an incredible @QMJHL journey winning a record 2-straight #CHL Player of the Year awards before launching an illustrious @penguins career.
Congrats, @oceanicrimouski #87 forever. pic.twitter.com/4aWiarDlil— CanadianHockeyLeague (@CHLHockey) September 27, 2019
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