Another pretty assist by Sidney Crosby

This appeared in the Halifax Chronicle-Herald: Leave it to Sidney Crosby to lift birthday celebrations to another level with a trademark classy assist.

Having had two Stanley Cup win celebrations in his hometown, Cole Harbour, N.S., Crosby decided to spread the good vibrations. He would celebrate his hat trick of Stanley Cup victories, and a pair of birthdays, by parading the coveted trophy through the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth.

That’s just what happened under sunny skies on Natal Day, Monday, putting a special exclamation mark on this year’s Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Parade.

Crosby has firmly carved his place among the best in the game of hockey. On Monday, as he celebrated his own 30th birthday and third Stanley Cup win, and as we celebrated our capital city’s birthday, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain provided yet another example of his character and love of his local roots.

This year was the first time in almost two decades that the NHL has a repeat Stanley Cup winner. That certainly solidifies Crosby’s place among the best of the best.

None of his success has come easy. Just a few years ago an injury left many wondering if he would be able to play again as the effects of a concussion cast a shadow over his health and ability to play the game he loved. He missed more than 100 games between January 2011 and March 2012. All the more reason for celebration now.

All icing on the cake for Crosby and his hometown and province.