The Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is set to be appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada, Canadian officials announced on Thursday. This is one of the nation’s highest honors.
Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, announced in a public statement that Crosby will be awarded this prestigious honor in recognition of “being one of the greatest hockey players of all time and for supporting community service initiatives for youth.”
Widely prophesized as “The Next One” before playing in his first NHL game, Crosby has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in the sport. He has twice won the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded the Stanley Cup playoff MVP, and has been named to eight All-Star teams.
Crosby has won the Stanley Cup on three occasions in addition to leading Canada to win two Olympic gold medals. “The NHL is grateful for all he has given to the game and joins his millions of fans throughout Canada and around the world”, the league stated in response to Crosby’s nomination.
Among the other 98 new appointments for the Order of Canada is Karina LeBlanc, the current general manager of Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL. LeBlanc led the Canadian women’s national team at five Women’s World Cups.
