Penguins star Sidney Crosby hasn't let hockey honours swell his head

The Canadian Press

Thursday, June 14, 2007

TORONTO - Players winning major individual awards are expected to
maintain a high standard of performance every time they compete, but
Sidney Crosby isn't worried about the high expectations fans will
place on him.

"I put a lot of expectations on myself anyway so it's nothing I'm too
worried about," says the Pittsburgh Penguins centre.

The 19-year-old native of Cole Harbour, N.S., became the youngest
player in a major pro sport to win a league scoring title last season
and he was the centre of attention during the league's awards
ceremonies Thursday night.

It was nice to see he still has control of his ego.

"It's just a fun thing to be a part of, to know you're part of this
group," Crosby said during pre-ceremonies interviews with the other
trophy finalists. "The guys that are here, it's a special group.

"It's just a compliment to be part of it. It's an honour and a
privilege to be here."

He says he's not upset that he won't be the first player from his Nova
Scotia community to return home with the Stanley Cup. Anaheim
defenceman Joe DiPenta will get first crack at that now that the Ducks
are NHL champions. He'll get his day with the Cup. Arrangements
haven't been finalized.

"I don't think I'll be around when the Cup is around," said Crosby.
"I'll stay away while that's going on.

"But it's great for him, and it's great for the kids there. A lot of
kids, hopefully, will get the opportunity to see it up close."

Good for DiPenta, Crosby added.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people there who coached him or helped
him get to where he is," said Crosby. "It's a great way for him to
come back and say thanks."

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