Golf, time at the lake, and avoiding malls on Saturdays is how Crosby is spending his summer vacation
 
By Philip Croucher
The Daily News

Sidney Crosby pauses for a second. Then, with a hint of understatement, fires off his answer.

"I'd say that's fair to say," replied the Cole Harbour forward, when asked yesterday if his notoriety has grown even more at home after his stellar rookie season in the National Hockey League. "It's definitely a little busier when I'm out and around."

"It's not too big of a deal," he then added. "It's always nice to be home. I don't really frown upon it."

Crosby has spent a lot of time at home since skating for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and then for Canada at the world hockey championship in May. In-between, he's taken a few vacations, including nine days in Europe and the Canada Day weekend in P.E.I.

But mostly, Crosby has been at home, keeping a low profile while spending time with family and friends.

When he does go out, Crosby can rarely go unnoticed. A lot of the times, too, autograph-seekers will come his way.

"I just make sure I don't head to the mall on a Saturday afternoon or anything like that," joked Crosby, while at the same time being brutally honest. "But I do find time to relax and do the things I want to do. I guess I probably just have to think things through a little more. Just be aware of where I'm going and things like that.

"But I wouldn't trade playing in the NHL for anything. I'm lucky to be where I am."

So how does Crosby, one of the league's biggest stars, spend a relaxing day at home in the summer? Actually, like most teenagers his age.

"I like going to the lake, going to the beach and I like to golf a little bit when I can," said Crosby, who recently bought his first house, which is located outside of the city.

"Once you get closer to training camp, that diminishes a bit. You don't get a chance to do all that stuff as much because you're training and skating. I guess this is the part of the summer where you're able to enjoy your afternoons. Spend time hanging out with friends or going on a little vacation."

That said, Crosby can't slack off either. His sophomore season in the NHL is fast approaching.

Crosby is working out every day to get quicker and stronger for next season. Most of his off-ice training takes place at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.

"Off the ice, it's important that I'm in good shape and am able to do the same things I did last year," said Crosby, who turns 19 on Aug. 7. "But from my perspective, also, it's a team view and we're pushing to make the playoffs and being competitive. I think for me, my motivation comes from working hard and making sure I do my part to make us competitive. I know we have a great group of young guys, and everyone has great energy and wants to do well.


"If everyone has that same attitude, we're going to be successful."

Crosby will begin his second training camp with Pittsburgh in about eight weeks. It will start in Pittsburgh, then move to Moncton from Sept. 18 to 21.

The Penguins will play an exhibition game in Moncton, as well as the Halifax Metro Centre on Sept. 19 against the Ottawa Senators.

The game will mark the first time Crosby has played in Halifax since his former junior team, the Rimouski Oceanic, swept the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League final two years ago.

"Here (in Halifax), you don't get the chance to see an NHL game often up close," Crosby said. "It's nice to be able to play here as a player, and I think as a fan, they'll really like the opportunity to see a game live.

"I think it's exciting for everyone."