Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby has been impressed by 15-year-old forward Connor McDavid.
Crosby, who also attracted attention as a young hockey prodigy, gave rave reviews to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review when he watched McDavid play for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.
“He looks like he’s got it all,” Crosby said. “When I watched him play, he reminded me of myself.”
McDavid was amazed by the praise from his hero.
“I can’t believe Sidney Crosby said that about me,” McDavid told the Tribune-Review. “I mean, that’s my childhood hero. I’m a Pens fan because of him. I’m totally speechless.”
McDavid became just the third player granted exceptional status when he was selected first overall by the Otters in April after scoring 79 points in 33 games with the AAA minor midget Toronto Marlboros.
The Newmarket, Ont., native currently leads all OHL rookies with four goals and seven assists in nine games and is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Connor Brown for the team lead in points.
McDavid added that he’s OK with the pressure of being considered an exceptional player.
“It’s what people play hockey for, to be ‘The Guy,'” McDavid explained. “I love when the arena is full. The more people that come out, the better. I actually sort of like the pressure.”
