His moment wasn’t golden like Sid The Kid’s, but Fabian Joseph certainly knows the feeling of skating for Canada at the Winter Olympics and leaving with a medal around his neck.
The Sydney native and former Bedford resident twice skated for Canada in men’s hockey at the Olympics — 1992 in Albertville, France and 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway — and in each instance brought home a silver medal.
So who better amongst Nova Scotians to ask about the unbelievable Olympic moment for Cole Harbour’s Sidney Crosby, who is now forever a part of Canadian hockey lore for his golden goal in overtime against the United States in Sunday’s gold-medal game in Vancouver.
“Obviously he scored a lot of big goals in his career, but that has to be the pinnacle — for sure,” said Joseph, a former Dalhousie Tigers men’s hockey coach who is now an associate coach with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats.
“That’s a goal that’s going to be remembered by Canadians for a long time.”
Joseph, who watched Sunday’s big game with friends immediately after his Wildcats upended the visiting Halifax Mooseheads in QMJHL action, remembers well the support he received from both Nova Scotians and Canadians when competing at the Olympics.
But he readily admits doing what Crosby did in front of the home fans takes it to another level.
“To actually do it in your home soil with your nation behind you — it must have been surreal,” he said.
Much was made about Crosby’s lack of offensive production heading into Sunday’s overtime, as No. 87 had gone nine periods without recording a point.
However Joseph, who referred to Crosby’s play at the Olympics as “steady,” pointed out, “the cream always rises to the top.” Crosby finished with four goals and three assists in seven games.
Unfortunately, Crosby’s fans will have to wait for some time to celebrate this gold medal with him.
The 22-year-old is scheduled to be back on the ice tonight as his Pittsburgh Penguins host the Buffalo Sabres, whose No. 1 netminder Ryan Miller is the American goaltender Crosby beat five-hole with Sunday’s game-winner.
‘This is a phenomenal achievement’
Mayor Peter Kelly planning to honour Crosby
Mayor Peter Kelly said yesterday the municipality will “definitely” be doing something to recognize Sidney Crosby’s gold medal at the Winter Olympics, but no date has been set.
The 22-year-old has rejoined the Pittsburgh Penguins and should be in the lineup tonight as they host the Buffalo Sabres, whose No. 1 netminder Ryan Miller is the American goaltender Crosby beat five-hole with Sunday’s game-winner.
Kelly said they plan to get in touch with Crosby and his family in the coming days to select a date that works well for him.
“This is a phenomenal achievement and must and should be recognized,” Kelly said.
