The Crosby Effect: The Fans

It's hard not to see a Sidney Crosby shirt on some little fan anymore. Sid is idolized by nearly every kid in Canada and beyond. Who couldn't idolize him? He is the best in the business right now hands down. The Number 87 has become as popular as the number 99, and that says a lot. No one can really hate the guy. He goes and does his best all the time with no real cocky attitude to go with it.

But, how did his injury affect the hockey world? Well he is the face of hockey right now. Every little kid looks at him and says I want to be like him, I want to be the best. However, is being the best worth the target on your back? Crosby's injury took him out for over a year (excluding his 4 game "return") and created a ripple effect in the hockey world. Less Crosby jerseys could be seen, and more of "The Crosby Watch" was. Everyone wanting him back to the way he was. Frankly because they'd look at him and say, well if he can't play, what's the chances of me playing? This injury could have been a huge negative effect on the future of the hockey world as parents would want their kids to be safe and the players would give up on themselves easier when having an injury.

Then he came back.

Finally the Crosby Watch was done, he returned to the game we all love as he played against the Rangers last Thursday. He came back with style getting an assist and +3 for the evening. The fans could once again rejoice. His return even had a total of over 2.2 million Canadian viewers on TSN2, the second most TSN2 ever had. That says a lot right there, especially since it was competing with the likes of Playoffs and even the olympics.

Now, how does his return affect the hockey world now? Kids can now look up to him not only for his talent, but for his hard work and pure dedication. When they themselves have a tough time with injuries they will look at him and will use his role model to get themselves back in the game. This was something that not even Wayne Gretzky brought to the table. Crosby will continue to be the face of hockey, but not can add on the face of "The comeback" to his repertoire. Even just today, Winnipeg Jet fans chanted "Crosby's Better" to Alexander Ovechkin in the Jets game vs the Washington Capitals. He truly has become the perfect role model for a kid wanting to play hockey.