Sudbury News: Sidney Crosby Excites Fans at Kraft Hockeyville Celebrations

It was an exciting weekend for hockey fans in Sudbury as the city hosted an NHL preseason game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at the Sudbury Arena as part of Elliot Lake’s victory at Kraft Hockeyville.

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at the Sudbury Arena as part of Elliot Lake’s victory at Kraft Hockeyville. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Rose Duhaime is an Elliot Lake resident and volunteer who contributed to the city’s big victory.

“I was a member of the Elliot Lake Viking hockey team for many years. I was the president of this team for many years. I had three boys playing hockey. Our stadium was our second home,” Duhaime said.

“Elliot Lake is Kraft Hockeyville. The whole city united. We worked really hard and won.”

Elliot Lake resident Autumn Macguire attended the game with her daughter Hadley.

“We are extremely grateful to Kraft Hockeyville for the opportunity to win this for our arena at Elliot Lake,” Macguire said.

“We are proud to be here today.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at the Sudbury Arena as part of Elliot Lake’s victory at Kraft Hockeyville. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Fans arrived outside the arena on Sunday to line up under the red carpet early, and by late morning the crowd had grown to hundreds.

Nicky Roberge and her family were first in line at 6am

“Today the boys were up at 2 a.m.,” Roberge said. “We’re really excited to be here.”

The Ottawa Senators arrived at the red carpet event at 8:30 a.m., greeted by cheers from fans.

In an interview with CTV News, Ottawa Senators player Drake Batherson said seeing all the young fans put a smile on his face.

“I was one of those kids.”

“A long time ago, I was one of those kids who tried to get players’ autographs,” Batherson said.

“I come from a small town myself, so I know how much it means to these guys that they will play an NHL game here. We are very excited to be here.”

Sens guard Travis Hamonic said events like this bring him back to his roots.

“That’s why we play hockey. You know, we’re in the NHL and it’s an amazing job in life,” Hamonic said.

“But you really look at it and it really brings you back to being a kid when we were all growing up.”

Some had one person in mind they wanted to see: Pens superstar Sidney Crosby.

“We really hope to see Crosby,” said Rob Dagostino, who was in attendance with his son Angelo.

“We are really excited to meet any of the NHL players.”

Chanting Crosby’s name

The crowd began chanting Crosby’s name half an hour before the Pittsburgh Penguins bus arrived, and went deafening when the No. 87 jersey was spotted.

Crosby said the event aims to bring the community together.

“You know, obviously you can see there is a passion for the game here,” he said.

“It’s something that’s ingrained in the community, as it is in many other communities. You know, I think that’s an important part.”

Fans could witness both teams training a few hours before an important match and ask the players questions. For some, it was their first NHL experience.

“I’ve always dreamed of coming to an NHL game,” said Bentley Lobber, who attended the game with his father.

“It would be better if it was the Leafs. But at least it’s an NHL game.”

The Penguins ultimately defeated the Senators 5-2, but some fans claimed it was a community victory.

“I think it’s awesome for the community,” said Ryan Clement, a hockey fan.

“I mean, it’s a big deal to get something like that here.