Sidney Crosby’s game day superstition involves a strict family tradition where his mother and sister avoid speaking to him entirely on game days. This unusual practice began during Crosby’s junior hockey years and has been maintained to help prevent injuries and misfortune.
At a Scotiabank Champions for Change event in Halifax in July 2015, Taylor Crosby, Sidney’s sister, explained that both she and their mother, Trina, have adhered to this rule for years. The superstition started when Crosby injured his shoulder after talking with Taylor before a game.
“He can’t talk to me or my mother on game days,” Taylor said. “It all started when he was playing junior. He talked to me before a game and then he separated his shoulder.”
“He tried to break the curse once and called my mom. She was like, ‘Should we be talking?’ and he was like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine.’ Then, that game, he broke his foot.”
Careful Avoidance to Prevent Game Day Jinxes
The superstition extends beyond just avoiding conversation. Taylor recalled an incident during the 2011 Winter Classic where she avoided any contact with Crosby, but he ended up with a concussion after simply seeing her in a hallway. Since then, the family has been even more cautious, maintaining distance to protect Crosby from possible injury.
Even during events like the World Championships in Prague, Taylor said they stayed secluded in their hotel room, minimizing any chance of interaction before games. The family’s commitment to this ritual is firm, as they believe any deviation could lead to harm on the ice.
Sidney Crosby’s On-Ice Routines and Rituals
Despite these superstition rules within his family, Crosby has developed his own extensive set of personal pregame practices focused on preparation and consistency. In a May 2020 interview with NHLPA.com, Crosby acknowledged the many rituals that help him get ready for games.
“Oh, yeah. I’ve got a few of those. I tape my stick pretty much at the same time. Everything is pretty timed, I think. I have a long list. You don’t want to hear it,” the Penguins captain said.
His routine includes taping his stick at the same time before each game and always re-tying his skates starting with the right foot. During warm-ups, Crosby deliberately takes a backhand shot exactly when the arena clock hits five minutes, a precise moment marking his focus and rhythm.
The Legacy of a Hockey Legend Maintained Through Rituals
Although such superstitions might seem unusual, they have not hindered Crosby’s remarkable career. As a three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, he has achieved historic milestones, including becoming the first NHL player to average at least a point per game for 20 consecutive seasons, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record.
The persistence in both family superstitions and personal routines highlights how Crosby’s mental and physical preparation contribute to his enduring success. These rituals, while rooted in caution and tradition, appear to have played a role in preserving his longevity and high level of performance in hockey.