Chapter 2

The biggest news around town was that for the first time ever the Pens were going to hold training camp at Mellon and anyone culd go watch for the first week. Having grown up around hockey and hockey players, I was in no way "starstruck" around them. This was a chance for me to see Mario and possibly get an autograph. For the first time ever (except if one of the boys were sick) I took a day of work to go watch thefirst day of camp.

I dropped the boys off at school and headed for the arena. It was no real surprise that there were about 500 people all waiting to get their first look at this Crosby kid. A small group of men sitting next to me asked if I was there to check out Sidney Crosby.

"No. I'm actually here to watch Mario."

They looked at me like I wss from another planet.

"Sidney is the best player to come along since Mario, and you act like you don't even care that you are about to witness history in the making!"
"What history would that be?" I asked.
"The passing of the torch. The great Mario passing the team and it's legacy to Crosby."
"Oh come on," I said a little annoyed. "No one will ever be able to replace Mario. He is and always will be the greatest player in Pens history. I saw this Crosby kid play in the Memorial Cup. I don't see what all the hype is about. Sure he's a good player but I really don't think he is this savior that everyone thinks he is. He's an 18 year old kid for god sake!"
"You are entitled to your opinion, however misguided it is, but I urge you to reserve judgement until you see a little more of him."

I found it odd that one of the men sitting there didn't offer any of his opinions. He just stared stone faced at the ice.

Andwith that, the group of men moved to another part of the arena. Alright. Maybe I was a little harsh. For the next hour all I could focus on was Crosby. I was captivated. Watching him skate was like seeing poetry in motion. He was so fluid and graceful. I hadn't seen anything like it since David. I damn near forgot why I was really there. Practise was over but I could not bring myself to get up and leave. I noticed there was still a guy at the other end of the rink playing with a puck. As he skated towards where I was sitting I realized it was Sidney. He glided by where I was sitting and I froze. Our eyes met for a moment that felt like forever. He gave me a goofy little half smile and started skating backwards away from me making sure I was still watching him.

"What the hell!" I thought. "Get ahold of yourself girl. You gotta get out of here."

Without looking to see what Sidney was doing, I got up and left as quick as I could. What was that? I was in such a hurry I didn't realize there was anyone in front of me. I bumped into a man.

"Ah, the skeptic," he chuckled.
"Huh? I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
"Well?" He asked.
"Well what?"
"Did he make a believer out of you? It's hard not to be affected by him isn't it?"

I realized this was the man from earlier who had said nothing.

"He is something to watch for sure," I said. "I'm still not convinced though. Let's see what the season brings."
"Don't worry young lady. It won't take that long. Eventually my son turns everyone into a believer."
"Your son?" I asked confused.
"Yes. Sidney is my son. Troy Crosby," he said holding out his hand.
"Rebekah Jones," I said shaking his hand.

Oh my God!!! I can't believe I just told this guy that his son was nothing special! I was soooo embarrassed. All I could do was say I had to go. I left the arena as fast as I could and never looked back.