Sidney Crosby paid tribute to Lowell MacDonald, a former NHL player from Nova Scotia who passed away on Sunday. Crosby expressed how MacDonald, who hailed from the same region as him, served as a role model for aspiring hockey players in the province due to his Pittsburgh connection and esteemed career.
MacDonald, aged 84, enjoyed a successful NHL career spanning nearly 15 seasons, representing teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Born in Thorburn, N.S., MacDonald always cherished his roots in the province and frequently returned with his wife to visit family in Little Harbour, N.S., where they owned a home.
During his time in the NHL, MacDonald amassed 180 goals and 390 points across 506 games before retiring after the 1977-78 season. Crosby, a native of Cole Harbour, N.S., highlighted MacDonald’s significant influence in paving the way for young players like himself.
Apart from his on-ice achievements, MacDonald prioritized education, pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees during his NHL off-seasons. His post-hockey career saw him excel as a teacher, hockey coach, and athletic director at the University School of Milwaukee.
Recognized for his contributions to sports, MacDonald was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1982. Bruce Rainnie, the president of the hall of fame, praised MacDonald’s resilience in overcoming knee injuries and lauded his dedication to the sport, exemplified by winning the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy.
Rainnie emphasized the significance of MacDonald’s legacy, illustrating that individuals from modest backgrounds could rise to the top through passion and hard work. A celebration of MacDonald’s life is planned for the upcoming summer in Little Harbour, N.S.
In conclusion, Crosby and many others remember Lowell MacDonald as a remarkable figure in the hockey community and a proud representative of Nova Scotia, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport and those who knew him.