Sidney Crosby, hailing from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, paid tribute to the late Lowell MacDonald, a former NHL player from the same province who passed away on Sunday. During a media session after practice on Thursday, Crosby expressed how MacDonald’s career served as a source of inspiration for him, especially given the limited number of players emerging from Nova Scotia.
MacDonald, who was 84 years old, enjoyed a successful NHL career, spanning nearly 15 seasons and earning two NHL All-Star selections. He played for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, establishing a special connection with Crosby’s team. Born in Thorburn, Nova Scotia, MacDonald always held a deep affection for his home province, regularly returning with his wife, Joyce Smith MacDonald, to visit family at their residence in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Throughout his NHL tenure, MacDonald amassed 180 goals and 390 points across 506 games, concluding his professional hockey journey in the 1977-78 season. Crosby fondly described MacDonald as a “great man” and a proud Nova Scotian who significantly influenced his own career path.
Notably, MacDonald’s commitment to education stood out. Despite his demanding NHL schedule, he dedicated 14 summers to pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Post-hockey, he transitioned into roles as a teacher, hockey coach, and athletic director at the University School of Milwaukee, where he dedicated nearly two decades of service. In recognition of his achievements, MacDonald was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1982.
Bruce Rainnie, the president of the hall of fame, shared his admiration for MacDonald, emphasizing the positive impact of their interactions. Rainnie highlighted MacDonald’s resilience in overcoming knee injuries and his subsequent comeback season, which led to winning the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy for his unwavering dedication to hockey.
A celebration of MacDonald’s life is scheduled to take place in Little Harbour later this summer, honoring his enduring legacy in the world of hockey and beyond.