With just over a month until the World Cup of Hockey kicks off, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is thrilled that one of the game's biggest pests will be on his side of the ice.
Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has made his mark in the league as a bruiser and a thorn in the side of the opposition. For Crosby the tournament will provide the rare opportunity to play alongside Marchand.
"You’re so used to playing against him, you know the way he plays," Crosby chuckles," Crosby said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Having him on your team is going to be so much more enjoyable than having to play against him.
"Having a local guy, someone who’s from the same area, I think that’s pretty special to be competing for Team Canada with someone like that."
Marchand was added as one of the final additions to Team Canada's roster and after hitting a career-high 37 goals and 60 points this past season; Crosby feels it's no wonder he was chosen.
"You look at the season he had—he’s proven he can be a lot more than just an agitator. He’s a really good player, but part of his game is playing a tough brand [of hockey]. Playing right on that edge," Crosby says. "He’s had a tremendous career so far. I think that’ll be someone fun to join up with."
Fun aside, Crosby, Marchand, and co. will look to duplicate the result of the last World Cup of Hockey back in 2004 that saw Canada walk away tournament champions.
