Feb 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils in the shootout at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Cole Harbour’s Hockey Pride Crosby, MacKinnon, and Marchand Unite a Community

From rinkside chats to global tournaments, Cole Harbour’s hockey stars unite a community with pride and passion.

Weekend mornings at Cole Harbour Place, home to our local minor hockey rinks, always carry a familiar rhythm. I’m in my usual spot at Top Shelf, the skate sharpening and memorabilia shop in the heart of the facility. It’s where locals stop by for gear, a quick skate sharpening, or simply to talk hockey.

The conversations often revolve around Sidney Crosby, whose legacy is deeply intertwined with our community. More recently, Nathan MacKinnon, another Cole Harbour native, has become a frequent topic, thanks to his incredible dominance in recent years. Our town takes immense pride in these two exceptional ambassadors, and their success resonates far beyond our borders.

Whenever we travel with our hockey team, we’re bombarded with questions: “Does anyone know Sidney or Nathan? What’s in the water in Cole Harbour? Do they still come home?” These questions never get old. But lately, there’s been a new buzz around the rink, adding extra energy to our morning coffees and skate shop chatter.

The announcement that three of the first six players named to represent Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off are from our region has elevated the excitement to new heights.

Coffee by Nate, playlist by Sid?

Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon put their friendship to the test ahead of #4Nations Face-Off and it’s safe to say Cole Harbour’s finest are already on the same page 🤞 pic.twitter.com/mv95bniiy7
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) February 9, 2025

For many international tournaments, our Atlantic Canadian region isn’t always heavily represented. But this time, Nova Scotia is in the spotlight. Team Canada’s roster includes Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brad Marchand—three players from two neighboring minor hockey associations, Cole Harbour and Hammonds Plains. It’s a source of immense pride for our community.

If we had any say in Team Canada’s lineup, you can bet we’d suggest a starting forward line of Crosby (#87), MacKinnon (#29), and Marchand (#63).

As a coach of the Cole Harbour Peewee AAA team—the very team Crosby played for in the late ‘90s and early 2000s—I’m reminded of how deeply rooted hockey is in this community. We’re even preparing for our annual February trip to Quebec City, a tradition Crosby and his teammates once experienced.

This year, two members of our coaching staff are flying out ahead of the team to catch the Finland vs. Sweden and U.S. vs. Canada games in Montreal on February 15. They’ll then join us in Quebec City for the week.

Meanwhile, other locals are making plans of their own. Some are heading to Boston, hopeful to see Crosby, MacKinnon, and Marchand in the tournament final. Others are heading to Montreal to witness the action live.

Even those staying closer to home are finding ways to celebrate. Families are organizing viewing parties, and local establishments are partnering with vendors to create spaces where fans can gather to cheer for Team Canada. You can bet jerseys bearing the numbers 87, 29, and 63 will dominate these gatherings.

One minor hockey team from Cole Harbour will be in Montreal during the tournament, and many of them plan to attend the 4 Nations Face-Off games. Teams from neighboring associations traveling in the U.S. are even ensuring their buses have solid Wi-Fi so families can watch the games on the go.

Whether in person, on the road, or at local viewing parties, the spirit of Cole Harbour will be loud and proud throughout the tournament. Our community’s connection to Crosby, MacKinnon, and Marchand isn’t just a source of pride—it’s a testament to the enduring bond between hockey and our home.

Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Brad Marchand

Cole Harbour

Nathan MacKinnon

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Sidney Crosby

Anamika Shrivastava

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