There was a neat commercial running last year that showcased young TimBits hockey players and how Sidney Crosby got his start. Many of the NHL greats started young and through thick and thin, their hometowns have rallied behind them and their careers. Looking at some of the top-ranked players in the league last year, I decided to briefly highlight where each of them got their start.
Vincent Lecavalier grew up in Pointe-Claire, Quebec and went to John Rennie High School before heading to Notre Dame in Saskatchewan. He played for Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning and was dubbed the "Michael Jordan of hockey". Upon winning the Stanley Cup in 2004 he returned home to Pointe-Claire and walked the halls of his old high school, holding the cup above his head in victory.
Daniel Briere, now of the Philadelphia Flyers, spent his childhood in Gatineau, Quebec and went to private school at College Stain-Alexandre. He took part in the National Midget Hockey Championship in his hometown (where his jersey number has been retired) and played three seasons with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL.
Jarome Iginla is from St. Albert, Alberta, near Edmonton. He played with the Bantam AAA Sabres and the Midget AAA Raiders where he soon led the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey league (AMHL) in scoring. The now-Captain of the Calgary Flames stayed in St. Albert throughout his entire minor hockey career and then played in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers.
No matter where players get their start, however big or small it was. Whether it began on a backyard rink, in a local arena, or by simply being a fan of the sport, the possibilities are endless for those who have passion and determination.
Image © 2008 Tim Hortons.