Halifax council takes step toward re-naming street for Sidney Crosby

Halifax council unanimously voted to consider renaming a suburban street after hockey star Sidney Crosby, despite some councillors’ reservations the city should pay tribute to “more than just athletes.”

Lorelei Nicoll, the councillor for Cole Harbour, put forward the motion to look into honouring her district’s native son at the behest of the Stanley Cup winner’s childhood coach and hundreds of hockey-crazed social media users.

While no councillor contested the worthiness of the Pittsburgh Penguins captain, some raised concerns that other candidates for commemoration were being overlooked.

Councillor Stephen Adams said the city should honour accomplished individuals of all backgrounds rather than just glorifying athletes — no matter how skilled they may be.

Councillor Elaine McCluskey said that beyond being an athlete, Crosby is a mentor to young Haligonians and a sterling ambassador of his hometown.

Councillor David Hendsbee voted with the rest of regional council to order a staff report on the prospect of a Sidney Crosby street, but tipped his bias in proposing the city honour another Halifax-native, Boston Bruins’ left-winger Brad Marchand, “after he wins a couple of more cups.”