Rimouski, QMJHL Retire Sidney Crosby’s No. 87 in Emotional Ceremony

Sidney Crosby had tears in his eyes as his junior team, Rimouski Oceanic celebrated his career and raised his iconic No. 87 to the rafters. Crosby has won Stanley Cups and Olympic gold medals. He has become an international household name and posters of him adorn children’s bedrooms across the world. And it started in Rimouski.

All Rimouski Oceanic players wore a Crosby jersey during warmups, which preceded the pregame ceremony. During the center ice ceremony, an orchestra played Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” And for good measure, the QMJHL announced that no player in the league will again wear No. 87.

The standing ovation lasted over six minutes.

Crosby played just two years for Rimouski in the QMJHL but his numbers were eye-popping. In his rookie year in 2003-04, Crosby had a paltry 135 points, including 54 goals in 59 games. In his draft-eligible season, Crosby went off, and his numbers had a certain Pittsburgh numerology. He scored 168 points, including 66 goals.

The Penguins won a 30-team lottery following the 2005 NHL lockout and the rights to draft Crosby. Sportsnet published the full acceptance speech, though you’ll have to use full screen to watch it.

L'ovation dure de longues minutes à Rimouski… https://t.co/4RPG1jZc6v pic.twitter.com/ZEANhH7qmo

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) September 27, 2019

Sidney Crosby fighting back tears with a minutes-long standing ovation in Rimouski, crowd chanting “Cros-by, Cros-by!” Honestly one of the longest standing ovations I’ve ever witnessed. It’s unending. pic.twitter.com/4dPqVkoJ9I

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 27, 2019

Une nouvelle bannière dans les hauteurs du Colisee de Rimouski #87 #Crosby pic.twitter.com/QOGpT9Rvi3

— Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) September 28, 2019