QMJHL Honors Sidney Crosby with Rookie of the Year Trophy Name Change

Boucherville, Quebec – The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) has officially named its Rookie of the Year trophy after Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, beginning this season. This significant recognition acknowledges Crosby’s impact on the league during his junior career with the Rimouski Océanic.

Crosby, who was drafted first overall by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft, dominated his time in the QMJHL, recording impressive statistics during his two seasons. In the 2003-2004 season, he scored 135 points in 59 games, which earned him the Rookie of the Year award. He followed that breakout campaign with an outstanding 168 points in 62 games the next year.

“Some of my fondest memories of hockey come from my time in the QMJHL playing for the Océanic. It is an absolute honor to have the league’s Rookie of the Year trophy named after me,” Crosby stated when informed of the honor.

Prior to this announcement, the award was without a formal name. According to QMJHL Commissioner Mario Cecchini, the decision to honor Crosby was unanimous among the trophy committee. “He has left such an important mark on the history of the Océanic and the QMJHL, and you can see how proud he is of his time with us every time he talks about it,” Cecchini said.

Crosby, a native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, made his mark in junior hockey before transitioning to the NHL. His accolades in professional hockey include three Stanley Cup championships and numerous individual titles, including two Hart Trophies and two Art Ross Trophies.

The QMJHL recently changed its name from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to include Canada’s Maritime provinces, further emphasizing the region’s significance. The league’s updated branding reflects a broader inclusion of hockey talent across the area.

The announcement comes just ahead of the Four Nations Face-Off tournament and the 2025 Memorial Cup presentation in Rimouski, highlighting the celebration of junior hockey and its players’ contributions to the sport.

Crosby’s legacy continues to grow, not just in Pittsburgh but throughout the hockey world. With future rookie stars now aiming to win the newly minted Sidney Crosby Trophy, his influence on the game remains remarkably strong.