Sidney Crosby helps foster girls hockey team in Pennsylvania

Superstar NHLer Sidney Crosby played a significant role in forming a Pennsylvanian hockey league's first-ever all-girls hockey team.

All 17 players on the 12-and-under girls Johnstown Warriors team took part in the Cole Harbour, N.S.-native's Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program, which includes 10 sessions of practice as well as head-to-toe gear.

On Oct. 10, the team, also known as Crosby's Girls, were surprised with a trip to see the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Anaheim Ducks.

"They had no idea, like we packed all their equipment and everything and they thought they were going to go play a game, and then they didn't know until they pulled up to PPG Paints Arena," said coach Sheri Hudspeth.

The team had signs and were able to sit by the boards. Each sign had a letter, number or symbol and spelled out "CROSBY'S GIRLS 87 ❤️." They held the signs up during the warm up and during the game.

"It was just kind of a thank you. We gave him a signed jersey from the girls, one of our home jerseys, and a plaque that was thanking his program," said Hudspeth, originally from Aurora, Ont.

They also signed photos of the girls and gave them to Crosby.

Chris Glessner, president of the Johnstown Warriors Hockey Organization, said Crosby mentioned the girls team in a post-game interview.

"He mentioned that he seen them and how excited he was that it's been a success and he's happy for them," Glessner said.

The team and Crosby did not meet — but Hudspeth is hoping that could happen one day.

She said since the photo of the girls holding the signs went online, the sportswear brand Adidas offered to sponsor the team and give them shoes.

"It's been unreal, like everything I've seen is positive  — it's such a feel good heart-warming, positive story that also shines a light on girls hockey," Hudspeth said.

"I'm also hoping it sparks interest in here that more girls want to come in and join our Warriors program next year."