Here’s a bold statement: Even in the tight-knit world of the Pittsburgh Penguins, not everything is as harmonious as it seems. And this is the part most people miss—beneath the surface of last season’s feel-good stories, there were whispers of internal friction that could have impacted the team’s rising star, Owen Pickering. Let’s dive in.
ESPN recently published a glowing tribute to Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, highlighting his leadership and mentorship. But tucked within the story was a revealing anecdote about Pickering, the team’s promising defenseman prospect. Remember that viral moment when Crosby took Pickering for a haircut at his favorite barber shop in Lawrenceville? It was framed as a heartwarming gesture, but Pickering himself hinted at a deeper story.
At just 19 years old, Pickering was in the midst of his first NHL stint, playing 25 games between November 16 and January 23, sporting a boyishly floppy hairstyle. In the ESPN piece, he admitted, ‘My hair was a contentious issue last year on the team. When I got called up, it wasn’t really a hit.’ Crosby’s response? ‘Hey, I booked us haircuts.’ A simple act, but one that made Pickering feel welcomed and supported.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while Crosby’s mentorship was commendable, it also unintentionally shed light on the challenges Pickering faced. Last season, Pittsburgh Hockey Now (PHN) reported that some veterans were giving Pickering a hard time during his time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Was this just harmless hazing, or did it cross the line into something more detrimental to his development? That’s a question worth exploring.
For a young player like Pickering, navigating the NHL’s unwritten rules can be daunting. While Crosby’s gesture was undoubtedly kind, it raises broader questions about team dynamics and how veterans treat prospects. Did the internal friction PHN reported last season play a role in Pickering’s adjustment? And more importantly, how can teams strike a balance between tough love and genuine support for their rising stars?
This isn’t just about haircuts or locker room banter—it’s about the culture that shapes a player’s journey. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should teams do more to protect prospects from unnecessary pressure, or is it part of the process to toughen them up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. The conversation is just getting started.
