'I Idolized Him': Myers' Emotional Reaction After Accidentally Catching Crosby in the Face

When Sidney Crosby ends up retiring, not only will he go down as one of the greatest players to ever lace up the skates, but one of the most genuine, kind, and benevolent athletes ever.

His charity work is well known, his connection to the Pittsburgh community could easily have him win the mayorship at this point, and there's no one around the league who doesn't at least respect him at the absolute least.

For Philippe Myers, he grew up idolizing the Cole Harbour native, and in the heat of the battle realized he may have made a big mistake.

During Monday's game, Myers decided to get a little rough with a Pittsburgh player in front of Anthony Stolarz, and in doing so took umbrage to whoever it was trying to crowd his goalie.

The problem was, it was Crosby.

You could tell immediately in the video (shown below) that once Myers clicked in as to who he nailed in the face, it looked as if his life flashed before his eyes. Not that Crosby would be malicious, but to do such an act to a legend could be seen as pure blasphemy.

For what it's worth, Myers immediately looked like he tried to smooth things over and apologize, and afterwards was full of regret.

Speaking to reporters, Myers gushed about Crosby and what he meant to his career, and how bad he felt for what he did:

To be fair, getting to share the ice with Crosby as a teammate or opponent is a privilege that only a few have the luxury of getting. As a fan seeing him 20 years ago it was something to behold, so to be able to get into the thick of things with him is the stuff of dreams.

Myers, a native of Moncton, NB, played his junior career with Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL and would have gotten a great look at Crosby during his time with Rimouski, though Myers would have been six years old.

But at that age, to be able to watch Crosby evolve from child prodigy to undeniable legend has to motivate you, and for Myers it was clear that Crosby had a big hand in his career albeit indirectly.

One day, the hockey world is going to have no more Sidney Crosby on the ice and it will give the NHL an entirely different look.

So for everyone including Myers, they are cherishing every chance they get to be around him with the entire hockey world having one collective feeling towards Crosby: