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Sidney Crosby: The Rookie Year
4 hours and 7 minutes
Sidney Crosby is ready to tell his story in his own words. As one of the greatest NHL players of all time, he reflects on his 2005-06 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. From a Canadian phenom dubbed “the next Gretzky” to an 18-year-old carrying the burden of a struggling franchise, he talks candidly about the intense pressure he was under, the surreal experience of lacing up alongside his childhood idol Mario Lemieux and the truth about his rivalry with Alex Ovechkin. Sidney Crosby, with the help of his family, coaches and former teammates, gives listeners an all-access pass to one of the most scrutinized and tumultuous rookie seasons in the history of professional hockey. Hosted by Pittsburgh native and Penguins fan Joe Manganiello.
Sidney Crosby is ready to tell his story in his own words. As one of the greatest NHL players of all time, he reflects on his 2005-06 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. From a Canadian phenom dubbed “the next Gretzky” to an 18-year-old carrying the burden of a struggling franchise, he talks candidly about the intense pressure he was under, the surreal experience of lacing up alongside his childhood idol Mario Lemieux and the truth about his rivalry with Alex Ovechkin. Sidney Crosby, with the help of his family, coaches and former teammates, gives listeners an all-access pass to one of the most scrutinized and tumultuous rookie seasons in the history of professional hockey. Hosted by Pittsburgh native and Penguins fan Joe Manganiello.
Audible Audio
First published March 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 25, 2022
This was super fun, we got Sidney, his friends/teammates, family, coaches and Joe Manganiello on top. I couldn't ask for more.
I especially love the cheeseburger story, laughed out loud at that one. I'll be listening to this again.
I especially love the cheeseburger story, laughed out loud at that one. I'll be listening to this again.
May 31, 2025
I'm not going to lie or hide that I was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan in this era of Crosby coming into the NHL. I spent my college years, student rushing when games were $25 a pop. I lived and breathed Penguins hockey back in this era. So I am biased... but then you add Marc Andre Fleury into this.
Of course, I am going to love this. I enjoyed hearing about Crosby and Lemieux. Crosby's dryer being displayed in the Nova Scotia HOF, hearing Ryan Malone (I actually met him and Colby Armstrong back in the day) Mike Lange (RIP). Mario and Recchi... I mean, this was just me reliving a HUGE chunk of my childhood/teenage years.
Of course, I am going to love this. I enjoyed hearing about Crosby and Lemieux. Crosby's dryer being displayed in the Nova Scotia HOF, hearing Ryan Malone (I actually met him and Colby Armstrong back in the day) Mike Lange (RIP). Mario and Recchi... I mean, this was just me reliving a HUGE chunk of my childhood/teenage years.
March 22, 2022
Absolutely loved listening to this!
So many awesome stories, stats I never knew, people they interviewed for this. Any hockey fan, any sports fan, should give this a listen! Sidney Crosby is an absolute legend. The NHL was completely revived and reinvigorated with him (and Ovi) coming into the mix. It’s crazy hearing these stories, knowing where his career is at today. Absolute freakin legend.
So many awesome stories, stats I never knew, people they interviewed for this. Any hockey fan, any sports fan, should give this a listen! Sidney Crosby is an absolute legend. The NHL was completely revived and reinvigorated with him (and Ovi) coming into the mix. It’s crazy hearing these stories, knowing where his career is at today. Absolute freakin legend.
March 3, 2022
"I'm not sure really if people understand how much— I mean, when you watch the games back then Sidney was on the screen all the time. When he wasn't on the ice, they were showing him on the bench. They just followed him constantly. So, I mean, imagine it. Who survives that kind of being watched? Every single thing you do on the ice?"
This genuinely might be my new favorite piece of Sid media, which is really saying something. The care that went into this audiobook, the sincere attention to detail, is so palpable. What makes this story is how everyone in it—from the guest appearances by Troy and Trina Crosby to the narration by Joe Manganiello—cares so, so deeply about Sid. Hell, they almost got Jen to cry when talking about him. Mario, Colby, Whitney, Mike Lange, Brisson, Rizz, literally everyone they got cares so damn much about this guy, and it speaks SO much to the kind of man Sidney Crosby is.
Something I absolutely loved about how they constructed the narrative (which is one that's been told before; see The Rookie: A Season with Sidney Crosby and the New NHL ) was how they followed along chronologically through Sid's first season, pulling a few large moments to structure themselves around, but allowed tangents to flow naturally leading up to those big moments that helped the audience better understand the significance of what was about to happen. As someone who knew the Crosby family's history with the Montreal Canadiens, I didn't need the tangent about the Maritimes and the regional pride the Crosbys have, but it was wonderfully beneficial to the narrative build-up and done so attentively that I appreciated it. The flow of the story was so engaging, drifting off into delightful little pockets of knowledge before being reeled back in. It made for great listening.
What made it even better, in my view, was Sid being such a big part of it. His voice is what's missing from a lot of early biographies about him, and getting to hear his own words was very meaningful but also, honestly, revealed a very contemplative and thoughtful side of him. We hear a lot that he's very intentional and very considerate of things (including his image and how he comes off to people), but it really just hits different when you can hear him thinking through what these iconic early moments in his career meant. He really is so hyper-aware of who he is and how he wants to live, and it's just (he's just) fascinating.
Also, he whipped out a few 10-point words along the way, and I was impressed by that too.
My only (sincerely only) criticism was how the narration continued on past his rookie year and sped over the '08 loss and '09 win and the Golden Goal. I didn't find that overly necessary to the narrative being told (his rookie year) and it felt VERY quick, to the point where I thought if you're going to tell these parts of his story, you should TELL THEM and not just glaze over things to get to them so you can prove he earned something after his rookie season. Also, they mentioned the race for the Calder in the Sid v. Ovi chapter, but never brought up who actually won it (Ovi), which I found interesting.
All in all, an absolutely stunning piece of audio nonfiction and one I will be gleefully listening to again.
July 23, 2022
Great hockey player
March 10, 2022
I don't really think it matters which team you support, whether you're a Canadian or an American hockey fan, Crosby really reinvigorated hockey again.
I'm a Habs fan but I still love watching him play, and I really love how humble and quiet he is. This podcast or mini biography, however you want to call it, was a lot of fun to listen to with the guest cameos of other players, coaches, announcers and other people within the organization.
If you love hockey, you'll find something to like about this, whether it's Sid himself or debating about whether or not refs have a hit list. (They absolutely do, especially if your uniform is red white and blue with a big CH in the middle)
I'm a Habs fan but I still love watching him play, and I really love how humble and quiet he is. This podcast or mini biography, however you want to call it, was a lot of fun to listen to with the guest cameos of other players, coaches, announcers and other people within the organization.
If you love hockey, you'll find something to like about this, whether it's Sid himself or debating about whether or not refs have a hit list. (They absolutely do, especially if your uniform is red white and blue with a big CH in the middle)
April 4, 2022
Can I get a four hour dramatic retelling of every year of Sid's career, please?
I loved this so much that I listened to it in one straight go and literally couldn't do anything else for four and a half hours just so I could focus.
I could listen to many, many hours of Sid pronouncing 'out' words as 'oat'.
I could also listen to a million hours of Colby Armstrong telling stories, and especially stories about Sid. I love how hyped he gets every time. He's a delight.
Also, f the Flyers, and f Philly.
I loved this so much that I listened to it in one straight go and literally couldn't do anything else for four and a half hours just so I could focus.
I could listen to many, many hours of Sid pronouncing 'out' words as 'oat'.
I could also listen to a million hours of Colby Armstrong telling stories, and especially stories about Sid. I love how hyped he gets every time. He's a delight.
Also, f the Flyers, and f Philly.
February 23, 2024
Loved this audible and the fact that Sidney Crosby is actually a major voice. I only became a bigger fan of his after listening to this.
March 5, 2022
An insightful, inspiring, and entertaining look at the beginning of the legendary career of Sidney Crosby. Chock full of interviews from the people in Sid's orbit, this was a sweet tribute and a recommended read for any hockey fan.
April 4, 2022
Excellent book with contributions from Crosby’s family, teammates, and Sid himself!
Loved that they got buddy narrating too. Really enjoyed this!
Loved that they got buddy narrating too. Really enjoyed this!
July 14, 2023
I’ll preface my rating with this. I am a Nova Scotian 💙, like hockey and even though Pittsburg isn’t my team, I always root for Crosby. This was a great book and I loved hearing his perspective and his teammates and family.
April 26, 2022
I don’t know anything about hockey, but I know this audiobook was AMAZING. Personable, honest, captivating, and so much more!
February 23, 2023
Right up front, as a lifelong Pittsburgher and Penguins fan, my review of the overall content of this audiobook is definitely biased. Leaning into the bias, I fully enjoyed the glimpse at the "man behind the curtain" as Sid isn't really open about his life experiences. The fact that he narrated, along with Pittsburgh-native Joe Manganiello, the majority of his story was really nice to hear. The addition of commentary from his parents, agents, coaches, teammates, and former landlord, Mario Lemieux, really added to the experience of the retelling of Sid's experience.
Unbiased opinion - This is still 5 stars. The recording was very well done. I was fully engrossed in the story. I was 15 when Sid was drafted so I don't remember a lot of the specifics of the Lockout, the draft, and his Rookie season. Even if I wasn't a Pens fan, I would still have thoroughly enjoyed this listen.
Unbiased opinion - This is still 5 stars. The recording was very well done. I was fully engrossed in the story. I was 15 when Sid was drafted so I don't remember a lot of the specifics of the Lockout, the draft, and his Rookie season. Even if I wasn't a Pens fan, I would still have thoroughly enjoyed this listen.
April 1, 2022
This was a lot of fun. I am not a dedicated hockey fan by any means, but I love a great sports story and have admittedly become more invested in hockey in recent years. Cough* thanks Rachel Reid. And, I have a big crush on Sidney Crosby, but also admire him for his competency and dedication. This is one of those approx 4-hr audible specials where it’s more of a long podcast or mini documentary than a book. The perfect length for me!
The interviews with his friends, family, coaches, and Sid himself were really cool to listen to. The main story arc is Sidney’s rookie season. I would have liked some of the later seasons (like when he hit 500 goals) to be mentioned more, but I understand what they were going for. Surprisingly, Joe Manganiello was an awesome overarching narrator to tie everything together. He’s a diehard Penguins fan, which made it fun.
Worth a listen if you like sports!
The interviews with his friends, family, coaches, and Sid himself were really cool to listen to. The main story arc is Sidney’s rookie season. I would have liked some of the later seasons (like when he hit 500 goals) to be mentioned more, but I understand what they were going for. Surprisingly, Joe Manganiello was an awesome overarching narrator to tie everything together. He’s a diehard Penguins fan, which made it fun.
Worth a listen if you like sports!
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed this way more than I expected to! I loved that it was constructed around interviews and not just reciting facts, and hearing Crosby’s story from Crosby himself. I mean, he really has earned his place as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. His humility is astonishing considering how he’s been treated since he was literally 7 years old. I almost wish that this was larger in scope and could’ve talked about his career even up until recent years, cause although his rookie year is fascinating, his entire career is endlessly interesting. I’m also obsessed with the fact that multiple of his teammates separately commented on the size of his ass. Glad I stumbled upon this :)
February 3, 2023
This is an amazing audiobook that reads like an interview style documentary. You get a chance to see all aspects of 18-year-old Sidney Crosby’s rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This audiobook enhances the listener’s experience by using sound affects, music, old game broadcasts, and interviews from Sidney’s family, teammates, coaches, and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about Sidney Crosby and his early beginnings in the NHL
May 31, 2022
The Crosby hype train was real, especially among fellow Nova Scotians. The bar was set high for him and he pole vaulted over it. A true generational player. What more can he add to his Hall of Fame resume?
This audiobook is in the interview format which makes it feel like a love letter to hockey fans, rather than a boring biography. We get to hear from the man himself, his family, friends, teammates, media personnel, and we even hear clips from certain games and events. My only gripe is that they could have increased the length and cover more of his career.
This audiobook is in the interview format which makes it feel like a love letter to hockey fans, rather than a boring biography. We get to hear from the man himself, his family, friends, teammates, media personnel, and we even hear clips from certain games and events. My only gripe is that they could have increased the length and cover more of his career.
December 27, 2022
Entertaining and well produced. Hits all the highlights of Crosby's first years in the game, and is a must read for any Pens fan. Wish it would have gone into his years playing alongside Malkin, as those were among his best performances on the ice. Minus half a star for being a little too repetitive.
March 7, 2025
As a Red Wings fan, I cheered against Sidney Crosby for many years, but have developed a grudging respect and even admiration for him watching him become one of the best players in the league history. This book has plenty of stories about Sid and Mario Lemieux when they were together his first few years in the league. It was entertaining and insightful. Really loved reading it. I would assume any hockey fan would like this book, not just Penguins fans.
April 13, 2022
This was more like a long podcast than a short book… there were interview clips with Sid, his parents and team mates, as well as sound effects and music and even real game goal announcements etc. very enjoyable
March 29, 2022
Title:
Sidney Crosby: The Rookie Year
Author: Neely Lohmann
Genre: Non Fiction Sports
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: March 3, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Insightful • Entertaining • Dynamic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Sidney Crosby, one of the greatest NHLers of all time, reflects on his 2005-06 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Delving into the pressure he was under in order to save the franchise, lacing up alongside and living with Mario Lemieux, and his rivalry with Ovechkin, this is an all-access pass which includes contributions from his family, former teammates and coaches, and his agents and narrated by Joe Manganiello.
💭 T H O U G H T S
No matter what NHL team colours you sport, there's no question that Sidney Crosby reinvigorated the league. I've been following his career from his time in the QJMHL, when he was a huge draw no matter where he went. This made for audio production was this avid hockey fan's delight and I absolutely loved listening to it. The production was done with care and included various interviews with different people who played a key and supportive role to Sid's success. It was truly evident how much everyone really cares about Sid. Getting to hear from Sidney himself was what truly made this audiobook stand out from other media relating to Sid, and the narration by Joe Manganiello was an added treat. The chronological timeline of his rookie season was the perfect choice, and made it easy to follow along.
My one criticism would be the ending. In a book pertaining to his rookie season, I felt as though the chapters about a cup run, and the 2010 golden goal didn't have a place here. By adding these it felt rushed and I wanted those part to be more flushed out or included in a follow up book. Despite this
Sidney Crosby: The Rookie Year is without a doubt the best Crosby book I've come across and it was definitely worth the listen.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Memoir lovers
• Hockey fans
⚠️ CW: blood
Author: Neely Lohmann
Genre: Non Fiction Sports
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: March 3, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Insightful • Entertaining • Dynamic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Sidney Crosby, one of the greatest NHLers of all time, reflects on his 2005-06 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Delving into the pressure he was under in order to save the franchise, lacing up alongside and living with Mario Lemieux, and his rivalry with Ovechkin, this is an all-access pass which includes contributions from his family, former teammates and coaches, and his agents and narrated by Joe Manganiello.
💭 T H O U G H T S
No matter what NHL team colours you sport, there's no question that Sidney Crosby reinvigorated the league. I've been following his career from his time in the QJMHL, when he was a huge draw no matter where he went. This made for audio production was this avid hockey fan's delight and I absolutely loved listening to it. The production was done with care and included various interviews with different people who played a key and supportive role to Sid's success. It was truly evident how much everyone really cares about Sid. Getting to hear from Sidney himself was what truly made this audiobook stand out from other media relating to Sid, and the narration by Joe Manganiello was an added treat. The chronological timeline of his rookie season was the perfect choice, and made it easy to follow along.
My one criticism would be the ending. In a book pertaining to his rookie season, I felt as though the chapters about a cup run, and the 2010 golden goal didn't have a place here. By adding these it felt rushed and I wanted those part to be more flushed out or included in a follow up book. Despite this
Sidney Crosby: The Rookie Year is without a doubt the best Crosby book I've come across and it was definitely worth the listen.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Memoir lovers
• Hockey fans
⚠️ CW: blood
May 7, 2022
Sid’s a likeable dude and this book certainly makes you feel that. Surprised it took me so long to finally listen to it. Gave me goosebumps at times. Great little story.
May 13, 2022
i love you sidney crosby
August 31, 2022
I pounded this out on Audible in a day. They get Crosby himself and previous players along with media personality and it opens the book a bit on a private life Crosby has maintained. I enjoyed this a ton wish it was more then just the rookie year they dived into.
November 14, 2022
Pretty entertaining tbh
August 6, 2022
Did I cry on the bus because of this? Maybe 🥇🇨🇦
Did I enjoy every minute of it? Definitely yes.
Did I enjoy every minute of it? Definitely yes.
March 16, 2023
A Good read/listen while in the gym
I like the character of the man - does not seem to be too high on himself
I like the character of the man - does not seem to be too high on himself
March 7, 2025
Loved it and can’t wait to surprise the hockey lovers in my life with my new found knowledge of one of the greatest. I absolutely love that he is Canadian but most of all, what a humble player he is. Definitely someone for future sports enthusiasts to look up to and see someone who has worked hard for his dream.
August 1, 2022
If you area Sidney Crosby fan this is a definite listen. If you are a hockey fan this is a definite listen. I will be honest I was emotional listening to this because it reminded me how lucky we Penguin fans are. Sid the Kid is truly one of a kind and this story proves it . And thanks to Joe M. for being such a great narrator
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews