10‑year‑old hockey star heading to nationals

Austin Crosby lives in the same metropolitan area as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, which is fitting since the 10‑year‑old Crosby appears headed for hockey stardom.

The Cave Creek‑area player was recently named to participate in the Squirt House League National Championships in New York City after Crosby’s showing last November at the Ace Bailey Got Skills competition at Jobing.com Arena.

Crosby, who is currently playing in the Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) at Scottsdale’s Ice Den, was one of 120 players who competed in the Squirt (9‑10 year olds) and PeeWee (11‑12) divisions at the Ace Bailey event. Crosby won the fastest skater for the Squirt House League with a lap‑time of 16.2 seconds.

That allowed Crosby to become one of five winners nationally selected to compete at the national championships in New York this June. The event is sponsored by Sports Illustrated For Kids magazine.

The Got Skills competition was staged at Jobing.com Arena Nov. 6 to test players in five skill areas: fastest skater, hardest shot, most accurate shot, shootout and best goalie. Garnet Edward “Ace” Bailey was a retired NHL player who died in one of the airplanes that was hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001.

So far in his CAHA season, Crosby has amassed two hat tricks and has totaled 12 goals in 12 games. Austin’s father, Rick, is the team’s coach.

The younger Crosby will now compete June 22‑24 at the new Aviator Sports and Recreation complex in New York against players at his age and level.

Rick Crosby sent in a photo of Austin after he received the medal for winning the regional competition in November.

“I’ve never seen him smile this big before,” the proud father wrote.

Just imagine the smile if Austin wins again in New York.

ALTHOUGH THE rain earlier this week didn’t make it feel like spring, a handful of spring sports has begun at the local high schools.

Baseball, softball, tennis, boys volleyball and track began practices last week and some sports, such as 5A tennis, have already begun play.

Remember to keep an eye on The Desert Advocate’s Sports Calendar section each week to get the latest scheduling updates and each week’s sports action involving local high schools.

The prep basketball season will be over this week for the 4A and March 6 for the 5A to put a cap to the 2006‑07 winter sports season.

If you would like to reach the reporter, or submit a local sports item of interest, , call (480) 488‑1204, or visit the office at 25 Easy Street in Carefree.