The end of 'Sid the Kid'?

 In the world of hockey, nicknames are often a part of a player's identity. From "The Great One" to "Super Mario," these monikers stick with players throughout their careers. But what happens when a player outgrows their nickname? That's exactly what's happening with none other than Sidney Crosby, who says has grown increasingly uncomfortable with his long standing nickname "Sid the Kid" as his career has progressed.

Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins' superstar, has been a poster child for the NHL ever since he entered the league in 2005, one of the most anticipated debuts in NHL history. But as he reflects on his journey both on and off the ice, Crosby says he feels that "Sid the Kid" no longer accurately describes who he is as a person and as a player. The news was first shared at a press conference following a mandatory pre-season workout where he announced that he wants to go by his full first name and so has found a new nickname that suits his current stage of life.

After what he claims to be extensive contemplation, Crosby has settled on the new nickname: "Sidney the Kidney." The choice has baffled the press, teammates and fans alike and leaves many wondering if the whole thing is just a big joke. Crosby himself insists that his new moniker is very much here to stay.

When asked about his new nickname, Crosby explained, "Look, I've grown up a lot since I first entered the league. I'm not the same player, or person, I was back then. I want a nickname that reflects who I am now. "Sidney the Kidney" might seem a little odd at first, but the more I thought about it the better it sounded. It's unexpected, it's quirky, and it captures this new phase of my career. Also, let's also face it, there's not a whole lot of words that rhyme with Sidney."

The media and fans took to the announcement with a mix of confusion, amusement, and bewilderment. Social media platforms exploded with memes and jokes about Crosby's peculiar choice. Fans quickly started creating mock trading cards featuring Sidney the Kidney. Some of the most popular ones featuring Crosby with a stethoscope and lab coat, as if he were a doctor specializing in kidneys all the way to a rather grisly effort showing an actual kidney on skates. 

Opposing teams are also reacting to the new nickname. Defenseman Tyler Myers, known for his towering height, remarks, "I've faced Sidney on the ice many times, but 'Sidney the Kidney'? That's a new one. I would probably have gone with 'Sidney the Pygmy' if I was to choose. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that's what I'll be calling him from now on."

The NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, tries to maintain a neutral stance on the matter. "Player nicknames are a unique part of the game," he says cautiously. "While Sidney's choice is certainly unexpected, it's important to respect the individuality and self-expression of our players."

As the news spreads, Sidney the Kidney merchandise quickly started to appear on the market. Fans have already been spotted proudly wearing t-shirts displaying the perplexing nickname, while a local company was quick to offer kidney-shaped hats to fans.

Some teammates, however, struggle to adjust to the change. "It is a bit strange, I am not lie," admits Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin. "But if that's what Sidney want, we support him. Maybe he will start trend of new nicknames in the league?". And indeed it looks like Malkin might be right. Shortly after Crosby announced his preferred nickname, recently signed forward Vinnie Hinostroza made it know that he would like to be known as 'Vincent the Concupiscent'. While Hinostroza's new nickname has gained the approval of players and fans alike, former Oiler Jeff Petry has not been as lucky in trying to catch on to this latest trend. He took to Instagram to share with his followers a new nickname of his own: "Petry the Simile". While technically a rhyme, the nonsensical nickname paired with Petry's emotionless delivery only helped fuel the rumors that Jeff Petry is not in fact real, but rather an elaborate CGI model meant to create the illusion of an NHL defensman.

Ultimately, while "Sidney the Kidney" may elicit raised eyebrows and maybe even bemused laughter, it reflects the ever-evolving nature of players and their desire to break free from expectations. Whether it's Sidney Crosby or Sidney the Kidney, one thing is certain - he remains a force to be reckoned with on the ice, no matter the nickname.

New "Sidney the Kidney" hats are already on sale, to mixed responses from fans. While some have fully embraced the new direction from their captain, others feel that the design of the hats have focused too much on realism.