Hero on ice

Image courtesy: Facebook

23-year-old Sgt. Justin Lubash could have been killed when he was struck by two grenades in Afghanistan on December 29, 2009. He survived the attack on his bunker, but lost some precious possessions: family photos, his Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins jersey, and a team banner.

Thursday, the Stanley Cup Champions took a time out to honor the wounded veteran after their morning practice. NHL.com reports that Sgt. Lubash, who has a metal plate in his arm, got a chance to meet Crosby and coach Dan Bylsma, who presented him with a brand new autographed #87 jersey and a replacement banner. The article gives a sense of how overwhelmed the former high school hockey player was to meet Penguins heroes, including the Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, pictured above.

“Thank you so much,” he told Bylsma. “This is the best thing anyone’s done for me.”

“Well we can’t believe you had these things with you,” Bylsma replied.

Following the presentations, Lubash and Crosby returned to their conversation, this time with Lubash’s son, Jackson, joining them. Jackson quickly became enamored with Crosby’s stick, which the center gave to the young fan, who was sporting his blue jersey.

Lubash later called the exchange with Crosby one of the highlights of his life.

Justin's wife, Heather, will undoubtedly remember the moment her husband returned home from a difficult tour overseas as one of the highlights of her life. It is wonderful that this veteran, who put everything on the line for our freedom, got to share this moment with his young son today as well. We salute Sgt. Justin Lubash, and also the Pittsburgh Penguins for honoring him.