"A minority of NHL fans are using social media outlets to question Penguins star Sidney Crosby's toughness because of his refusal to play with concussion symptoms.

Former NHL standout Keith Primeau, whose career was ended prematurely by concussions, is coming to Crosby's defense and believes his behavior is heroic.

"Sidney Crosby is an ambassador for people who have brain injuries and who have endured head trauma," Primeau told the Tribune-Review late Monday.

"People are looking up to his courage as we speak.""