Question on the past / past perfect.

Which is correct, 1) or 2) ?


1) Sidney Crosby was one of the best players in the NHL. He started playing hockey when he was a child. He gained an appreciation for the game at a young age. He was looking forward to his match against the Red Wings.


2) Sidney Crosby was one of the best players in the NHL. He had started playing hockey when he was a child. He had gained an appreciation for the game at a young age. He was looking forward to his match against the Red Wings.

Both are okay, though I don't think the past perfect is required. It's clear that "as a child" and "at a young age" comes before his upcoming match as an adult against the Red Wings.