But it wasn't always this way. Starting in , the NHL mandated that each team designate a white coloured-based jersey for each team's home games. Only a few years later, the NHL switched to allow the white jerseys to be used while teams where on the road. This lasted until when white was again brought back to be worn at home. The NHL would change several times back and forth on home jersey colours over the next 30 years.
Names first appeared on home jerseys only in and by , both home and away sweaters were fitted with names and numbers.
One team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, used to have white coloured lettered names on white jerseys and blue coloured lettered names on blue jerseys in protest. Former Leafs owner Harold Ballard hated the idea of losing money on in-game programs figuring that the home fans wouldn't need the game programs anymore.
If a typical hockey team outfits their team in jerseys with the numbers ranging from , with the goaltenders selecting either 1 or 35, there should easily be enough to outfit the remaining 20 players with a number ranging now from , correct?
Now let's add about years worth of history to that Let's also consider that these teams would really like to honor the players who have contributed so much to their franchises, communities and the NHL over their careers. One franchise honors their players and jersey numbers while keeping those numbers active and available — the Toronto Maple Leafs. But there is no 13, 26, 28 or 34 amongst them. One franchise that has moved, the Quebec Nordiques who moved in , have retired No.
His banner is still hanging in Quebec City at the Colisee. Now we're down to three numbers — 13, 28 and You could argue that this number is one of the most used numbers in any sport, but in hockey, it will forever be linked to the great goaltenders of the past, present and hopefully the future.
Also some of the not-so-good goaltenders. Either way, No. A nice touch indeed. These are the starting goalies for their respective teams. In today's NHL where players are allowed the freedom to chose the number they want, based on availability, we are starting to see different numbers emerge. My personal choice would be all of them! We all know that you can't win without good goaltending and without good fans! It depends on how old you might be, who wore that number for your favorite team, either currently or in the past.
It might even be a player from another team that you wished your team had. In either case the No. In fact, Nos.
It was Nos. I'm not sure, but I know that Eddie Shore wore No. There really wasn't too many things that Eddie Shore didn't do in hockey — or at least attempt to do. It wouldn't be until October 26th, , when the Montreal Canadiens honored Doug Harvey by retiring his number that another No. Add Rick Ley to that list as well. Ley had his No. Doug was an NHL league All-Star for 11 straight seasons starting in the season and was one of the first pioneers of the offensive defenceman.
Harvey played from and was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Harvey also won the Stanley Cup six times, all with the Canadiens. Known for his skating speed and stick handling, Harvey could flatten you like a pancake if given the opportunity. Eight different players have had there No. The Chicago Blackhawks have two players honored with that distinction. From to only two players wore No. Keith Magnuson and Pierre Polite had there No. Pierre Polite played over games in a Blackhawks jersey from He played his last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Polite was a Blackhawks captain and won the Norris Trophy three times , and again in , and was a member of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup champs. Magnuson played over NHL games, all with Chicago, from Magnuson was also head coach of the Hawks in Magnuson passed away in an automobile accident in Harry Howell was a New York Rangers mainstay from He once held the NHL record for most games in one sweater with the Rangers and was a seven-time All-Star and the last pre-expansion winner of the Norris Trophy.
Howell became head coach of the Minnesota North Stars upon retirement and won a Stanley Cup as a scout for the Edmonton Oilers in Howell is sixth all time in career games played.
Louis Blues was retired on October 1, Al Hamilton of the Edmonton Oilers was retired in , but a ceremony was not done until , Ken Daneyko had his number retired by the New Jersey Devils on March 24, and Emile "Butch" Bouchard had his number retired by the Montreal Canadiens on December 4, To play that many games with one team and being as consistant as Howell was is certainly impressive.
There is a mixture of greatness, sadness, pain and intensity when you consider the careers of these players who are so honored to have the No. Jean Beliveau played played 20 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens and had his number retired by the Habs on October 9th, Beliveau lead the Canadiens to 10 Stanley Cups and captained the Habs from He had seven more Stanley Cups as an executive with the Habs.
He retired in a the Montreal Canadiens' all-time leader in points, second all-time in goals and the NHL's all-time leading playoff scorer. Today Beliveau is still seen at Montreal home games and has been a club ambassador since his retirement. Bobby Orr's number took it's place in the rafters of the Boston Garden on January 9th, Orr played 10 seasons with the Bruins and finished his career as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, but will forever be remembered as a Bruin.
Bobby's unique imagination and creativity led to a change in how the defense position was played and inspired a generation of players with his speed and talent. Ashbee played 14 games with the Boston Bruins during the season before returning to Hershey.
After suffering a severe eye injury during the playoffs, Ashbee's career came to an end. In Ashbee found out he had leukemia, and he died shortly thereafter. Scott Stevens was a powerful, strong intense player. Louis and enjoyed much success. Stevens, who partnered most of his New Jersey career with fellow defenceman Ken Daneyko, would form a strong and powerful duo.
Stevens played from and was inducted in the Hockey Hall of fame in Let's be honest, what team wouldn't want to have Beliveau up front and Orr, Ashbee and Stevens on defence.
The only problem would be who would wear what number! Beliveau is class, and his success with the Canadiens over a year period is almost unmatched. Bobby Orr's ability to draw you out of your seat was amazing, it is a shame he couldn't have played longer. I often wonder how he would do playing in this day and age.
Something tells me he'd be do just fine. Dit Clapper of the Boston Bruins had his number retired on February 12, Clapper was on the Boston Bruins and played from and severed as both a forward and defenceman during his career in Beantown. A tough and rugged player, Clapper is one of only three active players to be selected into the Hockey Hall of Fame while playing. Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur are the others. Upon his retirement announcement, the Hockey Hall of Fame waived the waiting period and placed Dit Clapper into the Hall on the same night as he announced his retirement.
Clapper played one final game as a Bruin and donated his sweater from that night to the Hall of Fame. Clapper was one of the league's longest tendered captains in NHL history. He also served as a coach for the Bruins. Bernie Geoffrion wore the No. He earned the nickname "Boom Boom" for the echo that could be heard throughout the arena when he used his powerful slapshot. Geoffrion was the pioneer of the modern day slapshot, as it wasn't part of the game in hockey's early existence.
In one of the most memorable tributes, the Montreal Canadiens announced in October of that Geoffrion's number would be retired to the rafters at the Bell Centre on March 11, Geoffrion was diagnosed with stomach cancer on March 8th — just three days before his jersey retirement — and passed way on that day, March 11, Geoffrion's wife was the daughter of the great Howie Morenz, who himself had a distinguished career and No. The Canadiens lowered Morenz's banner halfway and raised it back up together with Geoffrion's to the Bell Centre rafters.
Potvin could play both offensive and defensive styles of hockey and usually played with a mean streak! Bill Barilko was a defenceman for the Toronto Maple Leafs from A mid-season call-up form the Hollywood Wolves, Barilko stayed with the Leafs until he untimely death in the summer of Barilko and the Leafs won the Stanley Cup that season.
That summer, Barilko was on a fishing trip with three others to Seal Lake, Quebec, in the summer. Upon return from the weekend trip his plane went missing. It was 11 years later, on June 7, the wreckage of his plane was discovered near Cochrane, Ontario and about 35 miles off course. The Leafs won the Stanley Cup that year after last winning it with Barilko in Barilko only wore No.
The Leafs won four Stanley Cups in Barilko's five seasons. Langway was born in Taipei, Republic of China. The only player ever to play in the NHL born in China. Langway's father was in the American military and stationed in Taiwan. Langway grew up in the USA and began to play hockey at age He moved on to coaching in the minors and junior hockey after his playing days were over. His number was retired in by then Red Wings owner James Norris.
His retired banner does not hang at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit because the current owners refuse to hang his jersey because Aurie is not a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Having his career cut short due to a hit delivered on him by the Bruins Eddie Shore, Bailey's skull was fractured and his life was in jeopardy. Bailey survived the injury, but never played again. Bailey is one of only two Toronto Maple Leafs to have their number retired.
Bill Barilko's No. Bailey died in after serving many capacities for the Maple Leafs and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in My personal choice would be both. Aurie should have his number raised to the rafters in Detroit and Bailey's career — almost his life — were cut short.
There have been many great players to wear the No. Esposito was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks and made his debut in Esposito was traded to the Boston Bruins in and would be part of a dynamic club that would win the Stanley Cup twice, first in and again in In , Esposito would score 76 goals setting a new NHL record that would not be beaten until Wayne Gretzky came along. Esposito was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in One of the three players that formed the "French Connection" line in Buffalo from Produced over a point per game during his game career.
Played briefly with the Los Angeles Kings until an injury forced him to retire. Broten was coached by Herb Brooks at the University of Minnesota. He played from with the Wings and from with the Hawks. Lindsey would return in with Detroit. Coffey revolutionized the game from the back end similar to the way Bobby Orr did, however Coffey developed his own style that fit in perfectly with the high-flying Oilers of the '80s.
A first-round selection in draft, Coffey became only the second defenceman in NHL history to score 40 goals in a season. He earned points in only regular season games and is just the second defenseman to rack up points. Winner of the Norris Trophy multiple times , , , Coffey finished his career with Boston in Morenz died on March 8, after complications from a broken leg suffered during a game.
Mornez was the first number retired by the Canadiens and Morenz was one of the original inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame when it opened in He was named the best player of the first half century in Known as the "Stratford Streak," Morenz led the Canadiens is both goals and points in an era where only one assist was awarded rather than the standard two assists to complement a goal.
Played his entire year career with the New York Rangers. Endured back pain and two spinal surgeries during his playing career, Gilbert was awarded the Masterton Trophy in Gilbert was the first number retired by the New York Rangers. Retired as the Rangers career leader in goals and assists Drafted by the Flyers in , Barber was recalled during his first season and became the captain of the Flyers in and most of the season. Forced into retirement after unsuccessful knee surgery in , he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Many players dedicate their lives to hockey and Yvon Labre is no different.
The first and only player in Washington Capitals history to wear No. He helped organize youth leagues in the DC area and served many capacities for the Capitals even after his playing days. Served as team Captain from , Labre also worked as an assistant coach for the Caps. Phil was also one of the highest scoring players in NHL History.
The No. Randy Carlyle and Ken Hodge are others. One of the heart and soul players for the Bruins, Cam came to Beantown from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade and played 10 seasons in a Bruins uniform.
With over penalty minutes during his career, Cam was considered a premier power forward. Injuries would cut Neely's career short, but not before helping Boston to two Stanley Cup finals appearances in and Winner of the Masterton Trophy in , Cam would score 50 goals in 49 games in the season.
Goldsworthy played 10 seasons from to with the North Stars. A former Bruins prospect, Goldsworthy was selected by the North Stars in the Expansion Draft and would become a fan favorite with the "Goldy Shuffle" he would do after he scored a goal. He served two seasons as captain from , and finished his pro career in the WHA with the Edmonton Oliers. Goldsworthy died in Heretired as the team leader in goals and points, Goldsworthy became the first expansion players to score goals.
One of the longest living survivors of the Senators' Stanley Cup winners, Finnigan helped Senators ownership rally fans and NHL officials during the Senators push for an expansion team in and Known as the Shawville Express, Finnigan played right wing for the Senators from and again from The name Plager certainly means hockey.
The Blues made it to the Stanley Cup finals three years in a row from from and Plager served as team captain from He became Blues coach in and again in , and assistant coach in and from Gretzky, who grew up idolizing Howe, said he completely supports the idea. But that's for the league. I'm not involved with the league right now. But listen, whatever they choose to do is going to be very special because Gordie deserves something really special and unique.
He was proud to be a Canadian, proud of being from Saskatchewan. And I don't think the NHL is going to overlook the fact of how important he was to the game, so I'm sure they are going to do something real special for him.
In fact, if there was any common jersey number to take out of rotation, No. But following a trade to Quebec in , Paiement switched his jersey number and Gretzky was the only player to wear the digit for the next 18 seasons. Although, five other players have wore the number 99 in the history of the NHL.
Gretzky was the most famous player to wear the number 99, but it has been worn by 5 other players. Gretzky grew up idolizing Gordie Howe. There is even a famous picture of the boy Wayne with his hero Gordie! So all through his childhood playing career Wayne wore the number 9, because Gordie wore number 9. However, when Wayne at the age of 17 went to play with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, which is a junior hockey league team in Ontario, Canada, a player by the name of Brian Gualazzi was already wearing the number 9.
One of the unwritten rules of hockey is that the veteran or older player usually gets the choice of number first. Since it was already claimed, Gretzky as the rookie did not get to take number 9. So the coach at the time, Muzz MacPherson, suggested to Gretzky that he wear the number Gretzky agreed and the legend of the number began! He had the best years of his career or the best years of anyone ever to play hockey while he was in Edmonton.
He set numerous records, captured numerous trophies and won 4 Stanley Cups. At the start of the retirement ceremony Gretzky was driven around in a truck where he received a standing ovation for 5 minutes. Edmonton would rename a street after him, which is now called Wayne Gretzky drive. As well as, they erected a statue of Wayne holding the Stanley Cup that sits outside of Rogers Place arena, where the Oilers play their home games.
Along with the retirement of his jersey to the rafters Los Angeles also erected a bronze statue of Gretzky that stands outside the Staples Center. Gretzky had just retired the previous year at the end of the season with the New York Rangers. The NHL simply did what should have been done. Nobody in their right mind would have worn the number after Gretzky, because it was simply his number and always should be his number.
Gretzky is the greatest player to ever play the game of hockey — here are the teams and stats Gretzky got at each stop. He holds by far the most records, including all of the most significant scoring records. He holds the record for most goals, assists and points in a season and a career. Even if the NHL never retired his number it would be essentially retired, because nobody would have worn it anyway. Hockey is a game of tradition, and nobody would have wanted to touch the number because putting it on would have been comparing yourself to him.
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