The Untold Story of How Many Players Wore 99 in Hockey – You Won’t Believe the Number!


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For decades, the number 99 has been synonymous with hockey greatness. It is a number that has been worn by some of the sport’s most iconic players, from Wayne Gretzky to Mario Lemieux. But have you ever wondered just how many players have donned this legendary number?

The truth is, the answer may surprise you. While Gretzky is perhaps the most famous player to wear 99, he was far from the only one. In fact, over the years, dozens of players have chosen to wear this number on their jerseys, each one adding their own unique story to the history of hockey.

So how did 99 become such an important number in the sport of hockey? What makes it so special, and why do some teams choose to retire it while others continue to use it to this day? In this article, we’ll explore the untold story of how many players wore 99 in hockey and the incredible legacy they left behind.

If you’re a hockey fan, this is one story you won’t want to miss. From the surprising origins of the number to the controversy that still surrounds it today, we’ll delve deep into the history of 99 and discover the amazing stories behind some of the players who have worn it over the years. So buckle up and get ready to learn something new about one of hockey’s most iconic numbers!

From Gretzky to Jagr: The Legends Who Made 99 Famous in Hockey

Wearing a jersey number is a tradition that dates back to the early days of sports. In the sport of hockey, the number 99 has become synonymous with greatness. Many legendary players have worn the number 99 over the years, and it has become a symbol of excellence in the sport.

One of the most famous players to wear the number 99 is Wayne Gretzky. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and he wore the number 99 throughout his career. But Gretzky wasn’t the first player to wear the number 99, and he certainly wasn’t the last.

The Early Days of 99

In the early days of hockey, players didn’t have specific numbers. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the NHL introduced jersey numbers, and it took some time for players to settle on their favorites. The first player to wear the number 99 in the NHL was a forward named Joe Lamb in the 1940s. He wore the number for just one season before switching to number 4.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that another player chose to wear the number 99. Andy Bathgate, a forward for the New York Rangers, wore the number for a few seasons before switching to number 9. It wasn’t until Wayne Gretzky came along in the late 1970s that the number 99 became famous.

The Gretzky Era

Wayne Gretzky wore the number 99 for his entire NHL career, which spanned from 1979 to 1999. He won four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and is the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Gretzky’s success on the ice helped make the number 99 famous, and it has been retired league-wide in his honor.

But Gretzky wasn’t the only player to wear the number during his era. Several other players wore the number, including Rick Dudley, who wore it for just one game during the 1982-83 season, and Wilf Paiement, who wore it for parts of two seasons in the early 1980s.

Post-Gretzky

After Gretzky retired, the number 99 continued to be worn by a select few players. The most notable of these players is Jaromir Jagr, a Czech forward who has played in the NHL since 1990. Jagr has worn the number 68 for most of his career, but he switched to the number 99 during the 2013-14 season as a tribute to Gretzky.

  • Other players who have worn the number 99 include:
  • Wayne Presley – Chicago Blackhawks, 1985-86 season
  • Rick Heinz – Pittsburgh Penguins, 1992-93 season

Despite the number 99 being retired league-wide, there are still some players who choose to wear the number in honor of Gretzky. It’s a symbol of excellence and a tribute to one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates.

The Surprising Origins of 99: How a Junior Hockey Player Changed the Game Forever

It’s no secret that the number 99 is synonymous with hockey greatness. But have you ever wondered how it became such an iconic number in the sport? The answer might surprise you.

Believe it or not, the origins of 99 can be traced back to a junior hockey player from Ontario, Canada named Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, at just 16 years old, Gretzky was playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds when he was assigned the number 9 jersey. But when he arrived at the rink, he was handed a jersey with the number 99 on it instead.

The Junior Hockey Rule Change that Led to 99

So how did Gretzky end up with 99 instead of 9? It all comes down to a rule change in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). At the time, the OHL had a rule that only allowed players to wear numbers between 1 and 28. But when Gretzky was traded to the Greyhounds, the team’s general manager, Angelo Bumbacco, asked the league if Gretzky could wear number 9, which was retired by the Greyhounds in honor of former player, Frank “Red” McGinnis. The league agreed, but with one condition: if Gretzky ever played for another team in the OHL, he would have to wear a number between 1 and 28.

When Gretzky was later traded to the Niagara Falls Flyers, he was given the number 9 jersey again, but the team was forced to change it to 99 because of the OHL’s rules. And thus, the legend of 99 was born.

The Legacy of 99

  • Hockey History: Gretzky went on to have an incredible career, earning the nickname “The Great One” and setting numerous records. He wore the number 99 throughout his career, and it has since become synonymous with his greatness.
  • Pop Culture: 99 has transcended the sport of hockey and become a pop culture phenomenon. It’s been referenced in songs, movies, and TV shows, and it’s even been used as a brand name for everything from clothing to beer.

The Impact of 99 on Hockey Culture

  • Jersey Sales: Gretzky’s success and the iconic nature of the number 99 have made it one of the most popular jersey numbers in hockey. It’s become a symbol of excellence and greatness in the sport.
  • Inspiring Future Generations: Gretzky’s legacy has inspired countless young hockey players to strive for greatness and emulate his style of play. The number 99 continues to be a source of inspiration and motivation for young players around the world.

From a junior hockey player in Ontario to a global icon, the story of 99 is truly remarkable. It’s a testament to the impact that one person can have on a sport and on popular culture as a whole. So the next time you see someone wearing a 99 jersey, remember the surprising origins of that iconic number and the incredible legacy of the man who made it famous.

The Controversy Surrounding 99: Why Some Teams Retire the Number While Others Still Use It

When it comes to hockey, the number 99 is iconic. The number was made famous by Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates. However, despite its association with Gretzky, the number has sparked controversy in the hockey world. Some teams choose to retire the number, while others still allow their players to wear it. So why the controversy?

For many, the number 99 is seen as a symbol of Gretzky’s greatness. By retiring the number, teams are honoring the legacy of the player who made it famous. It’s a way of recognizing his impact on the sport and his contribution to the team’s success. On the other hand, some argue that retiring the number is unnecessary. They believe that the number should be available for other players to wear and make their own mark on the game.

The Argument for Retiring the Number

  • Gretzky’s Legacy: For those who believe in retiring the number, it’s all about honoring Gretzky’s legacy. The number 99 is synonymous with his name and represents his contributions to the sport. By retiring the number, teams are showing their respect for one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

  • Respect: Retiring the number is also a way of showing respect for Gretzky and his family. It’s a way of saying thank you for all that he’s done for the sport and for the team. It’s a way of acknowledging his greatness and the impact he’s had on the game.

The Argument Against Retiring the Number

  • Availability: For those who are against retiring the number, the main argument is availability. The number should be available for other players to wear and make their own mark on the game. By retiring the number, teams are limiting the opportunities for players to wear a number that is important to them.

  • Uniformity: Another argument against retiring the number is uniformity. By retiring the number, teams are creating an imbalance in their roster. It’s a way of saying that one player is more important than the rest of the team. Allowing players to wear the number creates a sense of unity and shows that everyone on the team is important.

Ultimately, the decision to retire the number or not is up to each individual team. There’s no right or wrong answer, and both sides have valid arguments. However, regardless of whether the number is retired or not, there’s no denying the impact that Wayne Gretzky had on the game of hockey. His legacy will always be associated with the number 99, and his contribution to the sport will never be forgotten.

99 in Pop Culture: How Hockey’s Most Iconic Number Has Influenced Movies, Music, and More

When you hear the number 99, your mind might immediately go to Wayne Gretzky, the legendary hockey player who made the number famous during his career. But beyond the rink, the number 99 has also made its mark in pop culture, appearing in movies, music, and more.

One of the most iconic uses of the number 99 in pop culture is in the 1995 movie “Mallrats,” where the character Brodie, played by Jason Lee, wears a Gretzky jersey with the number 99 throughout the film. The number has also been referenced in numerous songs, such as Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and Nena’s “99 Luftballons.”

99 in Movies and Television

  • In addition to “Mallrats,” the number 99 has appeared in other movies and TV shows, such as “The Mighty Ducks,” where the team’s star player wears the number, and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” where the main character Jake Peralta frequently references Gretzky’s jersey number.
  • The number has also been used as a plot device in films like “The Fate of the Furious,” where the villain Cipher uses the number as a code for her plan.

99 in Music

  • Besides the aforementioned songs, the number 99 has also been used in music in other ways, such as in Prince’s “1999” and Toto’s “99.”
  • The number has also been featured in album titles, such as Superchunk’s “Here’s to Shutting Up (99th Dream)” and punk band H2O’s “Use Your Voice (1999).”

99 in Advertising and Brands

  • The number 99 has been used in advertising and branding, such as in the name of the ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins’ signature dessert, the “99 Flavors” cone.
  • In addition, sports companies such as Reebok have released products featuring the number 99, capitalizing on its association with Gretzky’s greatness.

From sports to pop culture, the number 99 has become an iconic symbol that has transcended its original meaning. Whether it’s on the ice or in a movie theater, the number continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.

What’s Next for 99 in Hockey? Exploring the Future of the Number and Who Might Wear It Next

Wayne Gretzky may have retired from hockey, but his legacy still looms large over the sport. One of the most enduring symbols of that legacy is the number 99, which Gretzky wore throughout his career. But what’s next for the number and who might wear it next?

While the number 99 is often associated with Gretzky, it’s important to remember that it’s not his number to retire. In fact, the NHL has only retired the number league-wide for all teams, not just for Gretzky. So, any team can still choose to give the number to a player if they so desire.

Retiring the Number

  • Some argue that the number should be retired league-wide as a sign of respect for Gretzky’s contributions to the sport.
  • Others believe that retiring the number would be unfair to future players who might want to wear it.

Potential Next Wearers

There are a few players who have been speculated to potentially wear the number 99 in the future, including:

  • Connor McDavid: The current captain of the Edmonton Oilers, McDavid is often compared to Gretzky and could potentially wear the number in the future.
  • Auston Matthews: The Toronto Maple Leafs center has expressed admiration for Gretzky and could be a candidate to wear the number if it becomes available.

The Future of 99

While it’s impossible to predict the future of the number 99 in hockey, it’s clear that it will always hold a special place in the sport’s history. Whether it’s retired league-wide or continues to be worn by future players, the number will always be associated with Gretzky’s incredible accomplishments on the ice and his lasting impact on the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players wore 99 in hockey?

99 has been worn by several players in the history of hockey. However, the most iconic player associated with the number is Wayne Gretzky, who wore it throughout his career. Other players who have worn 99 in the NHL include Wilf Paiement, Rick Dudley, and Manny Legace. In total, 14 players have worn the number in the league, but it has been retired league-wide in honor of Gretzky’s legacy.

Why is 99 retired league-wide?

The NHL retired the number 99 league-wide in 2000 to honor Wayne Gretzky’s contributions to the sport. Gretzky is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time and set numerous records during his career. By retiring the number league-wide, the NHL ensured that no player could wear it again and effectively immortalized Gretzky’s legacy.

Can a player request to wear 99 in the NHL?

Since the retirement of the number 99, no player can wear it in the NHL. Even if a player requested to wear it, the league would deny the request as a tribute to Gretzky. Any team that allows a player to wear 99 risks facing penalties from the NHL.

Has anyone worn 99 outside of the NHL?

While 99 has been retired in the NHL, players have worn the number in other hockey leagues. For example, players in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) can still wear the number 99. Some players have also worn the number in international competitions, although the rules can vary depending on the tournament and country.

What is the significance of 99 in pop culture?

Since Wayne Gretzky wore the number 99 throughout his career, it has become a symbol of his legacy and excellence in the sport of hockey. The number has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and music videos as a nod to Gretzky’s impact on the game. For example, in the movie Mystery, Alaska, Russell Crowe’s character wears 99 as a tribute to Gretzky.

Will any player ever wear 99 again in the NHL?

It is highly unlikely that any player will wear 99 in the NHL again. The league has retired the number in honor of Gretzky, and it would take an extraordinary circumstance for the league to reverse that decision. Additionally, any player who attempted to wear 99 would likely face backlash from fans and fellow players, as it would be seen as disrespectful to Gretzky’s legacy.

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