One of the most exciting things about the new NHL season is the expanded jersey sizes. We’ve always had some strange boundaries when it comes to NHL jersey sizes, such as when Wayne Gretzky would wear a size 38, but with the new rules, the restrictions have gone out of the window.
The NHL has made it possible for big men to wear small children’s sizes and vice versa, so if you’re a fan of the sport, you can rejoice at the new opportunities that the size restrictions have brought.
But what exactly are these expanded sizes and do they mean anything significant to the hockey fan? Let’s take a look.
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What Is A Size 52 Hockey Jersey?
There is no official NHL size chart, but as a general rule of thumb, the larger the number after the decimal point, the bigger the number. So a size 14 would be a handball size and a size 18 is the same as an adult’s extra large shirt. A 52 is the same as an NHL regular jersey and is the biggest size they have offered in years.
Since its inception in the 1910s, the size 52 jersey has always stood for the star player. Typically, the bigger the number, the bigger the star and the more impressive the player. This year is no different and some of the biggest names in hockey have worn this prestigious number. Let’s take a look at some of the most recognizable faces in the NHL wearing the number 52.
50 Lbs. Or The New York Islanders’ Brand Identity
There are a few theories about the origin of the number 52. One claim is that it was assigned to the New York Islanders after they drafted a hockey player named Ernie Hynes from the Toronto Royals in the 1940s. Before the New York Islanders, the previous team to wear the number 52 was the Brooklyn Americans, who were a member of the National Hockey League from 1925 to 1927. The Americans had a reputation for playing rough hockey and the number 52 was a tribute to Ernie’s rugged play.
The second theory is that the number 52 is a combination of the American Dick Mayer and the English international player Alfred Hitchcock. Dick was the captain of the Victoria Aristocrats, an all-star team that traveled to England to play exhibition games. The team was made up of players who spent the 1936–37 season touring Europe, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. There is also documentation that shows that Dick Mayer played in the NHL as well, so that would make him the first NHL player to ever wear the number 52.
The History Of The Number
The 1952–53 New York Rangers were the first NHL team to ever use the number. They started using it when they signed a free agent from the OHL named Leo Labelle. The number had not been used much in the NHL before that time, but it did make its debut on an all-time favorite, the New York Rangers. They continue to use it even now, which is quite a feat. It has not been seen since then and the team has been using it ever since, including today’s rendition.
What Is A Size 66 Hockey Jersey?
The rules for NHL jersey sizing were changed in 2007 when the League adopted the French Connection II approach of mixing small with big and extra with large, which is why there are now some strange combinations of numbers and letters on the back of some jerseys. When the new NHL rules were put into effect, the size 66 sweater became available and it has since been added to the list of jersey sizes.
Size 66 is the same as an NHL grand parka. The larger the number, the bigger the coat. The letter combinations are meant to be an anagram of the word “connection.” So if you were to translate 66 into English, it would be “connec-tion.” This is why Wayne Gretzky was often seen in a 66 shirt with a large “X” on the front, which stood for his initials.
How Do You Measure Up?
Since the size restrictions were lifted, fans have had a newfound freedom to decide what size they want to wear. While many fans have taken it upon themselves to go larger, many others have decided to get a little more modest. Do you fit into one of these categories?
If you’re smaller than a 42 shirt, you might want to consider a 34 or 36. If you’re on the smaller side but you still want to be flashy, go for a 44 or a 46. If you want to be cool and collected, you can wear a 38 or a 40.
Will These Changes Help The NHL Become A Better League?
The NHL has been working hard to make their games more exciting and make fans interested in the product. They have adopted many new practices and technologies to help make this happen. From HDTVs to the XFL, the NHL has found many ways to stay relevant.
With bigger players now being able to wear smaller sizes, the NHL has opened the doors for more speed and excitement from the ice. Many fans have already noticed the difference and are looking forward to seeing what this year has in store.