Why do so many guys in the NHL where the number 19?

Question

like about 5 of them are captains

Im number 19 because i was born on the 19

is it lucky or sometin

Answer 1

19 is a good number

Answer 2

Most players usually pick numbers because their heroes wore them or maybe their dad wore it

Answer 3

it could just be the numbers they are given or if it looks like a number they wanted thats not available

Answer 4

It is the legendary Steve Yzerman's number

Answer 5

in recent memory it's associated with Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman, both of whom I have the utmost respect for - and I am a Montreal fan

good memory MajorTom - seem to remember it was my idea woohoo

Answer 6

Bryan Trottier from the four-time Stanley Cup champion Islanders was the reason Steve Yzerman wore #19.  This is why many of the players decide to wear a certain number.  Basically it's their way of honoring a player that was a favorite or had a positive effect on them years before.

Now, many of the players may be choosing #19 due to Yzerman, Sakic, Trottier or others that we don't even know about.  They know that number meant a lot to favorite player and want to carry on the success of that number.  It's been said that Wayne Gretzky wore #99 because he liked Gordie Howe, who wore #9.  That would be no different.

Also.......hockey players are known to be really superstitious.

Answer 7

Well say your favourite player is #19. Then you wear #19 because he is your favourite player and then someone else wears #19 because you are their favourite player. That's probably why a lot of players have the #19.

Answer 8

they just like it?

Answer 9

I think it's a lucky number.

or they follow their favorite player and he/she is probaly number19

It can also be some math doing with  their birthdate to come up with #19

Answer 10

They way the 1 and 9 are stitched on the jersey makes for the best movemont in shots, turning, etc.  it is just a comfortable number to wear for most players, lefty and righty

Answer 11

Maybe it's a lucky number.

Answer 12

probably cuz ppl who wear 19 are good, like yzerman, sakic, and other players. and then younger ppl wear them like spezza, r. whitney, and other players

Answer 13

Of course players want to wear the number of thier favorite player, but only when they are young. Once a player reaches the NHL they want to wear the number they wore as a kid.

The real reason is that a standard set of jersey's (in Canada) contains 1, 2-12, 14-19, 31. One and 31 are for the goalies, 2 to 6 are for the D, and the rest are for the forwards. Most young players want the highest number avaliable in the set which is 19. The better players get the first pick of jerseys so a lot of the good players (who are the ones that make the NHL) as want 19.

Answer 14

The only ones that come to mind at the moment at Backstrom and Toews, both 19 when the entered the league.

Answer 15

Sweety Singh probably has it mostly right.

A while back someone suggested that when Joe Sakic retires, the NHL should retire the #19 in recognition of two of the greatest Captains of all time - Joe Sakic & Stevie Y. I kinda like that idea.

Answer 16

because of the greatest captain ever STEVE YZERMAN and I guess you can add Joe Sakic to the list.  I love my red wings and they are on the verge of winning another CUP.  But I do respect and like Sakic, but no one can hold a candle to STEVIE Y.  ALot of the guys playing now grew up watching and idolizing those two that is why.

Answer 17

It is  known that certain numbers carry certain responsibilities. Most of the time, it is tradition and history. Numbers are given out based on potential. If you have talent and are capable of "carrying the load", or living up to that potential; the management will allow for you to have those certain numbers. Players will also (if available) choose certain numbers solely on childhood hero's, (Yzerman wore #19 because of Bryan Trottier) and in a lot of cases, foreign players will choose numbers based on the year they entered the NHL (Federov, #91). You are starting to see the last point lately with a lot of the younger players because of the number of numbers unavailable because of retirement or already in use etc.  

I believe there use to be a rule based on the use of numbers.  If you look back, numbers never went over the mid 30's and of course (most if not all are goaltenders) today so many are higher.

The point is if your a 5th rounder (draft pick) who happens to make the club, you are not gonna bump somebody who is established nor will you take those numbers reserved for  future pheonoms.  Some players reverse the numbers if they aren't available just to have the same combo on there back, again the example of 19 comes to mind.  If, for example, you wore the #4 and it wasn't avail, b/c of someone else already wearing or retired, then you usually choose a number very close like 5.  Today we see players doubling the number, like 44 for the unavailable 4.

Answer 18

Well alot of players pick there # by who their favorite players were when they were younger and alot of players grew up idolizing Yzerman and Sakic.