To honor Gretzky's immense contributions to hockey, the NHL decided to retire his number 99 league-wide in 2000. This move not only recognized his unparalleled skill but also prevented any future player from wearing the number and being compared to the "Great One."Gretzky first changed his number to 99 in 1977-78. At the time, he was playing for the Soo Greyhounds. He wanted to wear number nine for his hero Gordie Howe, but it was already taken by Brian Gualazzi (who ironically scored 134 points the year after Gretzky left Juniors for the WHA).38

Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC (/ˈɡrɛtski/ GRET-skee; born January 26, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999, retiring at the age of 38.

When did Gretzky wear 99 : The number wouldn't be worn until 1980 when Wilf Paiement and Gretzky would each have that number. Rick Dudley rounded out the modern trio in 1981. Paiement would wear some different numbers during his career, including 9, 11, 14 and 27.

Why is 69 banned in NHL

No NBA player has ever worn the number 69, which is believed to be implicitly banned due to its sexual connotations; the NBA has never confirmed this.

Did Gretzky wear 97 : Wayne Gretzky wears no 97 because his no 99 is retired league wide and retired numbers can't be turned off in playoff mode.

Gretzky Rule: In the Silver League, a player may not score more than three (3) goals in any game. If a fourth goal is scored by the same individual, it will not count. Instead, there will be a whistle and face-off in the offensive zone.

Desjardins won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. He is also notable for being one of only two players in NHL history to have worn the number 69, with the other being Mel Angelstad.

Why is 31 a goalie number

Numbers in the thirties were seen as "safe" for goaltenders, since most numbers below thirty were already spoken for by forwards and defensemen (remember that "high numbers" were essentially-unheard of at this time).The league has banned players from wearing the number zero or double-zero. This is due to the NHL not being able to register anyone with the number in their database. There has been players in the NFL and college football that are currently wearing zero. This is also true in MLB and the NBA.Estimated net worth: US$250 million

Known as “the Great One”, Canada's Wayne Gretzky has been called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) by sportswriters, players and the NHL itself.

Named after the legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky, this rule aimed to enhance the flow of the game and create more offense by restricting the ability of defensive players to impede offensive players.

Why is 0 banned in NHL : The National Hockey League no longer permits 0 nor 00 for jersey numbers, as they cannot be entered into the NHL's database, and the available numbers only go up to 98 since the League retired the number 99 in honor of Wayne Gretzky.

What is Alex Ovechkin’s salary : 1 million USD (2024)Alexander Ovechkin / Salary

Alex Ovechkin's salary is $12,500,000 and his cap hit is $9,500,000 for the 2023-24 season. His salary is comprised of $11,500,000 in signing bonuses and $1,000,000 in base salary. He is a 38 year old left wing who was born on Sep. 17, 1985.

What is Crosby’s salary

3 million USD (2024)Sidney Crosby / Salary

Sidney Crosby signed a 12 year , $104,400,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, including $104,400,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $8,700,000. In 2024-25, Crosby will earn a base salary of $3,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $8,700,000.

99 – The Great One

Unless you are the Great One, this number is completely off limits to any hockey player anywhere in the known universe. It is retired in the NHL, and pretty much around any hockey leagues in North America, and quite likely in the whole world.Desjardins won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. He is also notable for being one of only two players in NHL history to have worn the number 69, with the other being Mel Angelstad.

What is the lowest salary in the NHL : 750 thousand U.S. dollars

The minimum salary for players in the NHL amounted to 750 thousand U.S. dollars in the 2023/24 season. The minimum salary for the league is agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is a basic contract between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association.