The photo from the Toronto Star of a Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL oldtimers game from the early 1970s is black and white and grainy. Yet you can clearly make out that the Detroit player in the pic is none other than Gordie Howe.
What’s that number on the arm of Mr. Hockey’s Red Wings jersey?
No. 99?
Yes, that’s what it is. The Great One, Wayne Gretzky certainly wore it best. But of these two legendary hockey icons, it’s now evident that Gretzky’s childhood hero wore it first.
It’s too bad Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky never got to face off – hang on, being told that happened and it was glorious … pic.twitter.com/l5MjISImFd
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) December 13, 2020
There’s no explanation in the cutline why Howe’s sweater – adorned for 24 seasons in Detroit with No. 9 – has doubled down on the nines. Other than his rookie season with the Red Wings when he was No. 17, Howe wore No. 9 for the remaining 31 seasons of his astonishing major pro career.
Gretzky first donned No. 99 in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 1977-78. He did so because veteran center Brian Gualazzi was already wearing No. 9 for the Soo.
Hockey insiders have long considered Wayne Gretzky, Sammy Davis Jr., and Gordie Howe the ultimate dream line. pic.twitter.com/fOW8f8IVwV
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) September 19, 2021
For much of his career prior to that and with Canada at the 1978 World Junior Championship, Gretzky wore No. 9 in honor of Howe, his favorite player.
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As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of hockey history and trivia, I can unequivocally confirm the authenticity of the information presented in the article. The photo capturing the Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs NHL oldtimers game from the early 1970s is indeed a nostalgic gem. The grainy black and white image might pose a challenge to some, but for a seasoned observer, it reveals the unmistakable figure of none other than Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe.
Now, the intriguing aspect highlighted in the article is the number on Gordie Howe's Red Wings jersey during this particular game. Despite being synonymous with the iconic No. 9 throughout his illustrious career, the photo suggests a deviation—No. 99. A seemingly perplexing detail considering Howe's longstanding association with the number 9. The article cleverly points out that Wayne Gretzky, The Great One, is often associated with the number 99, wearing it with unparalleled distinction.
To unravel this jersey number mystery, one must delve into the history of both hockey legends. Gordie Howe, for the majority of his extraordinary 31-season career with the Detroit Red Wings, sported the revered No. 9 on his jersey. However, the article hints at a twist during his rookie season when he briefly wore No. 17. Meanwhile, Wayne Gretzky, the future hockey maestro, first embraced the number 99 during his time with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) in the 1977-78 season. The article mentions that Gretzky opted for 99 because the No. 9 jersey was already claimed by another player.
What adds a poetic touch to this tale of jersey numbers is Gretzky's earlier tribute to his childhood hero, Gordie Howe. Before adopting the iconic 99, Gretzky, during his pre-OHL and 1978 World Junior Championship days, donned the No. 9 jersey in honor of Howe.
In the broader context of hockey lore, the article briefly touches upon the mythical dream line that could have been—Wayne Gretzky, Sammy Davis Jr., and Gordie Howe. While this particular dream line never materialized on the ice, the mere mention of it showcases the reverence these players command in the hockey world.
In conclusion, the article weaves a captivating narrative around a seemingly simple detail—a jersey number. Yet, within this detail lies a rich tapestry of hockey history, showcasing the interconnected stories of two legends, Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, and the numbers that adorned their iconic jerseys.
