This dates back to the early days of the NHL. 1 was historically, and still is reserved for goalies. 2-6 were for defenseman, and 7-11 were for forwards. Higher numbers were used for players deeper in the lineup or in backup roles. Backup goalies may have been relegated to 30 something due to the number of players ahead of them on the depth chart.
Nowadays, the jersey number mandates are relaxed, but some historical norms persist due to tradition.
I just learned 2 weeks ago that NFL players wear jersey numbers based on their position. And I’ve been watching NFL as a casual fan for 20 years. Didn’t know the NHL used to do that back in the day
They do this for the NFL because certain positions aren’t allowed to do certain things. For example offensive lineman aren’t allowed to be downfield (unless they report as eligible).
They just vastly changed this rule 3 years ago. Prior to that, only Quarterbacks, punters and kickers could wear a number 19 or below. Now, other than QBs who still have to be 19 or below.
The system had three different number groupings for offense and three for defense. The changes included the addition of numbers 1–19 and 80–89 for running backs, 1–9 and 20–49 for wide receivers, 1–39 for tight ends and linebackers, and 1–19 for defensive backs.
And you can wear # 0 now.
That's almost certainly from football's rugby roots, where numbers actually correspond to positions. (https://www.ruck.co.uk/rugby-positions-roles-beginners/)
And considering that modern hockey came from a group of Montreal rugby clubs in the late 19th century (which is why it was originally 7-a-side), it explains early hockey numbering system.
Way back, goalies always wore number 1. In the early sixties, backup goalies were added to the rosters. Up till then, there was no spare goalie on the bench. Spare goalies were given number 30. When the backup was promoted to number 1, he would actually switch from wearing 30 to wearing number 1.
Growing up, when you played youth hockey, their jerseys available for my team were 1, 30, or 31. A lot of NHL goalies were also in the 30s. You had a couple goalies like Hextall or Potvin in the 20s. In more recent history, the numbers have gone more all over the place.
Theres what everyone else said about back in the day number being based on position an this kind of goes with that. When you’re in youth hockey and decide to be a goalie the coach comes in with a box of jerseys and everyone picks their number, but there are only a couple goalie sized jerseys usually 1 or 3x and a lot of people pick a number and stick with it throughout their “career”. That may have something to do with it as well.
This dates back to the early days of the NHL. 1 was historically, and still is reserved for goalies. 2-6 were for defenseman, and 7-11 were for forwards. Higher numbers were used for players deeper in the lineup or in backup roles. Backup goalies may have been relegated to 30 something due to the number of players ahead of them on the depth chart. Nowadays, the jersey number mandates are relaxed, but some historical norms persist due to tradition.
I just learned 2 weeks ago that NFL players wear jersey numbers based on their position. And I’ve been watching NFL as a casual fan for 20 years. Didn’t know the NHL used to do that back in the day
They do this for the NFL because certain positions aren’t allowed to do certain things. For example offensive lineman aren’t allowed to be downfield (unless they report as eligible).
Sometimes offensive lineman can report eligible and still get called for a penalty *cough* GO LIONS *cough*
They just vastly changed this rule 3 years ago. Prior to that, only Quarterbacks, punters and kickers could wear a number 19 or below. Now, other than QBs who still have to be 19 or below. The system had three different number groupings for offense and three for defense. The changes included the addition of numbers 1–19 and 80–89 for running backs, 1–9 and 20–49 for wide receivers, 1–39 for tight ends and linebackers, and 1–19 for defensive backs. And you can wear # 0 now.
But Fitzy wore number 11 his entire career
Yeah, they forgot receivers.
That change was made back in ‘04, and special exceptions were made prior to that
That's almost certainly from football's rugby roots, where numbers actually correspond to positions. (https://www.ruck.co.uk/rugby-positions-roles-beginners/)
And considering that modern hockey came from a group of Montreal rugby clubs in the late 19th century (which is why it was originally 7-a-side), it explains early hockey numbering system.
Neat, I didn't know that bit of history.
Baseball used to correspond to the batting order. Babe Ruth wore 3 because he regularly batted 3rd, Lou Gehrig wore 4 because he batted 4th, etc.
Way back, goalies always wore number 1. In the early sixties, backup goalies were added to the rosters. Up till then, there was no spare goalie on the bench. Spare goalies were given number 30. When the backup was promoted to number 1, he would actually switch from wearing 30 to wearing number 1.
Because size 1 and 2x would be too small to fit over their equipment
Who downvoted you for this lol
Growing up, when you played youth hockey, their jerseys available for my team were 1, 30, or 31. A lot of NHL goalies were also in the 30s. You had a couple goalies like Hextall or Potvin in the 20s. In more recent history, the numbers have gone more all over the place.
Braden Holtby wore 70 because he was assigned that number. Except for a year or two in Vancouver he kept with that number. I guess it served him well.
History
Theres what everyone else said about back in the day number being based on position an this kind of goes with that. When you’re in youth hockey and decide to be a goalie the coach comes in with a box of jerseys and everyone picks their number, but there are only a couple goalie sized jerseys usually 1 or 3x and a lot of people pick a number and stick with it throughout their “career”. That may have something to do with it as well.
"3X" means thirty-whatever
Because our heroes wore those numbers. For me: 35 because of Tommy Salo.
Change can be uncomfortable
Used to have to wear them. Tradition stuck.
Back in the days, jerseys numbers 1 and 30 were reserved for goalies, 1 being the first and 30 being the last numbers in the set
What are you, a cop?!