On the fence really. Play for team Canada at the WJRs? Here's your #9 kiddo! I have absolutely no problem with encouraging players to wear more traditional numbers. But I think it's the forcing them to accept a number I don't like.
Part of the higher numbers are kids wearing their rookie assigned numbers. 47, 60, 51, 58, 53, 48 and 56 are all numbers given to the kids from camp.
So you go to the kids as they join the team, and encourage them towards a lower number (this is a 5 second conversation)
Sven: would you like #27?
Markus: #11 is taken, would you like #9?
Bill: That dude who picked you up swapped #24 for #22 in his career. Deal?
Jesus: Cammalleri walked, here's the #13 you look majestic in
Paul: For some reason, I see you in a #10. Here ya go
Ben: Um... #58 is just fine for now, we'll talk later
Bryce: You wore #12 eh? BIT of an issue, but here's #21
Tyler: Reclaim your #26
Chris: #44 seems to have become a traditional D-man number, enjoy it
But if Bennett wants to wear his #93, a number he's worn forever... I have no issue with that.
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