Burke did this in Toronto as well. I love the guy, but who cares about jersey numbers?
How strictly was it enforced? Bozak-42, Kessel-81, Grabovski-84, Kulemin-41, Gardiner-51(could be argued he wasn't regular yet), Gustavsson-50, Kadri-43(although same argument as for Gardiner could be made)
I love it. I think it is totally an important part and really with one game left in the season it's the best time to bring it up. It's part of the team's culture and identity. I think it's great to match the old school work ethic with old school numbering. It's little things like this that can bring a team together.
I am a big fan of rookies earning their numbers as a rite of passage. It will piss off a few players I'm sure, but it isn't supposed to be about having your birthday, or defection year, or whatever, it's about the team. Some of the guys might love their high number, but for bubble players like Byron I would think it would be a huge boost to get called into the coaches office to get your number 11 Jersey and know you made it for real.
In the past couple years the team really has felt like it has changed from a country club of elitists to a bunch of hockey players there for one another. If this small move reinforces that culture then I'd question everyone complaining about why he cares about the numbers, to why do YOU care about the numbers?
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Not a fan of the big numbers (with a few exceptions of top guys Crosby, gretzky, Lindros) but don't think it really matters all that much either way.
I think if you get a top pick like Sam Bennett that wants to wear 93 you probably let him, if a guy like Butler is already there with 44 let him keep it.
I think it is probably a better guideline than hard and fast rule but certainly shouldn't be anything that disruptes team chemistry or pisses guys off.
If an 18 year old kid is going to make a stink about his jersey number, he's not the kind of player Burke would draft anyway.
Sven originally wore 27 in junior and I'm sure he'd be happy to go back to that, the only reason he kept 47 was because lots of people bought that shirt and he didn't want to upset them.
On that note, I hope we see the return of starting goalies wearing number 1. And if it's not coming back, I want a premiere talent to have the balls to wear it as a skater.
If we draft Bennett and he wants to wear number 93 because Gilmour of all people was his favourite player, I want him to wear 93. Especially if it's not being used.
Calgary has a reputation for treating players well. This should not be an exception.
If we draft Bennett and he wants to wear number 93 because Gilmour of all people was his favourite player, I want him to wear 93. Especially if it's not being used.
Calgary has a reputation for treating players well. This should not be an exception.
If Bennett comes to Calgary, he should wear 39 because of Gilmour.
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Not a fan of the big numbers (with a few exceptions of top guys Crosby, gretzky, Lindros) but don't think it really matters all that much either way.
I think if you get a top pick like Sam Bennett that wants to wear 93 you probably let him, if a guy like Butler is already there with 44 let him keep it.
I think it is probably a better guideline than hard and fast rule but certainly shouldn't be anything that disruptes team chemistry or pisses guys off.
It's either all or none. You can't make special exceptions for one player, especially a rookie, if the whole point of this numbers thing is about team unity.
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It's either all or none. You can't make special exceptions for one player, especially a rookie, if the whole point of this numbers thing is about team unity.
I wouldn't have the numbers thing for team unity I would do it because high numbers tend to be stupid in my opinion.
I can't see a guys numbers being a big team unity thing.
This makes sense. It clearly communicates to the player and the fan base who has made the team.
If this was in place to start this season it would have been very clear where Baertschi stood. Hopefully it would have provided the incentive to put forward the effort at camp.
I like it reminds me of the old Flames of the 80's, I remember when Ramage came over at the trade deadline and wore 55, I think at the time it was the highest number ever worn by a Calgary Flame. I don't think the lower number rule is enough, Burke needs to go all the way on this and go back to the retros full time.
