Why #31 for Hockey Goalies?
Aylin Osinski
2025-04-21 00:20:20
Count answers: 2
In the early days of ice hockey, goalies were often the backup who took the injured starter's place. As a result, they inherited the number that was available, which was usually 31. Some goalies believe that wearing jersey number 31 brings good luck or helps them perform better. In certain cultures, the number 31 carries special significance. In numerology, it is believed to represent creativity, independence, and communication. Jersey number 31 is often available in sports, as it is not as common as traditional numbers like 1, 7, or 10.
Waldo Rau
2025-04-20 21:07:58
Count answers: 3
The tradition of goalies wearing the number 31, as well as other numbers in the 30s, in the NHL and in hockey generally, stems from historical practices and numbering systems. Historically, hockey teams assigned numbers based on a player’s position or lineup order. As teams started to carry more than one goaltender, and with the expansion of rosters, there was a need for additional numbers. It was natural to assign goalies numbers close to 1.
The backup goalie, deemed to require the least amount of rest, often ended up with what was considered the highest or last-choice number at the time, usually 30 or 31. For goalies, numbers in the 30s, including 31, became a common choice. Even after teams moved away from the strict positional numbering systems, certain numbers remained associated with specific positions.
Read also
- Why Didn't Tony Hand Ever Play in the NHL?
- Tony Hand: Where is he now?
- Gretzky's Hit: Did it End a Career?
- NHL Jerseys: Why No Zero?
- NHL Scots: Who's Playing?
- Tony Jones: Where is he now?
- Gretzky Rule: What Is It?
- How Old Was Gretzky When He Retired?
- NHL Jersey #69: Should It Stay or Go?
- Why is Jersey #99 Banned in Hockey?
- Scottish Hockey Players: Salary Insights?
- Tony Jones: What's His Claim to Fame?
- Channel 9 Sacking: Who Got the Axe?
- Gretzky's Catchphrase?
- Gretzky Retired So Early? But Why?
- Why #99, Not Allowed?
- Why No. 66? Hockey Mystery?