Inspired by The Rat Trick and Panther Parkway writers, I would wonder what is in a number for my personal ultimate team. After reading multiple posts regarding certain special players that have played with the Florida Panthers organization, I thought it would only be proper to have a special NHL lineup based upon numbers and truly answer the question What’s in a Number? (to me).
Numbers have important dates and meaning to certain people and when you combine them with your love for a game it creates your own personal ultimate lineup. A fun and creative way for NHL fans all over the world. We must find ways to entertain ourselves during these dark days of possible lockout. We can’t very well watch baseball now can we.
Let us begin with my NHL inspiration growing up. It started with the huge hit Disney movie of The Mighty Ducks from there I began to start watching NHL hockey and would see highlight after highlight of Brett Hull. A canon of a shot and like many youngsters scoring goals at will was always very inspirational. My first player in my lineup would be a right-wing Brett Hull #16. This number would then stick with me for my whole hockey career since the young age of 10, I would always request #16 from my parents and coaches. Sure he go on to other teams and wear other numbers as did I for a few seasons but #16 was always the first.
That last sentence was a beautiful Segway into my next player. As noted previously like Brett Hull moving teams he ended up changing numbers. For me it was changing positions from a winger to a defenseman, also the birth of my beloved Florida Panthers. A hard-hitting first rounder Ed Jovonaski wearing #55 gave me the moxie to dedicate my NHL love to one team. Being born and raised in Miami Florida for the first few years I would just follow certain players like Mark Messier, Federov and of course Brett Hull. The year the expansion team, Florida Panthers came into existence I was hooked, finally hockey in my home town and with a great marketing campaign for a young star how else do you not get sucked in. The creation of JovoCop to the amazing Stanley Cup Final run this team made in 1996 dawning the #55 was fitted for me. My hockey love and career playing high school and college consisted of these two numbers #16 and #55.
A number that means a lot to me has always been the #13. Not only is that the date of my birthday but it is also my fathers birthday as well. There are two players that come to mind when I think about the #13. Mats Sundin and Pavel Datsyuk both happen to play the Center position. As playing hockey coaches have always told me that I would compensate for my lack of speed with great stick handling. My choice for center on this team definitely goes to Pavel Datsyuk #13 for having those quick hands.
The goalie position is one that wins championships. The backbone of a team during a run to the Stanley Cup goes from the outstanding play from their goaltender. My younger brother who has always been an inspiration to me throughout my life for his bravery and resolve for many thing that he has had to endure. This is why his birth date, the 31st is an important number to me. Grant Fuhr a legend at the goalie position and a hall of fame is by far the best choice for the #31.
The final two numbers is a double-header. The month I met and married my wife which was in October which gives us number 10. A number worn by a tough, scrappy long time agitator Gary Roberts. It is important to have this tough guy mentality in today’s world because of so many obstacles that are around. My wife and I attack the world this same way and have the same kind of personality, we get knocked down but will always get right back up. The final number would be the birthday of my wife which is the 9th and of course the #9 belongs to Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe. Nothing else needs to be said for that legend.
The ultimate lineup of What’s in a number for me?
Center – # 13 Pavel Datsyuk
Left Wing – # 10 Gary Roberts
Right Wing – #16 Brett Hull
Defense – # 55 Ed Jovonaski
Defense # 9 Gordie Howe
Goalie # 31 – Grant Fuhr
Cheers,
El Puckster
El Puckster 