Sweater numbers are synonymous with players. Most hockey fans can instantly tell you a great player by the number they wear on their back. There are many different stories about how players became associated with the famous numbers. Many odd and interesting facts surround these numbers as well. As we count down the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, we take a look at the story behind the numbers. Today we continue with sweater number 64. Keep up to date with the series everyday until the start of the 2023-24 NHL season.
Behind the Sweater Number: 64
The First 64
According to Hockey Reference, a total of 47 players have worn sweater number 64. However, that number could be off because some older players don’t have accurate number records. One of the first players to don the number is Montreal Canadiens player Armand Mondou. A fun fact about Mondou is he was the first player in NHL history to be awarded a penalty shot in the 1934-35 season. Mondou got the first one in November 1934. However, Toronto Maple Leafs goalie George Hainsworth stopped the shot.
The Montreal forward wore a plethora of numbers during his 386 game career. Mondou wore 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 44, 64 and 66.The latter 66 predates Mario Lemieux as the first player to wear 66. Mondou’s career would have his career cut into after getting his leg broken in a collision with Boston Bruins legend Eddie Shore. Mondou would pass away in 1976, which was before his grandson Pierre Mondou would make his NHL debut.
Commodore 64
Sometimes numbers lead to hilarious jokes. Mike Commodore came into the league in the 2000s and bounced around the league. The Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta native would eventually find his way to the Detroit Red Wings. After his signing on July 1, 2011, there were a number of online petitions to have Commodore wear the number 64. This would be in reference to the 8-bit computer system of the 1980s and 90s.
Commodore considered wearing the number and the Red Wings were too. However, both sides eventually decided against going with the number 22. The veteran would finish his career with 23 goals in 484 games. However, what might have been.
Solid 64s and the Future
There haven’t been a lot of players that lit up the scoreboard wearing sweater number 64. However, there have been some solid players that have worn the number. Mikael Granlund has 750 games under his belt as an NHLer and always worn the number. Tyler Motte wore 64 for the early part of his career with the number before jumping over to 14. Former top draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov wore 64 in his unceremonious NHL career.
There haven’t been a lot of players that shined in that number. However, one or two good players that could take the number and make it their own. Some good team players have donned the digits, but a superstar could come in and give it juice. However, one can only think about the missed opportunity with Commodore and the missed meme potential.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
