To some hockey players, the number on their sweater is especially significant. It is as essential to the spirit of the player as is his childhood, his upbringing or the skill that got him to the NHL. The Little Book of Hockey Sweaters offers the inside story from professional hockey players, both past and present, on the numbers they selected to wear on their backs. From Wayne Gretzky to Mario Lemieux to Eddie Shack, the jersey number represents a key part of their identity. Compiled by bestselling author and sports journalist Andrew Podnieks, with illustrations by The Globe and Mail 's Anthony Jenkins, The Little Book of Hockey Sweaters is a must-have for hockey fans and trivia buffs of any age. From The Little Book of Hockey Sweaters : Wayne Gretzky grew up idolizing Gordie Howe and his #9, and as a kid he wore that number whenever he could. But when Gretzky arrived in the OHL to play junior hockey in the Soo in 1977, #9 was on the back of veteran forward Brian Gualazzi. At first, Gretzky tried #19, and #25, but these didn't feel right to him. The team's coach in Sault Ste. Marie, Muzz MacPherson, suggested that perhaps Gretzky should simply wear two 9s. Gretzky agreed, and the next game he skated on the ice wearing his Soo Greyhounds sweater with #99 stitched on the back, ushering in a new era of sweater number history.