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New York Islanders: Players change numbers as Lou Lamoriello’s culture change continues

As president of hockey operations and general manager, Lou Lamoriello can not only wheel and deal with the best of them, he can also change the culture of an organization.

This summer, Lamoriello has done just that, bringing in a very well respected coaching staff highlighted by head coach Barry Trotz and adding grit to the New York Islanders roster. Lamoriello also brings with him some interesting rules that aren’t seen too often around the NHL. These include players being cleanly shaven, and making players wear lower numbers, typically below the 30s.

There is no official reasoning behind the lower number preference but according to a story by Mike Stromberg of All About The Jersey in 2015,

“The thinking behind keeping everyone’s numbers low is ostensibly to keep people focused on the name on the front of the jersey rather than the back, which is definitely a reflection of Lou’s philosophy.