This is an observation that I have noticed for over 10 years, and it’s starting to drive me crazy. Actually it is twofold. I’ve noticed that in the NHL, goaltenders almost ALWAYS have a number in the 30’s on their uniform. There are a couple of outliers (Potvin and Hextall are in the 20’s, Puppa was 93) but I’d say that 90% of starting goalies have a 30. A couple of years ago, there was a popular alternative to have goalies wear the #1 instead…Sean Burke of the Whalers comes to mind. Is there something definate that causes this pattern in goalie uniform numbers? Even a rule?
On a related note, I have NEVER seen a non-goalie wear the #1 in the NHL. Why is this??
#1 was the traditional number for the team’s #1 goalie in the NHL. I see by photos that Ed Giacomin, Bernie Parent, Jacques Plante, Johnny Bower, and Glenn Hall, for instance, wore #1. I think the tradition goes back to when numbers were first assigned; the goalie was arguably the most important player on the team (especially when scoring was lower), so he got #1. #1 is so strongly identified with the goalie that it’s rarely given to anyone else at any level.
Later, #30 was given to the second-string goalie. Then other numbers in the 30s.
No rule, just tradition. RealityChuck forgot about Terry Sawchuk, who also wore #1. Many of these player’s numbers are retired so they won’t be issued to new players.
Another reason is that many starters broke into the league as a backup and were assigned a number in the 30s. When they became starter, they didn’t switch numbers.