There won't be an uproar over Josh Ho-Sang's jersey number this season.
After wearing No. 66 through his first two years with the New York Islanders, Ho-Sang has switched to No. 26 for the coming campaign.
Ho-Sang's new look comes as part of a series of organizational changes implemented by new general manager Lou Lamoriello that are meant to build team unity, including a preference for lower jersey numbers and a ban on facial hair.
"You'll definitely see the changes that have been made and the structure," Ho-Sang told Andrew Gross of Newsday. "The biggest thing visually is my face."
While No. 66 isn't honored by the Islanders, nor is it retired league-wide like Wayne Gretzky's No. 99, it's best associated with Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux.
Ho-Sang's decision to wear the number didn't sit well with some hockey traditionalists. In March, however, Lemieux voiced his support for Ho-Sang's number choice.
Only six players have worn No. 66 in NHL history. Ho-Sang and Calgary Flames defenseman T.J Brodie (2010-11 season) are the only players to wear it since Lemieux retired in 2006.
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