Why did Gretzky wear 99?

Answer 1

Gretzky first wore 99 while playing for the Soo Greyhounds in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

When Muzz MacPherson became coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of Canada's Ontario Hockey Assn., there wasn't even a ripple outside of Ontario. Yet with one simple suggestion, MacPherson carved his niche in hockey history. Only 16 when he joined the Greyhounds for the 1977-78 season, Gretzky wanted to wear the number of his hero, Gordie Howe, but No. 9 was taken. He tried Nos. 19 and 14 but wasn't happy. MacPherson, as described in the book "Gretzky" by Walter Gretzky and Jim Taylor, had a suggestion for the teenager: "If you can't have one 9, how about two? Wear 99." Marked man: "Guys see that and they'll be running at me," Gretzky told MacPherson when the coach suggested the unorthodox 99. "Wayne," MacPherson replied, "they are going to be running at you anyway."