we are now almost three weeks into the NHL Season and I still do not like the look of the number on the front part of the helmet for every NHL player. Here Andrei Kostitsyn of the Montreal Canadiens and Jake Gardiner of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be seen sporting the new look helmets.

PHOTO CREDIT - MapleLeafs.com

Cornwall - Oct. 28, 2011 - Call me old fashioned. Tell me I am set in my ways and that I resist change. I am okay with all that, however we are now almost three weeks into the NHL Season and I still do not like the look of the number on the front part of the helmet for every NHL player.

NHL Senior Manager of Communication Schuyler Baehman recentlyexplained the new, required look for all 30 teams: “Player numbers will be added to the front forehead (centered) location of all player helmets at the start of this season. Front numbers are not required to be placed on goaltenders headgear. Numbers on the front and back of helmets will measure no less than 1.25” and no more than 2” in height.”

Apparently the motivation for the change was made at the request of the League’s broadcasters, as it makes it easier for them to identify the players, particularly when they are sitting on the bench.

Once again, I agree with Leafs GM Brian Burke when he told the Toronto Star, “I am not crazy about the numbers on the helmets, but they help the broadcast guys. I don’t mind the numbers on some sweaters. But not on Big Blue.”

I don’t like the look of the numbers on the Pittsburgh Steeler helmets either. Maybe it will grow on me, but so far I am not a fan. What do you think? You can vote below.

While I am on my soap box, let me whine a little about some things that bother me about NHL jerseys. I have been a jersey collector for the last couple decades and pay close attention to jersey changes.

Some thoughts: