Islanders' Ho-Sang has new jersey number as Lamoriello makes his mark

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, it appears Ho-Sang will wear 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.

Anthony Beauvillier and Adam Pelech have new, lower numbers as well, the former going from 72 to 18 and the latter from 50 to 3.

"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 2017, 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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