The number 9 is a strong number.

On top of being considered a good number, number 9 is a highly symbolic one in the Chinese culture. Ancient Egypt, the European culture, the Greek Mythology, the Japanese Culture and many others all have their special relationship with the number 9 all for different reasons.

In baseball, it is the number of innings in a regulation, non-tied game.  It is also the number of players on the field including the pitcher.  Number 9 jerseys were retired in honor of Ted Williams, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson and a few others.

There is no need to defend the fact that the number 9 is also symbolic in the hockey culture and we all know why.  Johnny Bucyk, Lanny McDonald, Bobby Hull, Glen Anderson, Clark Gillies, Andy Bathgate, Adam Graves, Ted Kennedy, Charlie Conacher, Maurice Richard and Gordie Howe ...