It's not just about pro athletes, but it is mostly. Here's my top ten numbers between 1 and 10:

1. 9 (John Olerud, Paul Kariya, Lanny McDonald, the most time you can program a microwave for with just one button—unless you have a one-minute button—oh, and, y'know, that Gordie Howe guy)

2. 2 (Al MacInnis, Commie as a Flame)

3. 8 (life, infinity, less importantly Alex Gonzalez as a Jay, Mark Grudzielanek as a Card, José Calderón)

4. 5 (five times tables are good and easy, butter tarts)

5. 3 ("la troisième étoile" is a really good phrase)

6. 1 (because dad thinks you pronounce it differently than "won," and that is funny)

7. 10 (two short of 12—Hakan Loob, Jarome Iginla)

8. 6 (beastly)

9. 7 (lucky? says who?)

10. 4 (death)