New York Islanders rookie forward Josh Ho-Sang says he is "grateful" hockey legend Mario Lemieux has no problem with him wearing his famous No. 66.

Ho-Sang, 21, has been getting some flak from the hockey community for wearing Super Mario's famous digits on his back this season, but on Thursday, the Hockey Hall of Famer said he had no issue with it.

“I’m fine with it,” Lemieux told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via a spokesperson. “It’s just a number. Number 4 and number 9 were worn by great players, and they are not retired forever. Players can choose whatever number they want.”

On Friday, Ho-Sang showed his appreciation towards Lemieux. 

"I’m very grateful that he [said what he said]. It definitely takes a lot of heat off of me," he told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The native of Thornhill has three goals and four assists over 11 games this season with the Isles, his first in the NHL.