Friday, June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe, The Legendary "Mr. Hockey," R.I.P.

Gordie Howe, the long-time NHL legend who became known as "Mr. Hockey," passed away on Friday at age 88.

Mr. Howe, one of the greatest players to ever lace on a pair of skates, played in the Nationa Hockey League for 25 years (1946-71), all with the Detroit Red Wings (with whom he won four Stanley Cups) before retiring in 1971.  He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

However, Gordie came out of retirement to play for the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association in 1973 alongside his sons Mark and Marty (the Aeros won back-to-back Avco World Trophy titles in 1974 and 1975).  The Howes moved on to the WHA's New England Whalers in 1977.

When the NHL and WHA merged in 1979, Gordie played one more season (1979-80) with the re-named Hartford Whalers before retiring for good at age 52.

He scored 801 goals and racked up 1,850 points in the NHL with the Red Wings and Whalers.

No comments: