Gordie Howe: Farewell to Mr. Hockey |

Gordie Howe, considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, died on June 10, 2016. He was born on March 31, 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan. He was one of 9 children born to Albert and Katherine Howe. He got his first pair of skates in 1933, when a neighbour sold a bag of random items to the family. Gordie and his sister each had ownership of one skate until he bought hers for a dime he borrowed from their mother. He said that he fell in love with hockey instantly.

Howe began his professional career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1946, scoring a goal in his debut. It was the first of many goals. His scoring prowess placed him in the top 5 for 20 consecutive years and recorded 20 or more goals each year between 1949 and 1971. Howe's physical dominance was also legendary. He credited Detroit coach Jack Adams for showing him how to temper his aggressive style, however he remained a tough player. A Gordie Howe Hat Trick consists of a goal, an assist and a fight in the same game.

He led the Red Wings to four Stanley Cups in his 25-year career with the team. He spent then 6 seasons in the WHA where he played for the Houston Aeros and the New England (later Hartford) Whalers with his sons Marty and Mark. Howe returned to the NHL in 1979 when the Whalers were absorbed by the League.

Although he officially retired at 52, he played one final game in 1997. Signed to a one day contract, 70-year-old Howe played one shift in an IHL game for the Detroit Vipers.

Gordie Howe died at his son Murray's home in Ohio at 88.

More about Gordie Howe:

Books:

Gordie Howe: My Hockey Memories by Gordie Howe

Mr. Hockey: My Story by Gordie Howe
• Audiobook
• eAudiobook
• eBook
• Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)

Gordie Howe's Son: a Hall of Fame Life in the Shadow of Mr. Hockey by Mark Howe
• eBook

Gordie: a Hockey Legend: an Unauthorized Biography of Gordie Howe by Roy MacSkimming

DVD:

Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story (English Audio)

Monsieur Hockey: l'histoire de Gordie Howe (French Audio)