Remembering Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe was a hockey icon during his time playing in the NHL and in the WHA. He was born on March 31, 1928 to humble roots in Saskatchewan. He joined the Detroit Red Wings at the age of 18 and was a part of four Stanley Cups. Howe died Friday morning at 88 years old, this after surviving two strokes in late 2014 when it seems to be close to the end for Howe. But Howe like a true warrior survived and recovered from the strokes, putting many fans at ease. According to the Detroit free press Howe went peacefully and without regrets early this morning. Many of the younger generations will remember Howe for the infamous "Gordie Howe hat trick", which Howe only did twice in his career. 

But Mr. Hockey embodied toughness and what old time hockey was during it's hay day. He was tough as nails and wasn't afraid to go into the dirty areas of the ice to win a battle. Howe was known for his offense scoring 975 goals in both the NHL and WHA. He also totaled 2,358 points during his career and played in six decades. Howe played professional Hockey for 32 years which by todays standards is almost six times of the average career. Gordie Howe was also an incredible defensive player, often making great plays in his own defensive end. Howe was widely regarded as the best player in NHL at a time where NHL talent was at an all time high.

Howe retired from the Detroit Red Wings after a 25-year career, setting many franchise records for the Red Wings which he still holds today. He retired due to the arthritis in his wrist becoming too unbearable to play through. But Howe didn't stay retied for long joining his two sons on the Houston Aeros of the WHA. He and his sons would later join the Hartford Whalers, one of the six teams absorbed by the NHL. Howe returned to Detroit for one last time playing in the 1980 all-star game along side then 19-year-old Wayne Gretzky. Howe cemented his legacy playing in five decades of all-star games, and he added an assist in his final one. 

We will remember Gordie for all he did for the game of hockey, and all the lives that he touched as an ambassador. One of those lives was that of the great one Wayne Gretzky who still to this day considers Howe to be the greatest player to ever play in the NHL. Gretzky saying "He always took time to sign autographs, and you could always make out his signature". Bobby Orr is another player who regarded Gordie Howe as the best player to ever play the game, and still to this day won't hesitate if you ask who is the best player in the game. 

It's a sad day for the world of hockey to lose someone as immense of a presence that Gordie Howe was. He will not only be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, but he will always be remembered as the best hockey humanitarian. Thank you for every thing Mr. Hockey you will be missed, but your legacy will live on in our hearts forever.