Gordie Howe : Ice Hockey
Gordon “Gordie” Howe, OC (born: March 31, 1928), also known as “Mr. Hockey”, is acknowledged as one of the best-ever-all-around players in the history of hockey. He played twenty-six seasons for five decades in the National Hockey League and six seasons in the World Hockey Association. He started to play hockey with the Red Wings’ minor-league when he was 17 and the following year, given the chance to make it to the major-league club. The Canadian player was recruited by the Red Wings in 1946. He was one of the game’s most productive scorers. He continued to play even in his mid-40s, scoring over a hundred points twice in a span of six years.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Gordie Howe is a 23-time NHL All-Star. He set NHL records and continue to hold them until this day, including most goals scored during the regular season, most winning goals scored, most seasons played and most regular-season games played. In 1971, he received Order of Canada, in 1972 he was inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame and in 2008, and he received the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award.
Why Was He So Good?
Gordie Howe earned his fame for being the most durable player of all time. He is most famous for scoring expertise, physical power and profession longevity. He was quick and dominant on the ice. He had the skill to shoot the puck using either his left or right hand. Howe helped popularize the sport all over the world. He totally immersed himself in the sport, playing day in and out throughout the years.
What You May Not Know
- Howe tried out for the New York Rangers camp when he was 15 when he caught the eye of a professional scout. When he came to the camp, the director was unimpressed and told him “You’re too awkward, son. You’ll never make the major leagues”. After a year he signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
- In his mid-40s, he continued to play after coming out of his retirement alongside his sons Marty and Mark in 1973 with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association. He finally retired in 1980.
- Gordie Howe also played for the Omaha Knights, Hartford Whalers, Houston Aeros, New England Whalers and Detroit Vipers.
Related Pages
- More ice hockey players
- About Ice Hockey
- Athlete Database home
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