Gordie Howe, an NHL legend who earned the nickname “Mr. Hockey” during his iconic playing career, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with various health issues.
He was 88 years old.
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed this sad news.
Howe holds NHL records for most games (1,767) and seasons (26); he also ranks second on the career goals list with 801, just a shade shy of Wayne Gretzky’s 894.
The Hall of Famer played on four Stanley Cup championship teams in Detroit during a 25-year run that started in 1946.
He retired from hockey for good when he was 52 years old.
But the last few years had been a major struggle for Mr. Hockey.
His wife, Colleen, passed away in 2009 and Howe then suffered from bouts of memory loss due to the early stages of dementia.
Howe also fell victim to a pair disabling strokes in October 2014.
His family said his health had improved after he underwent a stem-cell treatment as part of a clinical trial in Mexico.
On the whole, Howe’s hockey resume is as impressive as anyone who has ever played the sport.
He won four Stanley Cups… six Hart Trophies… six Art Ross Trophies… played in 23 NHL All-Star Games… and was inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
We send our condolences to his family members, friends and loved ones.
