The hockey world received some very sad news on Friday morning, when it was reported that Gordie Howe passed away at the age of 88. The news has been confirmed by multiple sources, including WDIV in Detroit.
BREAKING: Hockey great Gordie Howe has died.
— Josh Elliott (@JoshElliott32) June 10, 2016
Howe suffered from dementia and has been battling health issues for years. He suffered a major stroke in 2014 that took a serious toll, but, in typical Howe fashion, he fought back and managed to make a startling recovery.
Howe was affectionately referred to as “Mr. Hockey,” which is a strong indication of how revered he was as a player and a person. The Canadian played 26 seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers, as well as six seasons in the World Hockey Association.
In 1,767 NHL games — the most ever played by anyone in league history — he amassed more than 800 goals and 1,000 assists. He was a 23-time All-Star, a four-time Stanley Cup winner, and a six-time Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophy winner. He was also teammates with two of his sons, Marty and Mark, while a member of the Whalers.
After retiring at age 52 — the only player to play over the age of 50 and play in five different decades — Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 and is widely regarded as one of the best and toughest players to ever lace up the skates.
He’ll sorely be missed by all those who love the game.
