
By @MichaelCaples –
According to multiple reports and now confirmed by the Detroit Red Wings, Mr. Hockey has passed away.
The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell was the first to tweet the news, saying that Gordie Howe passed away in Ohio at 7:58 a.m. Shortly before 10 a.m., the Red Wings’ official Twitter account confirmed the news.
Howe, 88, is a hockey legend from his professional hockey career spent mainly with the Detroit Red Wings – he played 25 seasons in Detroit, and he held the NHL’s scoring record until Wayne Gretzky arrived on the scene.
Mr. Hockey skated in a professional hockey contest in six different decades – keeping the streak alive by suiting up for a shift with the IHL’s Detroit Vipers in 1997 at almost 70 years old.
“Hockey legend Gordie Howe, age 88, passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side,” the Howe family said in a statement. “The Howe family would like to thank friends and fans for their love and support. Gordie had a special connection with Red Wings fans and was always touched by their commitment. We are celebrating the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. Arrangements will be announced once they are finalized.”
Gordon “Gordie” Howe, nicknamed “Mr. Hockey” as one of the game’s very finest and perhaps the greatest Detroit Red Wings player of all-time, best known for his bruising elbows, remarkable ability and longevity.
“I’m really just a lucky old farm boy.” – Gordie Howe | #9RIPhttps://t.co/ho3njORnM6
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 10, 2016
“Today is a sad day for the Detroit Red Wings and the entire hockey world as together we mourn the loss of one of the greatest hockey players of all-time,” said Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch in a release. “The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than “Mr. Hockey.” He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter. He was tough, skilled, and consistently earned success at the highest level. His achievements are numerous and his accomplishments immeasurable. It is truly a blessing to have had him both in our organization and our city for so many years. He will be deeply missed.”
No player has ever skated in more NHL games than Howe, with 1,767 games under his belt. Over the course of his 26-year NHL career, Howe scored 801 goals – second only to Wayne Gretzky’s 894 – and recorded 1,850 points – third only to Mark Messier’s 1,887 and Gretzky’s 2,857 – to go along with 1,685 penalty minutes.
“Gordie Howe was an incredible ambassador for the game of hockey,” said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. “He was as fierce and competitive as they come but away from the rink he was truly engaging and personable and always enjoyed his interaction with the fans. Gordie set the standard for this franchise during the Original Six era, winning four Stanley Cups, capturing numerous awards and setting an abundance of league records. We will miss Mr. Hockey, who was the greatest Red Wing of all time. Our deepest sympathies go out to Mark, Marty, Murray, Cathy and the rest of the Howe family during this difficult time.”
He captured six Art Ross Trophies, six Hart Memorial Trophies and helped bring four Stanley Cups to the city of Detroit between 1950 and 1955. Howe grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he played his youth hockey. Before joining the professional ranks, Howe spent the 1945-46 season in the USHL with the Omaha Knights, recording 48 points in 51 games.
Mr. Hockey was even honored by President Obama today, with the following statement released from the White House:
“The list of hockey players who suited up in six different decades, including returning to the ice after being inducted into the Hall of Fame, is a short one: it starts and ends with Gordie Howe.
“But the list of kids who skated around the pond until dark, picturing themselves passing, scoring, and enforcing like Howe, dreaming of hoisting the Stanley Cup like him – that one comprises too many to count.
“Howe’s productivity, perseverance, and humility personified his adopted hometown of Detroit, to which he brought four championships and which he represented as an All-Star more than 20 times.
“The greatest players define their game for a generation; over more than half a century on the ice, Mr. Hockey defined it for a lifetime.
“Michelle and I send our condolences to his sons and daughter, his family, and his loyal fans from Hockeytown to Hartford to Houston and across North America.”
Former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman issued the following statement through the Tampa Bay Lightning today:
“It was very saddening to hear the news of Gordie’s passing this morning. He has been an icon not only in Detroit, but throughout the entire hockey world for as long as I can remember. As one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL, the majority of his career being in Detroit, it was an honor to wear the same uniform, spend time with, laugh, joke and seek advice from him. Gordie’s humility and kindness left a permanent impression on me, greatly influencing how I tried to conduct myself throughout my career.
“His impact on the Red Wings organization is still evident today. I travel the world and constantly hear stories from people who love the Wings and share memories of the glory days when Gordie and his teammates ruled the NHL. For all players fortunate enough to play for the Wings, we should take time to thank and honor Gordie, for he is a significant reason why Detroit is such a special place to play.
“To Gordie’s surviving family, I offer my sincere condolences, in particular to his son Mark, my former teammate and colleague, who cannot help but remind me of his father every time I see him.”
Howe remained a fixture in Hockeytown, maintaining his place in fans’ hearts for generations.
Thoughts and prayers to the Howe family as Gordie Howe passes away at the age of 88. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/i9KRzXRgwV — Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 10, 2016