Gordie Howe made a few promotional trips to Prince George. He was as gracious and polite with his adoring fans off the ice as he was ferocious on the ice.
Mr. Hockey, never one to shy away from effectively using his elbows, passed away at his home in Ohio. He was 88. Howe had been in ill health since suffering a significant stroke in 2014.
Son Murray Howe told The Associated Press: “Mr. Hockey left peacefully, beautifully, and with no regrets.”
Howe was the ultimate competitor from Floral, Saskatchewan who thrived under basic principles such as hard work, dedication, passion and combativeness.
His stats (4 Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, 6 Hart MVP Trophies, 6 Art Ross scoring titles, 1,767 NHL-record game career) are distinguished but it was his genuineness and class that stood out above all other qualities.
Howe would come to Prince George as a spokesperson for Amway on some occasions, and Zellers on other occasions.
Autograph seekers were never turned away, no matter how long the lineups were or how late into the evening it would get.
He had a special bond with kids who may never have seen him play but understood his legendary status.
I know this first hand having interviewed him in person on a few occasions in the 1980’s. He was polite, courteous and gave thoughtful answers. Yes, the consummate professional and a true gentleman.
I was never a Detroit Red Wings fan but like numerous others was a fan of Gordie Howe, and all of the superb qualities that he represented.
This is the second consecutive Friday that the sports world mourns the passing of an Icon.
Muhammad Ali died last week and he is being celebrated with a funeral today in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
Ali was indeed the greatest, but Howe had as much respect in hockey as any athlete did in his or her
sport.
Gordie was unquestionably one of the five best hockey players of all-time. His ranking in the top five makes for great debate.
His longevity of a five decade career is second to none. Gordie was in the twilight of his career when he enjoyed what he referred to as his biggest thrill, which was playing pro hockey with sons Mark and Marty.
His final NHL season came at age 52 when someone by the name of Wayne Gretzky was a rookie.
With finesse, grit and tenacity, Howe set NHL records with 801 goals and 1,850 points — mostly with the Red Wings — that held up until Gretzky came along.
Howe, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972, notched 41 points for the Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season. It was his 26th and final year in the NHL. He also played six seasons in the underappreciated WHA.
His fierceness helped trigger the unforgettable “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” that has become synonymous with a player having a goal, an assist and a fight in one game.
There will never be another one like him. Gordie represented all that is good with the grand game of hockey. How(e) about that?
From the Quote Rack:
All hockey players are bilingual. They speak English and profanity.
Gordie Howe
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
