One of the greatest hockey players in history is Gordie Howe, sometimes known as Mr. Hockey. He played for about 32 seasons and had an excellent career that lasted almost 20 years.
Gordie set more records than any other athlete in history, even after he retired. He has appreciated his goals, assists, points, games played, and game-winning goals.
Howe has astonishingly participated in 29 All-Star games. In addition, he scored for an incredible 20 years straight, ranking in the top 5 in the NHL.
Howe is revered by all-time great hockey players, including Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.
Howe is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Gordie gained the moniker “Mr. Hockey” for to his superb puck handling, deft wrist shots, and legendary tenacity.
Gordie Howe will always remember his cruel elbows, gracious humility, and 2,421 games played. His professional trajectory, accomplishments, accolades, personal life, and wealth will all be covered in the essay.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Gordon Howe |
| Nick Name | Mr. Hockey, Mr. Elbows |
| Birth Date | March 32, 1928 |
| Demise Date | June 10, 2016 |
| Birth Place | Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Demise Place | Sylvania, Ohio, US |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Father’s Name | Albert Howe |
| Mother’s Name | Katherine Schultz |
| Brother | Vic Howe |
| High School | Southfield-Lathrup High School |
| University | Unknown |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Chinese Zodiac | Dragon |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.83) |
| Weight | 93 kg (205 lb) |
| Age | 83 years old at the time of death |
| Build | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Ice Hockey Player |
| Position | Right Wing |
| Affiliations |
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| Played For |
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| Trophies | Stanley Cup (4 times), Hart Trophies (6 times), Art Ross Trophy (6 times) |
| Honored Titles | 100 Greatest NHL Player, Hockey Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Officer of the Order of Canada, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and many more |
| Active Career | 1944-1985 |
| National Team | Canada |
| Wife | Colleen Joffa (Died in 2009) |
| Children | Martin, Mark, Cathy, and Murray |
| Salary | Unknown |
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Status | Deceased |
| Merch | Gordie Howe Player Replica, Mr. Hockey Autobiography, Stat Plaque |
| Last Update | August 2022 |
Gordie Howe: Early Life
One of the nine children of Albert and Katherine Howe, Gordie was born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Floral was a little community, and Howe’s beginnings were very unassuming and rural. In an effort to survive the Great Depression, the family.
Gordie used to use his socks as shin protectors by stuffing newspapers and magazines inside. After months of saving, his mother eventually bought him his first set of skates.
Gordie enjoyed playing tennis outside with a few of his neighborhood mates. And they used to go to the neighbor’s oven when the ball would freeze because of the cold weather. Howe’s family eventually relocated from Floral to Saskatoon.
Since he was eight or nine years old, Gordie has had a deep love for hockey. Then, at age 16, he moved out of his hometown to pursue his dream of playing hockey professionally.
How did Howe Start playing Hockey?
Howe struggled academically and twice failed the third grade. However, the shy youngster was a fantastic hockey player. He began as a goalie before switching to defense and finally settling down at forward.
Despite being huge and clumsy, he was capable of scoring. Howe tried out for the Ranger team at age 15 but was unsuccessful.
He was sent to the Red Wings training camp in Ontario the following year after being discovered by a scout for the organization. Howe entered the NHL two years later, at the age of 18.
Exterior Feature of Howe
Howe had broad shoulders, a robust neck, and a powerful wrist. Regarding his disposition, the 6 foot 1 inch tall man was extremely aggressive and confrontational.
He was one of the league’s larger players at 205 pounds. In the past, he used to play aggressively and never back down from a confrontation.
Gordie Howe: Professional Career
Howe was added to the Detroit Red Wings’ negotiation list in 1944. Prior to formally joining the Red Wings in 1946, he played one season for Omaha in 1945.
Howe won the Art Ross Trophy for being the leading point scorer and the Hart Memorial Trophy for being the most useful player during a short period of his career.
Howe was dominant in the early 1950s and helped his team Detroit win every game. Sid Abel and Ted Lindsay accompanied him as part of the Production Line.
Horrific Accident
Midway through the 1950s, Howe collided violently with Maple Leafs captain Ted Kennedy during a playoff game, nearly ending his life and his career.
Everyone thought something terrible had already occurred for a few hours. Howe’s mother was called because he was drenched with blood that was pouring from his head. His brain was operated on to release the pressure.
Gordie made a remarkable recovery despite missing the rest of the playoffs due to a skull fracture.
Howe was 21 years old at the time of that terrible event. Despite the fact that doctors feared the hemorrhage might kill him, the next season, he won the scoring title.
Retirement
Management pushed Gordie to quit after the 1970–1971 campaign due to his persistent wrist issue. But he eventually made his way back to the hockey world after an interval of 1.5 years.
He started working in Detroit’s front office after retiring. Mark and Mart Howe, Gordie’s sons, used to play for the Houston Aeros in the then-new World Hockey Association at that time (WHA).
Gordie joined Houston Aeros from 1973 to 1974 and went skating with his son as well.
Hockey players Mark and Marty had potential when they played junior hockey. Gordie was given permission by the Houston Aeros to play on the same team and same line as his boys.
In his rookie campaign, Howe led the Aeros to back-to-back WHA championships with 100 points. He transferred to the New England Whalers of the WHA after playing with the Aeros for four seasons.
Howe retired with an NHL career total of 1,850 points and 801 goals.
Later, Gordie held the positions of chairman of the board for a marketing firm and director of player development for the Whalers. Howe was also given an Order of Canada appointment.
The Return of Howe
Gordie Howe played in his 23rd All-Star Game in Detroit in 1980. At the end of the season, he intended to retire at the age of 51.
The athlete’s Prince of Wales Conference introduction came last. Howe, the lone player with grey hair, skated onto the ice wearing his white All-Star jersey while representing the Hartford Whalers.
With a no. 9 jersey, he proudly represented hockey for five decades. As they had done numerous times before, the supporters exploded.
The athlete skated to the bench while shyly waving and looking to the ice as the crowd erupted in cheers.
There were cheers of approval in the stadium as Howe waved to the spectators and began skating to the bench. Howe’s supporters couldn’t quit clapping for him.
The applause seemed to never end as it persisted. They were up and applauded continuously during the game.
Awards and Achievements
Only Gordie has participated in NHL competition in five different decades (1940 to 1980). The Red Wings became a four-time Stanley Cup champion with his assistance.
He received six Hart Awards for “Valuable Player” and six Art Ross Awards (Leading Score). The NHL Lifetime for Gordie was launched in 2008.
Howe received the 2008 NHL Lifetime Award with distinction.
Both Colleen Howe’s moniker “Mrs. Hockey” and Howe’s nickname “Mr. Hockey” are registered trademarks.
In Joe Louis Arena, a new 12-foot-tall and roughly 4500-pound bronze statue bearing his statistics and biography was unveiled in his honor in April 2007.
Gordie was a 23-time All-Star and a six-time MVP. Along with his durability of five decades in the professional game, he is also remembered for his 975 goals and 1383 assists during the regular season.
Howe played 2,421 games throughout 33 seasons of his career. He recorded 1,518 assists in addition to 1,071 goals (801 in the NHL) (1,049 in the NHL ).
Gordie received the inaugural NHL lifetime achievement honors in 2008 after being elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
Mr. Hockey: My Story, Gordie Howe’s autobiography, was released in 2014.
Playing Style of Howe
One of the most legendary NHL players of all time is Howe. In addition to his intimidating body temperature, Howe’s shrewd and skillful playing technique also extended his life.
The goal, an assist, and a brawl all occurred in the same game and are known as the “Gordie Howe hat trick.”
His movements were efficient, and he easily moved around the rink while anticipating when and where the action would cross.
After drastically reducing the number of fights he engaged in early in his career, Howe never wasted energy if he didn’t have to.
Even though a game lasts 25 minutes on average, Howe frequently played for 45 minutes.
Gordie was always the first to stand up and raise his head, prepared for the following round when he joined his worn-out rivals on the bench.
Gordie Howe: Wife and Children
On April 15, 1953, Gordie married Colleen Joffa after a four-year courtship. Colleen, who was 17 at the time, and the two met at the bowling alley.
Colleen and Gordie were married from 1953 until her passing in 2009. Three sons, Martin, Mark, and Murray, as well as a daughter, Cathy, were born to the marriage.
In the summer, Howe and his wife Collen used to take their children on singing tours around Canada. The Howe family was having a good time, and they would sing while stopping at every department shop from coast to coast.
For the star at the time, it served as an additional source of income.
Gordie Howe: Net Worth
Gordie amassed a $10 million estimated net worth while playing for the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the WHL and the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers in the NHL.
He was one of the most significant players in professional hockey history and one of the wealthiest athletes.
Howe’s pay ranged from $25,000 to $30,000 throughout his peak years.
The Canadian athlete had made a ton of money from his prize money and extensive sponsorship agreements. His endorsement deals also brought in a sizable sum of money for him.
The End of Mr. Hockey/Mr. Elbow
The legendary athlete passed away on June 10, 2016, at the age of 88. There was no official record of a cause of death.
According to some web accounts, Howe reportedly had dementia and a severe stroke in October 2014.
Howe passed away gracefully, artistically, and without any remorse. He will always be known for his 2,421 games over a five-decade career in hockey.
Howe spent his final days in Lubbock, Texas, where he shared a home with his daughter, Cathy. And he spent the last few days of his life in Ohio, Texas, with his radiology-trained son Murray.
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