Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player known as "Mr. Hockey" to his fans. Howe became one of the most dominant players in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career, which spanned over three decades. 

He played for the Detroit Red Wings, Houston Aeros, and Hartford Whalers, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. He was married to Colleen Howe, a sports agent. He had an illustrious career spanning five decades, during which he set numerous records and won several awards.

Mr. Hockey's Death

Gordie Howe passed away on June 10, 2016, at the age of 88, due to complications from a series of strokes he had suffered. He had been struggling with various health issues in the years leading up to his death, and the strokes had left him with significant cognitive impairment. 

His passing was mourned by hockey fans around the world, who remembered him as one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates.

Net Worth of Mr. Hockey

Gordie Howe's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million (after consideration of inflation) at the time of his death in 2016. His total career earning from NHL was $3,180,700 ($18,867,151 at today's rate). 

While much of his wealth came from his playing career, he also earned money through endorsements and public appearances.

Marty Howe was among the longest-serving player in the NHL, with his career spanning almost two decades.

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Record-Setting Career

Howe's career was marked by numerous achievements and records. He was a 23-time NHL All-Star and won four Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings. He also won six Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer and six Hart Memorial Trophies as the league's most valuable player.

 Howe retired with an NHL career record of 1,850 points, including 975 goals and 1,383 assists.

Gordie Howe vs Wayne Gretzky

Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky are two of the most celebrated hockey players of all time. While Gretzky is widely considered the greatest player ever to lace up skates, Howe's career accomplishments are equally impressive.

Howe led the league in goals five times, while Gretzky led the league in goals five times in a six-season span in the 1980s.

Gordie Howe Hat Trick

The Gordie Howe Hat Trick is a coveted accomplishment in hockey, consisting of a player scoring a goal, recording an assist, and getting into a fight in a single game. The first recorded instance of this feat was achieved by Hall of Famer Harry Cameron in 1920.

The term became so famous in pop culture too. Even, a pop singer, Burton, named his album "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" with the player's picture on the album cover. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick has become a way of honoring great players, and it remains a sought-after achievement for hockey players today.

Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a new international bridge crossing the Detroit River. In May 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced the plan for this massive project which is named in Howe's honor.

The bridge is set to open in 2024 and will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. It will also include a pedestrian and cycling route.

The bridge will serve as a tribute to Howe's legacy and his contribution to the city of Detroit and hockey.

Howe's Guest Appearance in the Simpsons

Gordie Howe made a guest appearance in "Bart the Lover," the 16th episode of season three of The Simpsons.

The episode features Bart pranking his teacher by answering her personal ad, using a picture of Howe as his own. The picture becomes a cherished possession of the teacher, and it remains a hilarious moment for fans of both the show and hockey. 

Retirement

Howe played for the Detroit Red Wings for 25 seasons before retiring in 1971. However, he came out of retirement in 1973 to join the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association, where he played with his sons, Mark Howe and Marty Howe. 

He eventually retired for good in 1980 at the age of 52, ending a remarkable career that spanned over three decades.

Gordie’s Jersey, Merchandise and Legacy

Gordie Howe's impact on the sport of hockey is still felt today, as evidenced by the continued popularity of his merchandise. His #9 Red Wings jersey is still available for purchase on the team's official website, as well as on eBay and Amazon.

The average price for one of his jerseys is over $1,000, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this hockey legend.

Family Life

Gordie Howe was married to his wife Colleen for over 55 years until her death in 2009. Together, they had four children, Marty, Mark, Murray, and Cathy. His two sons, Mark and Marty went on to have successful careers in hockey. Mark played 16 seasons in the NHL and is currently the Director of Pro Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings, and Marty played for 12 years in NHL.

Murray is a physician who oversees Sports Medicine Imaging for Toledo Radiological Associates. However, no information is available about the profession of Howe's daughter, Cathy.

Early Life and Career

Gordie Howe was born to Albert and Katherine Howe on March 31, 1928. He grew up in a large family with eight siblings. He began playing hockey at a young age and showed promise as a player early on.

His first major breakthrough came when he made a debut in NHL at just 18 years when he was signed by the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL's minor league system in 1946.

Over the years, Howe honed his skills and became a dominant force on the ice. His powerful shots and physical play made him a feared opponent and a fan favorite. Howe quickly gained a reputation as one of the best players in the league, and he went on to win four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. 

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