Howe, Gordie (1928-2016), was one of the greatest scorers in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). A right wing, Howe scored 801 goals during his 26 seasons in the NHL, a league record until Wayne Gretzky broke it in 1994. Howe’s career mark of 1,850 points (goals plus assists) was also an NHL record until Gretzky broke it in 1989. Howe led the league in goals five times and in points six times.
Howe played with the Detroit Red Wings from the 1946-1947 season through the 1970-1971 season. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy as Most Valuable Player in the NHL six times. After sitting out two years in retirement, Howe played with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) from the 1973-1974 season through the 1976-1977 season. His sons Mark and Marty were also members of the team. The Howes joined the New England Whalers of the WHA for the 1977-1978 season. Gordie Howe remained with the team when it entered the NHL in 1979 as the Hartford Whalers. He retired after the 1979-1980 season at age 52.
Gordon Howe was born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972. Howe’s autobiography, Mr. Hockey: My Story, was published in 2014. Howe died on June 10, 2016.
