Gordie Howe, ‘Mr. Hockey,’ dies at 88.
Gordie Howe, the legend who became so synonymous with his beloved sport that he was “Mr. Hockey,” has died. He was 88 years old. Howe died Friday morning in Toledo, Ohio. He had been staying there with his son, Murray.
“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,” Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement.
“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.”
Howe had suffered from dementia in his later years, and suffered a stroke in October 2014. Stem cell treatment helped him rally from near-death, and celebrations for his last birthday, March 31, included a visit to Joe Louis Arena.
“Gordie Howe was an incredible ambassador for the game of hockey,” Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. “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.”
Howe practically is synonymous with the Wings: He played for them from 1946 to 1971, leading them to Stanley Cup championships in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955. The team retired his jersey in 1972, and a statue of him graces the concourse at the Joe.
He is second all-time with 801 goals and is eighth all-time with 1,049 assists.
In 1979-80, Howe played his final NHL season with the Hartford Whalers at 51 years old, posting 15 goals and 26 assists.
Howe’s wife, Colleen, died in 2009 from Pick’s disease, a neurological condition that causes dementia. Son Mark Howe is a scout with the Red Wings, and, like his father, in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Gordie is also survived by son Marty and a daughter, Cathy.