Howe pays a rare visit

No one knows how long it’s been since hockey icon Gordie Howe, who turns 84 on March 31, has been in Montreal to mingle with fans.

But the Detroit Red Wings legend returns Saturday for a one-hour autograph signing at Centre Pierre Charbonneau, headlining the twoday 14th edition of the Sport & Toy Collectibles show.

Howe was last in Montreal for the Canadiens’ Dec. 4, 2009, Centennial Game, receiving a standing ovation when he walked to centre ice to introduce his great friend and Habs rival Jean Béliveau.

The appearance Saturday of Mr. Hockey, accompanied by his son, Marty Howe, will be preceded at 10:30 a.m. by Islanders Hall of Fame goalie Billy Smith and followed at 1:30 p.m. by ex-habs forward Gilles Tremblay. On Sunday at 1 p.m., Carey Price, Josh Gorges and Travis Moen are slated to sign for an hour.

About 100 exhibitors and vendors will be on hand Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sell, buy, trade and grade collectibles. The show will also feature a tribute to late Expos catcher Gary Carter.

Admission: adults, $10; seniors, $8; age 6 to 16, $6; kids younger than 6, free. Two-day passport: $16.

Autograph fees – Gordie Howe: $120, $150 and $300, based on size and nature of article. Billy Smith: $30 regular items, $60 for masks and jerseys. Gilles Tremblay: $15. Carey Price: $65 for a small article, $75 for large. Josh Gorges: $20. Travis Moen: $15.