Guide Note

Also known as "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe is a former Hall-of-Fame hockey player.

Howe began his professional career by joining the Omaha Knights in the United States Hockey League in 1945. He joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1946.

Under coach Jack Adams, Howe joined Sid Abel and Ted Lindsay on "The Production Line," leading the team to four Stanley Cup Championships over a six year period, starting in 1949.

Howe continued with the Red Wings for a total of 25 consecutive seasons, earning numerous awards. He earned the Art Ross Memorial Trophy six times, finishing the season with the most points and the Hart Memorial Trophy, for the league MVP six times as well. In 1967 he was given the Lester Patrick Trophy, for his outstanding service to U.S. hockey. Following the 1970-71 season, Howe announced his retirement from the league.

Following his retirement, Howe continued with the Red Wings in a management position off-ice. In 1973 he was offered a contract in the now defunct World Hockey Association, with the Houston Aeros. He played in the WHA for the following six seasons, before returning to the NHL for one last season in 1979-80 with the then Hartford Whalers. After the season, Howe again retired from professional hockey.

In what still remains a U.S. hockey record, Howe returned to the ice for a single game in 1997, nearly 70 years old, to play in his sixth decade of professional hockey.

In 1972, Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The same year, his #9 Jersey was retired by the Detroit Red Wings.

Fast Facts

1. Most decades played professional hockey: 6
2. Won league MVP 6 times
3. Holds 9 hockey records
4. Won 4 Stanley Cups with Detroit
5. "Gordie Howe Hat Trick":
   1. Score a goal
   2. Get an assist
   3. Get into a fight