Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey, Passes At Age 88

One of hockey’s all-time greats, Gordie Howe, died today at the age of 88.  Before Wayne Gretzky came along, Howe was the all-time NHL career scoring leader. “Mr. Hockey”, as Howe was called, is arguably the greatest player ever, racking up 810 goals and 1,850 points in a long and illustrious career.  He still holds the record for most NHL games played, 1,767, and retired at the ripe old age of 52 after a season in which he played in all 80 games and registered 41 points. In fact, he stayed in the league so long that he was able to play on a line with his two sons in what he said was his proudest hockey accomplishment. And, make no mistake, Howe didn’t mind the rough stuff – the phrase a “Gordie Howe hat trick” meant getting a goal, an assist, and a fighting major penalty all in the same game. Off the ice, Howe was held in as much respect as he was on it. On a day when we lay the Greatest to rest, another great one also passes on – a sad day indeed.