Gordie: The Legend of Mr. Hockey

Michigan will never forget Gordie Howe’s presence on and off the ice — he combined skill, savvy, strength, meanness and longevity like no other hockey player. Known to generations of fans as Mr. Hockey, Howe passed away on June 10, 2016 at the age of 88. The Detroit Red Wings legend’s career spanned from 1946 to 1980, including 25 seasons with the Red Wings. A 23-time NHL All-Star, Howe led the Red Wings to four Stanley Cups, won six Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player and won six Art Ross Trophies as the NHL’s top scorer. When he retired in 1980, he held the NHL records for regular-season goals (801), assists (1,049), points (1,850). In this tribute to the legendary Red Wing that features nearly 100 images, the Detroit Free Press reflects on Howe’s life in 128 pages of historic photos and defining stories about Mr. Hockey.