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One of the most recognizable names in sports, Gordie Howe is also known as “Mr. Hockey.” Howe’s NHL career spanned four decades, beginning in 1946 when he joined the Detroit Red Wings. Playing for Detroit through the 50s and 60s, he retired after the 1970-71 season at age 43 due to a wrist injury.
After working a clerical job in the hockey industry for two years, Howe had surgery on his wrist to enable him to play hockey again. In 1973, he signed with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association. He and his sons Mark and Marty Howe joined the New England Whalers in 1977. The WHA collapsed in 1979, and the team became the NHL’s Hartford Whalers. At age 51, Howe played his final season, 1979-80, in the NHL.
Not content with retirement, Howe signed a one-game contract with the International Hockey League’s Detroit Vipers in 1997. At age 70, he became the only hockey player in history to play professionally in six different decades.
While the longevity of Gordie Howe’s career is legendary, so are his athletic accomplishments. Not only did he win four Stanley Cups, but he was also an NHL All-Star 23 times and was one of the top five NHL scorers for 20 seasons in a row. He holds the record for most games played with a single team, as well as most points scored with a single team during his time with the Red Wings.
Gordie Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1975, and won the NHL Lifetime achievement award in 2008.
