Talk with Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," was one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time. Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, he played the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL), spanning from 1946 to 1980. Howe's career is notable not only for its longevity but also for its productivity; he was a dominant force in professional hockey, known for his scoring prowess, physical strength, and enduring competitiveness.

During his NHL career, Howe won the Stanley Cup four times with the Red Wings (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955) and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player six times. He was an NHL All-Star 23 times and retired with numerous records, including most goals, assists, and points in a career—records that stood until Wayne Gretzky surpassed them years later. Intriguingly, his career didn't end in the NHL; after a brief retirement, Howe returned to play in the World Hockey Association (WHA) alongside his sons Mark and Marty, and he continued playing professionally until the age of 52.

Gordie Howe's impact on hockey is immeasurable. He was not only a talented athlete but also a symbol of durability and resilience in professional sports. He passed away on June 10, 2016, but remains a legendary figure in the history of ice hockey.

One of Gordie Howe's most memorable hockey games occurred on February 10, 1980. This game was significant because it was the first time he played professionally with his sons Mark and Marty in the NHL, for the Hartford Whalers against the Detroit Red Wings—Howe's former team where he had become a legend. During this game, all three Howes contributed to the scoring, showcasing Gordie Howe's lasting skill and influence in the sport. This game not only highlighted Gordie's incredible career spanning five decades but also his role as a family man, making it a uniquely memorable moment in hockey history.

Gordie Howe scored a total of 801 goals in his NHL career. This impressive tally made him the leading goal scorer in NHL history until Wayne Gretzky surpassed him.

Yes, Gordie Howe had several key rivalries during his career, most notably with teams rather than individual players due to the era and the style of play. Howe's most prominent team rivalries included:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: The rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs was one of the fiercest in the NHL during Howe's era. The two teams frequently clashed in the playoffs, adding intensity to their encounters.

2. Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens were another major rival, particularly in the 1950s when both Detroit and Montreal were powerhouses in the league. This rivalry was highlighted by numerous intense and physical playoff series.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: As division rivals, games between Detroit and Chicago were always highly competitive and featured a strong rivalry during Howe's career.

In terms of individual rivalries, while Howe was known for his intense competitive nature on the ice, his conflicts were generally more characterized by the era's typical tough, physical play rather than personal vendettas against specific players. Howe's ability to both score and physically dominate games made him a feared opponent for any team or player facing off against him.

Gordie Howe was famously nicknamed "Mr. Hockey." The nickname reflects his significant impact on the sport of hockey. Howe's extraordinary skills, longevity in the game, and his embodiment of the ideal hockey player in terms of skill, sportsmanship, and contribution to the game, made "Mr. Hockey" a fitting tribute. His influence was so profound that he became a symbol for the sport itself, not just in the NHL but globally.

A Gordie Howe hat trick occurs when a hockey player achieves three specific accomplishments during a single game: scoring a goal, assisting on a goal, and getting into a fight. Despite its name, Gordie Howe, known for his skill, scoring ability, and toughness, actually accomplished this feat only twice in his long NHL career. The term is more of a tribute to the all-around style of play Howe epitomized rather than a frequent statistical occurrence in his career.

Gordie Howe's last professional hockey game was on April 11, 1980. He played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the Hartford Whalers in a playoff game against the Montreal Canadiens. This marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned more than three decades.

Eddie Shack, known for his physical style of play, did have various on-ice encounters with many players during his NHL career, but there is no specific, well-documented instance of him hitting Gordie Howe twice in a notable or infamous manner. Both were tough competitors, so their paths might have crossed in physical play during games, but no singular event stands out prominently in historical records or NHL lore involving exactly two hits from Shack on Howe.

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