Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey,” was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, Howe began his professional career in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) and played for 25 seasons.
Throughout his illustrious career, Howe won four Stanley Cup championships, six Hart Trophies as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, and six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer. He scored a total of 801 goals and 1,049 assists in 1,767 NHL games, making him the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points at the time of his retirement.
After retiring from the NHL in 1971, Howe joined the World Hockey Association (WHA) to skate with his sons, Mark and Marty Howe, for the Houston Aeros beginning in 1973–74. Despite his age, Howe proved to be a dominant force in the WHA, leading the league in scoring in his first season with the Aeros and helping them win two consecutive Avco Cup championships.
In 1979, at the age of 51, Howe returned to the NHL to play for the Hartford Whalers for one season before finally retiring from professional hockey for good. In recognition of his incredible career, Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, and his number 9 was retired by both the Detroit Red Wings and the Hartford Whalers.
Despite his retirement from hockey, Howe remained a beloved figure in the sport and continued to be involved in various hockey-related activities. However, in later years, his health began to decline, and in 2012, he suffered a severe stroke that left him partially paralyzed.
Sadly, Gordie Howe passed away on June 10, 2016, at the age of 88. His legacy as one of the greatest hockey players of all time continues to live on, and he remains an inspiration to generations of hockey players and fans around the world.
The Legacy of Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, also known as Mr. Hockey, retired after the 1970-71 season from the NHL to work in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings. However, he returned to professional hockey with the Houston Aeros of the newly formed World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1973-74 to play alongside his sons, Mark and Marty Howe.
During his time with the Aeros, Howe continued to showcase his exceptional skills on the ice and helped lead the team to two consecutive Avco Cup championships in 1974 and 1975. He retired for the second time in 1979 after playing for the New England Whalers, wich later became the Hartford Whalers.
Aside from his success in the WHA, Howe also left a lasting legacy in the NHL. He was a 23-time All-Star, won four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, and held numerous NHL records, including most games played, goals, and points until they were surpassed by Wayne Gretzky.
In addition to his impressive career as a player, Howe was also known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to giving back to his community. He passed away on June 10, 2016, at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of hockey and beyond.
Source: nytimes.com
Gordie Howe’s Battle With Disease
Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey”, suffered from dementia in his later years. However, his family members have not sought a diagnosis of exactly what kind of dementia he had. The disease was mild at the time of his passing. It is important to note that dementia can affect anyone, regardless of their level of physical activity or involvement in contact sports. Howe’s wife, Colleen, passed away at the age of 76 from Pick’s disease, a rare form of dementia that affects personality and behavior.
Gordie Howe’s Net Worth at Time of Death
Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey,” had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death. Howe passed away on June 10, 2016, at the age of 88.
Throughout his professional hockey career, Howe played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Hartford Whalers, amng other teams. He was considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
Aside from his impressive career on the ice, Howe was also a successful businessman. He owned several travel agencies, a sports memorabilia company, and was involved in various other business ventures.
It’s important to note that net worth is an estimation of a person’s assets minus their liabilities at a given point in time. As such, Howe’s net worth may have fluctuated over the years and may have been impacted by various factors such as investments, taxes, and other financial obligations.
Gordie Howe left behind a lasting legacy as a hockey legend and successful entrepreneur.
Conclusion
Gordie Howe was not only a legendary hockey player but also a beloved icon in the sports world. His impressive career spanned over five decades, and he was known for his toughness, skill, and sportsmanship. Unfortunately, Howe’s later years were marred by health issues, including dementia, which ultimately claimed his life in 2016 at the age of 88. Despite this, his legacy lives on as an inspiration to future generations of hockey players and fans alike. Gordie Howe will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the ice.
