Gordon Howe

Gordie Howe is considered one of the best hockey players of all time. He is ranked 3rd all time behind Bobby Orr and ahead of Mario Lemieux. With the nickname Mr. Hockey, obviously he was a great player. He was born on March 31 1928 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Now he is 82 years old.

Howe played his first NHL game at the young age of 18 (1946) with the Detroit Red Wings. He actually started off wearing the number 17 instead of his famous number 9. When a player on his team went to the Chicago Blackhawks he was offered the number 19. He had this number for the rest of his career. Gordie Howe is probably most well known for the length of his career. He has the record for the most seasons played in the NHL (33). Another record that proves his longevity in the NHL is his record of games played (1767). I think the best accomplishment is his record for oldest player to play in the NHL. He played his last game when he was 52 years and 10 days old. No other player has even got past 48 years! Over his career he also won 4 Stanley Cups, all with the Detroit Red Wings.

Gordie Howe has had a lot of positive influence in my life. When I first started playing hockey I had two main hockey idols, Mats Sundin and Gordie Howe. I had this one coach that said I played like Gordie so I went home and did some research about him. I learned that he was an amazing player and a great person. I instantly idolized him and try to follow in his footsteps. I admire him not only for his extraordinary hockey playing but the many things he has done in his life. This year he received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan, which for anyone is amazing. Another great thing that he has been involved with is the Howe Foundation. It was actually founded by his wife, Colleen Howe. Her purpose of the foundation was to help people that don’t have the chance to love and enjoy the game of hockey. The Howe family feels that hockey has impacted their lives so much they would love to share that with everyone else. He is a great man who is a hockey legend and a role model for anyone.