Gordie Howe, known colloquially as “Mr. Hockey” is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of ice hockey. Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, he began his professional career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1946 at the age of 18.
Over the course of a remarkable career spanning five decades, Howe earned numerous accolades, including six Hart Memorial Trophies for being named the National Hockey League’s most valuable player and four Stanley Cup championships. But eventually, even the most talented athletes have to hang up their skates.
It might surprise you to learn that when Gordie Howe finally retired from professional hockey, he was 52 years old! This fact still astounds many sports fans more than four decades later. So how did he manage to set such an impressive record? Read on to discover some fascinating facts about Mr. Hockey and why he chose to retire at the age of 52.
Table of Contents
The Early Years of Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, often referred to as “Mr. Hockey”, was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for 32 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and World Hockey Association (WHA).
Childhood and Family Life
Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, Gordie Howe grew up in a large family with seven siblings. His father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up during the Great Depression, the Howe family struggled financially but they always found joy in playing sports together.
Gordie’s brother Vic introduced him to hockey at a young age, teaching him how to play on a homemade rink outside their home. Gordie showed a natural talent for the sport and became determined to pursue it further.
“My big brother Victor made me a rink when I was five years old,” Gordie once said.”He put boards around it, which helped since we had such terrible winters. That’s where I learned to skate.”
Introduction to Hockey
Growing up, Gordie played youth hockey and eventually joined junior teams before making his way into the NHL. In 1945, at just 17 years old, Howe signed with the Detroit Red Wings and began his historic career in the league.
Over the next few years, Howe quickly gained recognition as one of the top players in the league. He was known for his physical strength, aggressive playing style, and incredible scoring abilities. With multiple MVP awards and scoring titles under his belt, Howe became an icon in hockey and inspired generations of players to come.
Joining the Detroit Red Wings
At the age of 17, Gordie Howe joined the Detroit Red Wings and began playing in the NHL. Over the next 25 seasons with the team, he became one of the league’s most dominant players, helping the Red Wings win four Stanley Cup championships.
“I was proud to play for the Detroit Red Wings for so many years,” Howe said later on.”The organization treated me well and we were able to accomplish a lot together.”
Howe retired from the NHL at the age of 52 after playing one final season with the Hartford Whalers in the WHA. He finished his career with an incredible 1,850 points and 801 goals, records that stood for decades before finally being broken by newer generations of players.
“When I scored my first goal in the NHL, I didn’t even know how to react,” Gordie once said.”But over time, I learned what it meant to be a professional player and represent my team with pride and passion.”
Gordie Howe’s Record-Breaking Career
As one of the greatest hockey players in history, Gordie Howe set and broke numerous records throughout his career. He was known for his incredible skill on the ice as well as his physical play and toughness. Despite retiring from professional hockey at an advanced age, he remained an important figure in the world of sports until his passing.
Scoring Records and Awards
With 801 goals, 1049 assists, and 1850 total points in his NHL career, Gordie Howe is considered one of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Howe won four Stanley Cups with Detroit Red Wings, and received multiple MVP awards along the way. In fact, it is almost impossible to list all of the honors that Howe accumulated during his long and storied career.
“Gordie Howe truly defined what it meant to be a superstar,” says former teammate Ted Lindsay.”The amount of awards he won and the number of records he broke are a testament not just to his talent, but to his dedication to the sport. He always pushed himself to be better and never rested on his laurels.”
In addition to his individual achievements, Howe was also part of some of the most memorable moments in hockey history. Whether facing off against other legends such as Bobby Orr or Maurice Richard, or leading his team to victory in tense playoff battles, Howe consistently proved his mettle as a fierce competitor.
Physical Play and Toughness
Of course, one aspect of Howe’s game that cannot be overlooked is his legendary toughness. Known as “Mr. Hockey” for good reason, he was never afraid to lay down a hard check or drop the gloves when necessary. He was famously durable as well, playing in more than 1700 games over the course of his career despite numerous injuries.
“It wasn’t just that Gordie was tough, it was the way he played,” says former NHL coach Scotty Bowman.”He was a physical player who could also score and set up goals, which made him almost impossible to defend against. He brought a new level of intensity to the ice and inspired countless other players to follow in his footsteps.”
The Importance of Gordie Howe to Hockey
Beyond his individual accomplishments and notable skills on the ice, Gordie Howe impacted hockey as a whole in immeasurable ways. His influence stretched far beyond his era – he continued to be an important figure in the sport long after retirement. He remained an inspiration to many young players and fans alike until his death in 2016 at the age of 88.
Reflecting on Howe’s impact, Wayne Gretzky said, “Gordie represented everything that sports should be about: hard work, dedication, respect for teammates and opponents. He was a true ambassador for the game and raised it to new levels of excitement and passion. Even decades later, we still feel his influence every time we hit the ice.”
All things considered, Gordie Howe was much more than just a record-breaking athlete. He was a larger-than-life personality who embodied the very best qualities of what it means to be a professional athlete. How old was Gordie Howe when he retired from hockey? He finally hung up his skates at the age of 52, but his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
Retirement and Legacy
Life After Hockey
Gordie Howe was a legendary hockey player with a career spanning six decades. In 1980, he retired from the NHL at the age of 52, but retirement did not mean slowing down for Mr. Hockey. He continued to play professionally for several years in other leagues, including the WHA and IHL. Even after officially retiring from competitive hockey at the age of 69, Howe remained active in the sport as an ambassador and mentor.
Off the ice, Gordie Howe’s life was devoted to family and charity work. His wife Colleen passed away in 2009, and his own health became increasingly fragile, but he remained a beloved figure both within the hockey community and beyond. People were drawn to him because of his warmth, sincerity, and good nature.
“He was one of those people who make you feel like they truly see you,” said journalist Peter Mansbridge.”Even though millions of people knew who Gordie Howe was and what he had accomplished, he always had time for everyone.”
Gordie Howe’s Impact on the Sport
Gordie Howe is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. With four Stanley Cup wins and more than 800 goals to his name, he was known for his fierce competitiveness, gritty physicality, and unmatched skill on the ice. However, it was his longevity that set him apart. Playing until the age of 52, he proved that age was no barrier to success in a physically demanding sport like hockey.
Howe’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the ice. He inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams through hard work, perseverance, and dedication. He also helped to popularize the game of hockey, particularly in the United States and other countries where it had been a relatively niche sport.
“People all over the world know who Gordie Howe is,” said former NHL player Nick Kypreos.”He transcended the sport of hockey to become an icon for everyone.”
How Gordie Howe’s Legacy Lives on Today
Gordie Howe passed away in 2016 at the age of 88, but his legacy continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. It can be seen in the countless young athletes who look up to him as a role model, in the communities that he helped to build and support, and in the many organizations that bear his name.
In addition to the annual ‘Gordie Howe International Bridge Run’ which welcomes runners from both the US and Canada (across the Ambassador Bridge), there are several scholarships, foundations, and even a bridge that bear his family’s namesake. His impact upon the sport still remains strong till this day with more players picking their uniform numbers as #9 in honour of Gordon Howe.
The Age Gordie Howe Retired From Hockey and Why It Matters
Gordie Howe retired from competitive hockey at the age of 52, making him one of the oldest players ever to lace up skates professionally. This was remarkable not only because of his advanced age but also because of the physical demands of the sport. Most professional athletes retire well before they reach their fifties due to injury or declining performance.
However, Howe was no ordinary athlete. He was renowned for his discipline, work ethic, and willingness to play through pain and injury. By continuing to compete into his fifties, he demonstrated that age should not limit one’s potential or ambition. As long as you have the drive and determination to succeed, anything is possible.
“I may not have been the strongest or fastest player out there,” Howe once said, “but I was determined to be the best and never gave up.”
Gordie Howe’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, grit, and resilience in achieving one’s goals. His impact upon the game and its players remains strong even today, nearly five years after his passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gordie Howe Retire From Hockey More Than Once?
Yes, Gordie Howe retired from hockey twice. The first time was in 1971, but he came out of retirement two years later to play in the World Hockey Association. After that league folded, Howe returned to the NHL and played for the Hartford Whalers until his final retirement in 1980.
What Team Did Gordie Howe Play For When He Retired?
Gordie Howe played for the Hartford Whalers when he retired from professional hockey in 1980. He spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, but also played for the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association.
What Was Gordie Howe’s Longevity In Professional Hockey?
Gordie Howe’s longevity in professional hockey is unmatched. He played for 32 seasons, from 1946 to 1980, and set numerous records along the way. Howe was known for his durability and toughness on the ice, and continued to play at a high level into his 50s.
Did Gordie Howe Have Any Injuries That Forced Him To Retire?
No, Gordie Howe did not have any specific injuries that forced him to retire from hockey. Rather, he decided to retire at the age of 52 because he felt it was time to step away from the game. Despite playing for over three decades, Howe remained relatively injury-free throughout his career.
What Was Gordie Howe’s Legacy After Retiring From Hockey?
Gordie Howe’s legacy after retiring from hockey is one of the greatest players of all time. He holds numerous records, including most NHL games played, most NHL seasons played, and most NHL All-Star Game appearances. He was also known for his toughness and physicality on the ice, as well as his skill and scoring ability. Off the ice, Howe was a beloved figure and ambassador for the game of hockey, and his impact can still be felt today.