Gordie Howe, OC (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016), also known as “Mr. Hockey”, was a Canadian former professional ice hockey center forward who was considered to be one of the best players of all time. Howe played for 26 seasons in the NHL, 25 with the Detroit Red Wings and 1 with the Hartford Whalers, winning multiple awards, including 4 Stanley Cups. At the time of his original retirement in 1971, Howe held the NHL records for the most career goals, assists, points, and games played. Following his immediate induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Howe signed with the Houston Aeros of the WHA before eventually being signed by the then-named New England Whalers. After the WHA-NHL merger, the Whalers, now named the Hartford Whalers, joined the NHL, allowing Howe to become the oldest player to ever play in the NHL at age 52. Howe retired for the second time at the end of the season, with his number 9 being retired by the Whalers, making Howe one of the only players in NHL history to have his number retired by two franchises. His offensive records were eventually broken by Wayne Gretzky, who idolised Howe growing up and continues to maintain his belief that Howe is the greatest player of all time. At the time of his death in 2016, he was second all-time in goals, ninth all-time in assists, fourth all-time in points, and first all-time in games played. (more...)