Gordie Howe
Is there a better, more “Canadian” sports story in all of time than that of a kid born in rural Saskatchewan, one of nine siblings who becomes one of the icons of the NHL? A kid who quit hockey as a youngster so he could work as a labourer to help his family during The Great Depression before striking out on his career path as a teenager that would ultimately lead him to the Hall of Fame?
Howe, of Floral, Sask., became the gold standard for hockey longevity, playing 26 seasons in the NHL, another six in the WHA, played in five different decades and competing when he was 52 years old. He was a teammate of his sons and was “Mr. Hockey” to so many contemporary fans.
Howe was as rough and tumble as they come — the Gordie Howe Hat Trick is a goal, an assist and a fight in the same game — while remaining a dignified and venerated figure off the ice.