Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Hockey

Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe was a Canadian professional ice hockey player known as "Mr.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who spent most of his career with the Detroit Red Wings and is regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.

What it is

Gordie Howe was a right winger who played 26 NHL seasons and six WHA seasons, mostly with the Detroit Red Wings. He scored 801 regular-season NHL goals and won four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and physical toughness made him a defining figure in hockey.

Why it matters

Howe's career set standards for longevity and excellence in professional hockey. The "Gordie Howe hat trick" — a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game — reflects his unique blend of skill and toughness. He remains one of Canada's most iconic sports figures, born in Floral, Saskatchewan.

Key details

Howe was born March 31, 1928, and died June 10, 2016, at age 88. He made his NHL debut with Detroit in 1946 and played 25 seasons there. After his NHL run, he played in the WHA and briefly returned to the NHL with the Hartford Whalers.

In short

  • Gordie Howe is nicknamed "Mr. Hockey" and is one of the greatest NHL players.
  • He scored 801 NHL goals and won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.
  • The "Gordie Howe hat trick" means a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game.
  • He was born in Floral, Saskatchewan, and died in Toledo, Ohio.
Canadian angle

Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan, and is one of Canada’s most iconic hockey figures.

Quick questions

Who is Gordie Howe?
Gordie Howe was a Canadian professional ice hockey player nicknamed "Mr. Hockey" and widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
How many goals did Gordie Howe score?
He scored 801 regular-season goals in the NHL.
What is a Gordie Howe hat trick?
It is a game in which a player records a goal, an assist, and a fight.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gordie-Howe
    Supports: Birth, death, nationality, nickname, Red Wings career, Stanley Cups, and the definition of the Gordie Howe hat trick.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordie_Howe
    Supports: Career length, teams played for, NHL goals, assists, points, and the Gordie Howe hat trick.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/gordie-howe-life-career-appreciation-280930610
    Supports: Age at death, 801 goals, 25 seasons with Detroit, WHA career, and retirement details.
  4. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gordie-howe
    Supports: Canadian identity, Red Wings debut, and 25 seasons with Detroit.