Bowman: Gordie Howe took no prisoners

[@jivepatrol6833]

I met Gordie Howe at O'Hare Airport in Chicago in 1973 when my team was playing in a baseball tournament. He was a real gentleman and so nice to us! The greatest hockey player ever!

[@tomconstance2391]

I also met him at O'Hare, probably around 2005 (and at a few signing events). Indeed a true gentleman

[@michaelbglovier1116]

What a memorable day for you.

[@stratovani]

Even Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky acknowledge Gordie Howe as the GOAT - the Greatest Of All Time. Who are we to argue with these two gentlemen?

[@September2004]

And Mario Lemieux as well. I thought Lemieux would’ve picked a Montreal Canadien like Beliveau or Richard but he picked Howe as well. Edit: I changed ‘Canadien’ to ‘Montreal Canadien’ because some of the replies (see thread) were from people too stupid to read. One person thought I said ‘Canadian’ so thought he needed to ‘remind’ me that Howe and Orr are Canadian and another thought I meant French Canadian and was promoting separatism. We’re only talking about the most storied franchise in hockey history.

[@sammyweed4771]

@@September2004 Gordie was born and raised in Canada. He lived in Michigan and Florida, but he is Canadian

[@September2004]

@@sammyweed4771 Yes, I know. That’s why I wrote ‘Canadien’ with an ‘e’ as is Montreal *Canadien*. Not Canadian with an ‘a’, eh?

[@v4v819]

@@September2004 You do realize Quebec is a province in Canada... Canadian is Canadian... Stop with the separatist bullshit...

[@September2004]

@@v4v819 Lol… is this a joke or are you this stupid as well? All I said was that I thought Lemieux, who grew up watching the Canadiens, would’ve picked one of them. Did you really think you were teaching me something like I needed a moron like you to tell me that Quebec is a province in Canada?

[@kentonpriestley3173]

The ovation he received at that all star game had me in tears, goose bumps and then I noticed I wasn't nearly alone. I have not since seen equal.

[@dnx112]

The all star game in hockeytown Detroit was the loudest I ever heard a crowd cheer. GORDIE GORDIE GORDIE

[@bobbyhulll8737]

we need more Bowman just talking about Hockey players the guy is an encyclopedia of information and all the inside scoop

[@joaquingonzalo1945]

Great move Scotty, to pick Gordie at that time. Scotty you helped create a legendary moment in hockey history.

[@mikesapp1473]

22111

[@gestet]

@@mikesapp1473 Full House...Aces over deuces

[@jimsaunders4136]

My buddy Steve one day said "wanna go watch Brian's ( his brother) hockey practice?" Being about 12 we had nothing better to do, so I said "sure." So we hoofed it up to Winter Wonderland ( NW Detroit). The Howe boys were on that team. We walked in and there was only one person in the stands and that was Gordie. So the three of us spent the hour discussing the finer points of hockey and this workout in particular. Same thing happened the next week.

[@4orrcountry]

It was one thing for Scotty Bowman to say that Gordie made him feel comfortable to be around, but it was entirely another for Gordie to do the same with fans. I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days with him during his 65th birthday tour (visited approx. 70 cities to raise money for the Howe Charitable Foundation). Upon first meeting him, I was completely awestruck, my heart beating through my throat - I'd seen him play once each for the Wings and Aeros, and three times for the Whalers, including his last NHL game, an OT playoff loss at Hartford on a Guy Lafleur slapshot from the point on the PP (a game which also turned out to be fellow Whaler Bobby Hull's last as well). But Gordie was a talker - naturally inquisitive about everything, not limited to hockey - and within minutes, he had me feeling like I had bumped into a wonderful ex-neighbor I hadn't seen in 20 years. But forget me, as it was children and families with whom Gordie absolutely shined. The banter came naturally to him - he truly enjoyed engaging kids, making 'em think a little, even at times challenging and correcting them - much to the delight of everyone in the immediate area, including siblings and parents. He'd typically offer or ask a child if he/she would like to stand beside him for a photo - and then gently elbow them away while simultaneously urging them to "Stand closer. Get closer." Gordie Howe was an exceptional human being. He knew who he was, he was proud, but he used his fame for what's most important in life: the common good. May God bless you, Gordie.

[@dougbrowne9890]

Wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing them with us!

[@rogerredford6242]

Biggest thrill of my life is that I actually got to skate with Gordie. He gave me the nickname "Hollywood" because I ad been in some movies. Gordie even wrote me a hand written letter that I still have today. He dropped out of school buy had better handwriting than most people. All the accolades about how he was with others is spot-on. He was a very special person. My dad would have so proud that his son actually got to play hockey with his hero. I am truly blessed.

[@yeltsin6817]

Wayne Gretzky said Gordie was his idol growing up and got to meet and said he was bigger and better than he ever imagined and said he always remembered that as a young kid so anytime any fan wanted to talk he made the time hoping it would be as memorable for the fan as it was for him.

[@tomgeauvreau7099]

Best player I ever saw play. He was so smooth out there and could make any play. Like he was in a bubble.

[@tomgeauvreau7099]

Also met him at train station in Windsor Ont. He was waiting for his boys coming home. They were playing for the Marlies at the time. Circa 1972. I was a ticket agent. Nice convesation.

[@chrisanderson5240]

I never met Gordie but I met the Rocket at 7 years old. He signed a hockey card for me. He signed it with a Sharpie and I picked it up with my thumb on the wet ink. He grabbed my hand and said "son, that ink is wet". I have a hockey card with a Maurice Richard autograph that is smudged. These old timers were part of the greatest generation, and I Love them all

[@jimsaunders4136]

Chris. I met Gordie a couple times. My buddy down the block brother played on the same team as Gordie's sons. Not having anything productive to do, being 10 or 12 we decided to walk up to Winter Wonderland on Schoolcraft in Detroit to watch the practice. The only ones in the stands were Gordie, Steve and myself discussing the finer points on the game. The same thing happened a week later and Mr. Hockey remembered my name, I was of course thrilled.

[@4orrcountry]

@@jimsaunders4136 How cool was that, thanks for sharing.

[@pbasswil]

That was awesome. Scottie has the most profound respect for the great Gordie - and we younger fans have the greatest respect for _both_ of them.

[@BBBYpsi]

That ovation was 11 minutes long.

[@bbb462cid]

I love Gordie's book. RIP number 9.

[@stevenkunzer7289]

ESPN and SN should do a 10 min segment with Bowman every possible chance they can because what a resource he is.

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

Absolutely! Like mining for GOLD at Fort Knox when they Actually had some there!

[@ericw3229]

A lot of legendary moments with Gordie. One I will remember was in March 1970. In the 2nd to last game of the season Detroit played the Rangers .Gordie scored the game winner and it also clinched a playoff spot for the Wings He backhanded it while Ranger defenseman Arnie Brown was literally draped all over him and Arnie was no little guy.Gordie drove from the boards across then whipped the backhand from a spot above the faceoff circles with Brown riding his back. He was just short of his 42nd birthday. That play demonstrated how powerful he was. Oh that was his 30th goal that season

[@lindsaydoke9308]

I'll never forget Gordie playing with his 2 sons in the WHA in Maple Leaf Gardens. All business on the ice but a total gentleman off of it.

[@robertfeinberg748]

Congrats to Scotty on that decision and bucking the league. Howe also wrote a book called Hockey is a Battle, and most of us fight a battle in our careers and lives and need that attitude. His famously gave his name to the Gordie Howe Hat Trick -- a goal, an assist, and a penalty, often for roughing.

[@potiloup]

Actually not just penalty

[@redefv]

Hockey fans always respect the sport first. Great stuff!

[@fireflydorion]

Great man missed Canada's icon....I miss him

[@MrGG1959]

According to a conversation I had with Red Kelly several years ago Gordie actually did score his 50th goal on the final night of the season in Montreal, but the scorer gave the goal to Kelly.

[@4orrcountry]

I don't doubt it - Montreal was very protective of The Rocket's standing, ESPECIALLY when it came to comparisons with Howe. For that reason, Howe was truly unpopular in Montreal. Gordie and Maurice became friendly after they'd both retired. When The Rocket died in 2000, Gordie attended his funeral in Montreal.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

@@4orrcountry Montreal fans booed Boom Boom when he scored 50. D-bags!

[@ReeseChown]

Bowman and Howe-- two of the greatest at their respective professions.

[@roberthenry8690]

NHL MVP award should be renamed the Howe Trophy 🏆

[@September2004]

MVP Trophy named after Mr Hockey. Makes sense.

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

@@September2004 I'd go with BOBBY ORR, But you have the Correct no. 2 selection

[@September2004]

@@JamesHadfield-qz9rv Interesting that you replied to me instead of the original poster despite the both of us saying the same thing. And you can ask the #3 guy, Bobby Orr, who #1 is.

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

it's All opinion after all, so be it.. rather childish to go back and forth! Bob Changed the GAME. if you Dispute that, your Clearly OFFSIDES.

[@September2004]

@@JamesHadfield-qz9rv I like that. Change the topic now not about where he ranks to whether he changed the game so you can get a last parting shot in even though I never said nor suggested he didn’t change the game. Of course, you could’ve just asked me but you needed that last parting shot. Feel better?

[@ethanlane3055]

I’m happy to share the same birthday as him

[@johnrsanchez3890]

The Best And Complete Hockey player I ever Saw If I were Starting A Team I would build it around Gordie Howe I Was A Ranger Fan back in the late 40’s and fifties and attended every Ranger home game from 1955 -1959 175 games total back then it was a 70 game schedule 35 at home and 35 away and during the periods I used to go down to the visiting dressing rooms and Ranger dressing rooms at the old MSG and saw these players up close and personal a thrill I must say

[@DorothyTompkins-e6s]

Such a very sad say for the hockey community. But most of all for the families and friends of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.😢😢 Rest in peace and God speed😢😢

[@RaysHobbies]

One of the best stories "dont go far, cause the guy who did this.." god level hockey

[@BBBYpsi]

My favorite Gordie Howe story was during a face off. He had a effliction & blinked very often. Well this guy he was facing off against had the same affliction & Gordie gave him a good shot off the face off. His team mates said what did you do that for & he said he was making fun of me. They said he has the same thing you do. He said well then tell him I will buy him a beer after the game. Great stuff there.

[@bobhoffman5581]

Payback--you wanted to do it as soon as possible; wouldn't want your "hit list" to be so long, you couldn't remember who you "owed." lol

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

@@BBBYpsi Gordie blinked/twitched because of the hole that was drilled in his skull to release pressure from when he went head first into the boards missing a hit to prevent a brain hemorrhage.

[@BBBYpsi]

@@MrJohnnyDistortion I know all about it. He went into the boards and nearly died after the head injury. Amazing how the next year he came back strong as could be

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

@@BBBYpsi Correct!👍🏼 You repeated exactly what I first posted.😉 He took it to heart after the Rangers said to him, no thanks, you're too skinny, and Gordie began weightlifting and became a bull, on skates. 🐂

[@robertbonter1190]

As a lifelong Rangers fan, I often lament that we had Gordie in our organization when he was 16, but cut him loose "because he was too skinny," as though he would never fill out. I wonder who the myopic G.M. was who made that decision? It cost us the Stanley Cup in 1950, but no more, Montreal was too good for too long.

[@robertbonter1190]

O.K. I checked and it was none other than Rangers HOF player, later G.M. Frank Boucher who committed easily, the greatest personnel blunder in league history.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Montreal was allowed to sponsor as many (750) teams as they wanted and thereby tying up 10,000 players. Montreal was loaded with "ringers" all the time.

[@BBBYpsi]

My favorite Gordie Howe story was during a face off. He had a effliction (because of the steel plate put in his head when he almost died) & blinked very often. Well this guy he was facing off against had the same affliction & Gordie gave him a good shot off the face off. His team mates said what did you do that for & he said he was making fun of me. They said he has the same thing you do. He said well then tell him I will buy him a beer after the game. Great stuff there.

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

this was a nice tidbit, thanks for it!

[@FloridaHockeyFan]

R.I.P. Mr. Howe

[@waynek921]

Scotty was a classy person...

[@timmygressler7468]

He still is.....

[@4orrcountry]

Always.

[@user-onpointe]

Bowman stuffed it into broadcasters booth faces when he came back to coach champions

[@quiricomazarin476]

#9's Maurice Richard / Gordie Howe / Bobby Hull / Johnny Bucyk / Andy Bathgate / Ted Kennedy

[@SUswim]

There is only one number 9 just like there is only one number 99 A true titan. And the undisputed goat. Orr and Gretzky both said it.

[@tomace194]

I love when he skated out he held his stick left handed. He really could shoot both hands. Crazy

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

I saw him take a back handed slap shot from the left point and score on Montreal.

[@petercasnocha5340]

How is there no gordie howe award in the nhl ?

[@vinceniederman3235]

I Know The NHL Should Have a Award Named After Him Like The Street in Detroit!

[@Sarando1]

Because no one can play the game like he did. Only Mark Messier came close.

[@justafanintexas7913]

There would have been but Howe didn't like the idea of having his name on a trophy. He put the kybosh on it.

[@4orrcountry]

SG1: Comparing Messier to Howe is just not right. There was an aura about Howe that Messier never had - the respect, the toughness. All eyes were on Gordie, all the time. Not so with Messier. Yes, he was a great player, but not on the same level and definitely not in the same way. Messier was selective, he only got physical with smaller players. Gordie would take on anyone, if they dared to mess with him.

[@jimwade7680]

Peter Časnocha there do... comes with a albow...

[@dallasbrubaker6054]

The G.O.A.T.

[@michaelmohrle1773]

52 years old and scored 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in a full 80 game season. That's a goal or an assist every other game!! How many players come and go wished they could say I can score every other game ?

[@hippy1002]

Any guy who takes a regular shift at age 52, AND pounds guys into the boards,AND in the corners, AND scores 40 points AND will drop the gloves with all comers.. is probably the greatest all around player of all time

[@RIUUI007]

Agree on everything and Gordie was a badass. But about the dropping of the gloves with all comers thing. In 32 NHL and WHA seasons totalling 2,450 regular season and playoff games he had a total of somewhere between fifteen and twenty fights depending on the source. That is a crazy low amount of fights.

[@arronstyes6365]

Was it me or did it sound like Scotty was breaking up right at the end

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

Le Sabre, you are nothing but a troll. Go take your Rocket worship elsewhere.

[@mikekeeler6362]

I have seven Gordie Howe cards hockey cards awesome person great player took no Guff from anyone

[@jimwade7680]

The master

[@jacksmith5692]

Up there with Lombardi as the best coach ever!

[@4orrcountry]

Red Auerbach, Bill Belichick before Lombardi.

[@TheConchologist]

The best of all time. Was in very few fights…few hockey players were foolish enough to fight him. He could drive players into the boards with his elbows and ruin you…it wasn’t his fights, but what he could do to you while playing that was far more frightening, he could maul you on the ice while skating that left players unwilling to get physical. Dropping the gloves on Howe was beyond stupid. One of the few who decided to engage with Howe for a true out and out fistfight was tough guy Lou Fortinato. His nose was crushed and his septum was dislodged from his skull. He was hospitalized for 2 days after this beating and never breathed right out of his disfigured face again. Howe was physically much stronger and bigger than most hockey players. One player stated that only rookies and fools get physical with Howe…they learn quickly, he could be brutal and terrifying without dropping his gloves

[@davegarmendia1717]

Classic retribution story of Howe !

[@robertlevine2152]

October 10, 1968, the Detroit Tigers had just won the World Series, where was Gordie Howe? If you guessed at Tiger Stadium or at home watching TV, you'd be wrong. He was on the sideline of Birney Junior high watching Mark playing football. I remember passing him when I was walking to the public library. It left a lasting impression of how much his family meant to him. Imagine his son playing in a junior high school football game being more important than sharing in the Tiger's victory. His family came first!

[@bodanlunny1323]

Howe was the greatest player Evers hero, says it all

[@whatchagonnadowhentheycomeforu]

Join Gordie Howe Fans Forever on Facebook and let his legacy live on...... facebook.com/groups/1635701476747505/

[@robertfeinberg748]

He wrote Hockey is a Battle, and that's a good attitude about life. Let's Go Brandon!

[@kravitz1999]

you're wearing your maga hat too tightly

[@robertfeinberg748]

@@kravitz1999 Trump is a lifelong Dem and a Wrecker of Republican chances. I know this because I was theoretically a classmate, although I've never met him, but I have met Reagan. As president, Trump was merely an apprentice. I fully expect Biden to coast to Obama's fourth term and to continue to enable America's enemies to get busy around the world.

[@deletedchanel4663]

Hi

[@roybresnahan8240]

¹

[@laurettelillick4963]

The offbeat description distinctively advise because camp untypically nod times a five brake. itchy, conscious buffer

[@tomgriffin7019]

For sure.

[@robatkinson5813]

overrated

[@BBBYpsi]

Under rated

[@crayray6460]

You win dumbest comment on the internet

[@cryptohalloffame]

it's true, it may be the dumbest thing I've ever read, probably just a shill, but kind of brilliant in a dumb kind of way, like saying Pele was overrated just because I can say it, haha

[@johnbgriffinjr116]

Troll

[@Jamestown-y9j]

Damn fool, old time hockey, baby.

[@sammyweed4771]

Greatest Hockey Player of all time !!!!! Ask Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr, and of course Scotty Bowman, they tell you the same thing !!!!

[@tomgriffin7019]

I heard Scotty say Mario was the best, but I could be wrong.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Mario was the best...may not have been the greatest or most talented or most favorite but as his name in french says he was the Best ( LeMieux).

[@September2004]

@@tomgriffin7019 I heard him say Mario was the best player of the 25-year period from 1967 to 1992. He said this at the 1992 Stanley Cup parade.

[@tomgriffin7019]

@@September2004 ok, thanks . I love Gordy too, I happened to be living in Lansing, Michigan when Gordy died and drove to Detroit to attend his funeral at Joe Louis Arena. It was packed and it’s something I’ll never forget.

[@hippy1002]

Dream line make em all 27 y.o. How -99 - Bossy. DREAM checking line Howe-Clarke- Alexandre Burrows Dream tough line Gillies- Dale Hunter - Howe He i a Swiss army knife. does it all

[@eddriver7815]

i STILL MAIN TAIN THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE >> an exception >> the Hartford player that was over looked was ( Blain Stoughton __ who was having his best NHL season I was surprised _ and disappointed that Gordie did not do the honorable thing and decline the invitation so Stoughton could take part in the All star game . Stoughton never had that kind of season again I am sure that Stoughton does not see this as such a wonderful thing .... he never got to be in an Allstar game again ...... make Gordie How part of the Allstar game but not at the xpense of a player like Stoughton .