Gordie Howe: Life of a Legend

Sportsnet special on the legendary life and career of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. Narrated by Stephen Brunt.
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[@jasondownsnet]

My father grew up in Detroit in the 50’s. He was the biggest Gordie Howe fan. He loved the Red Wings. A Marin, he is stationed in CA and soon after hatches me in the ‘80’s. A Red Wings fan by default, every year he brings me back to Detroit to see at least a couple of games. Some of my favorite childhood memories are riding to the games on “the people mugger”. Exiting the mugger, the large crowds bottle-neck into the late Joe Louis arena. At ten years old I can only see elbows and backsides as we shuffle through illuminated long tunnels; smart-asses moo like cattle. I love everything about the Red Wings; the banners, the blood red jerseys, and the octopus hurlerd on the ice. We are even able to make it back to Detroit to attend game 2 of the Stanley Cup winning 2002 run. My father tragically passes away soon after at only 50 years old. I haven’t brought myself to watch hockey since. .....Now with a family of my own, we just had my first child. For his first Christmas, my Detroit family sends him a beautiful infant sized Red Wings #9 Jersey, Gordie Howe’s number. Every Christmas since, he’s receives a new Gordie Howe jersey. My son is 2 and half now, loves his three different #9 jerseys. He wears them whenever our hot ass Los Angeles sun allows it. Transplanted Detroiters can’t help but introduce themselves to us and say high to my Gordie Howe jersey wearing son. He loves watching Red Wings and Gordie Howe highlights on KZbin. We go to my sons first NHL game, a Kings game here in LA. (Get off my back, they’re local, what can I do). I worry if it is going to be too much for him. He cheers. He claps. . He loves it. My two year old wears his toddler sized Red Wings #9 Jersey. Even though we are clearly on Gretzky’s turf, Kings fans who know better, stop by our seats to give a thumbs up or a high five to my son. He loves it. I can watch hockey again.

[@4orrcountry]

Man if that isn't a tearjerker, nothing is. Thanks for sharing.

[@williammontroy9024]

Man … that’s absolutely gorgeous! I still remember shaking gordies hand .. he was in his 70s .. I’m a good size guy and pretty strong and I have to say his hands even that age felt powerful as hell I couldn’t imagine him as a young man . And so pleasant . Such a gem

[@chilly_schrimp]

That comment about ”someone is gonna drive to watch you play and might not get that chance again” is a great attitude for any pro athlete

[@foxygirl1977]

You'll never see anyone like Gordie Howe ever again. RIP Mr. Hockey.

[@tonyp9313]

Yeah that's true. We see players that are a lot better now.

[@clubpenguin13531]

@@tonyp9313 lol no

[@LoLeQ88]

its almost two different sport now, u cant compare them jesus christ. Look at much of padding players got nowadays and how "much" they had under jersey back then.

[@joebaker5089]

Agreed. Mr Howe is a genuine legend. What a great person.

[@robertcunningham1944]

@@tonyp9313 During most of Howe's playing years, there were only 6 NHL teams. If that were the case now, 80% of today's players wouldn't even be in the NHL! In a press conference, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr (three Hall of Famers), all said that Gordie Howe was the greatest hockey player to ever put on a pair of skates.

[@kurtlautenbach1224]

I will not say R.I.P to Mr.Hockey because to me Gordie Howe will never die

[@bonniesmusic4336]

He's the reason I love hockey.

[@mikegrey5663]

Damn right

[@billynadeau6517]

its nice and n the same time its mean lmao

[@gordieparenteau6555]

Absolutely. He lives on in every kid who laces up skates and picks up a stick, wherever they may be from. The spirit of Mr. Hockey lives on in every new fan, from London to Tokyo to Sydney, that comes to love this game as much as we do. That is true immortality.

[@twistoffate4791]

@@gordieparenteau6555 Just reading your comment brought tears to my eyes. Perfectly stated.

[@nickclark9481]

Who in the hell gave this a thumbs down?? I remember meeting Gordie Howe when I was about ten and I was so nervous I couldn't spit his name out so he called me Mary. Still don't 100% know why.

[@savagehenry2975]

Haha "ya little Mary" probably LOL JK it's a six year old comment totally doubt if you'll see this

[@VincentPhason]

I had the very fortunate opportunity to meet Mr. Howe at the International Airport in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was in the city for a charity function. I was nervous but walked over and introduced myself and said "Mr. Howe, I wanted you to know it was a thrill to see you play (with your sons) some years back: He, without hesitation said: "they call me the fossil". Such a gentleman and had huge strong hands and even at that age no neck! There will never be anyone like Mr. Gordie Howe again....

[@emmanuelleverreault3645]

retire #9 league wide for Mr. Hockey and for The Rocket two of the greatest.

[@mooksteralaputterdou]

Absolutely, Emmanuelle..:)

[@4orrcountry]

AND Bobby Hull!

[@arthurpasseri4590]

Hartford Whalers had a beautiful logo.

[@massivecumshot]

I met Gordie 61 years ago as a wide eyed 7 year old at Olympia and was surprised how such a tough, physical player spoke so quietly and modestly. A truly gentle man who let his play do the talking and led by example. Bet he was a great dad. We will not see another like him. R. I. P., Mr. Hockey.

[@OriginalPuro]

Fitting, 9 and 99. The master and the student.

[@joshuamaloney6683]

Gretzky was nothing

[@trollnoobs178]

@@joshuamaloney6683 fk outta here do u even know what hockey is

[@honklertheclown3433]

Yup! And don't forget Stevie Y #19!

[@neilcashaback2987]

I believe Gretz grew up wearing #9 in honor of Mr.Howe but it was taken so he switched to 99

[@elcunado2926]

him and gretzky talking about each other is awesome. so much class between the two

[@JackTheripper911]

El Cuñado so much humbleness as well. Not to mention you see how much love they have for the sport. I bet their occasional hockey talks were just amazing.

[@mrq2044]

No disrepect to Cal Ripken Jr...but Gordie Howe is the real Iron Man...R.I.P Mr. Hockey...Detroit Loves you forever...

[@400KrispyKremes]

He was so Canadian. In all the best ways.

[@markmearth1]

Yes. Beneath the generosity, politeness and respect, there was a terrific work ethic, incredible toughness and strength.

[@MrHelp-yd4kn]

They said in ww2 Canadians were the dirtiest players in war, and guess what most of us came back You know why, we had crappy as heck background weather and we just wanted to kill and have fun, OR be killed Now We just lineup for a kill shot

[@jeancorriveau8686]

Yep. Gordie Howe was humble despite his incredible achievements--a typical Canadian!

[@woooshbait5398]

@@MrHelp-yd4kn ehhh more like ww1

[@brodeous]

In the late '80's I had the honor to skate with him as my defensive partner! Gordie was the skating representative of a National Men's Amateur league, Hockey America, which he skated with every team. He was in his 50's and in amazing shape and still unbelievably skillful enough to make a backhanded pass while two opponents were on him and put the pass right on my stick while skating away in the opposite direction! Great sense of humor! He even has several of us in a semi-circle and pointed to me saying, "that's how you hold a stick...". A simple but high point in my hockey life.

[@philt5782]

Why am I crying when I watch this...... Oh yeah.. I grew up in Canada in the 70's and 80's. Love you Gordie and Wayne.

[@andrewmassa5318]

It's always very sad to see legends go. R.I.P Mr. hockey.

[@Faint7903]

I'm no r d wings fan but I agree it is really sad to see any legend die.

[@Stark_dan97]

I agree I was at a picnic with my school a girl I know texted me and told me that he passed away.

[@mikegrey5663]

@@Stark_dan97 I was watching Sharks vs Penguins playoff game (even though I don't care for either team because I'm a Wings fan) but I remember when they said he had passed away and showed a video in his honor and I'll admit I cried like a baby.

[@nameless_no_name]

hard working, humble, gracious, tough as fricken nails...... Canadian

[@canajian]

I had the pleasure of shaking his hand and talking with him... A gentleman through and through, a class act... Cheers to his memory that will carry on as long as hockey exists..

[@10PlaystationGamer]

Mr.Hockey will always be in our hearts

[@fentonhardy8176]

Agreed.

[@timhannah2321]

PensFan SC87 Jagr wus the best lemieux up there too an im from michigan crosby thu come on i rather you have said paul coffey a penguin and red wing lol cheers to hockey thu wings and pens

[@robertlamont7166]

PensFan SC87 ya

[@johnduncan4287]

@@timhannah2321 I almost had a stroke trying to read this. Howe stands above all those guys you mentioned. No disrespect to them, but come on now.

[@dunordtom]

@@johnduncan4287 Agree John. To compare some of those mentioned to Mr. Hockey and the Great One is laughable.

[@arronstyes6365]

We will miss you mr hockey. When it thunders and my children ask what was that I'll tell them it was Geordie Howe making a check into the boards, my the game in heaven be great my friend.

[@sniff.........................]

👏🏿🙏🏿

[@vastyandrews2631]

Yelling for a pass in the NHL by yelling "Dad!" ❤😭

[@jeancorriveau8686]

I met Gordie Howe in 1992 in Saskatoon. He shook my hand. He had big hands like a claw. No wonder his wrist shots were powerful.

[@paulh7589]

His backhand shot was unreal. He was my hero. I played, at a pretty high level. Did I mention he was my hero?

[@oofmydudes4248]

You can not say goodbye to something that will not die. He will always be in our hearts. NEVER forgotten!!

[@lancelot1953]

What a gentleman! With the likes of Hull, Orr, Beliveau, Richard... Those were the days, hockey at its best. Ciao, L

[@jamesglascock8258]

Gordie Howe was a greater man then he was a hockey player. RIP Mr Hockey. You are and forever will be a role model for our youth of how to be humble, yet great simultaneously...

[@jeancorriveau8686]

He was humble despite his achievements.

[@arcticgrayling105]

Gordie.....you are the best that ever was.

[@moshe219]

Rest in peace, Gordie. You've earned it. We loved you in Hartford.

[@sdgakatbk]

For me he is GOAT. And listening to this just confirms it more.

[@whatifiwasasnowman6895]

I love hockey so much because of him. I would love to play. Like the nights I've been at the rink, on a school night, until 9pm chasing a dream just out of grasp. Holding my first hockey stick, taking my first step is on the ice. Listening to the stories from my once hockey playing dad. Dreaming of when I will play. Feeling the cold rink air on my face. Falling and getting hurt but getting back up and doing it again. Playing street hockey with myfriends until 6pm on summer nights before dinner, then running back outside to play again. It doesn't matter if I'm 17, or 67 when I start playing. Hockey will always be in my heart. Thanks for sparking that dream Mr. Hockey. Rest Easy.

[@BBBYpsi]

During his viewing & memorial at the Joe Lewis arena in Detroit the viewing was from 9 am to 9 pm & the line was around the corner of the arena the whole time with people filing in & out & people came from all over the world to pay their respects to Gordie Howe. Russia,Finland,Sweden,Canada,USA,Germany...... He entered a locker room & you felt his presence was god like.

[@oldbaldjewishguy5187]

RIP MR.Hockey 1928-2016 #9 forever

[@barryallen827]

My Hockey HERO!

[@johncrumb8529]

What an amazing man. On AND off the ice. He exemplified skill, leadership, class and every aspect of what is necessary to be called a hockey player. A true Pioneer of hockey royalty. Although gone, he will ALWAYS be remembered and NEVER forgotten. The NHL would be a much better place if EVERY player followed him by example. Thanks Mr. Howe, for leading the way.

[@marykbennett8158]

The greatest - watched him from the time I was 3 years old and saw many memorable games at Olympia. It was only expected that my older son was name Gordie.

[@annapreston754]

Wish I could have met him. R.I.P. Gordie.

[@sammyweed4771]

I got to and I’m still amazed today. His hands where huge. Truly a legend and my favorite. And the best hockey player of all time. Hand down

[@neilcashaback2987]

I had the honor to meet Mr.Howe when I was a kid pulled out of a line asked me some hockey questions roughed me up a bit and shook my hand. Loved that man.

[@curtdude7]

who would dislike this? it makes no sense

[@BBBYpsi]

Trolls

[@snc237]

Montreal fans

[@MrCastay]

@@snc237 really?

[@jimwade5712]

Who ever toke a albow from him

[@jimwade5712]

K

[@tommckelveyiii7714]

this gave me 22 minutes of goosebumps

[@alexbenhard]

Rest in peace, Gordie!

[@roberthenry8690]

Seen a picture of him , probably from the late 50’s or early 60’s , without a shirt on he looked like a bodybuilder, this was all natural, no steroids. Seen a video from the WHA where he sent a player flying who was trying “ to hit the old man” Solid player!

[@bonesmccoy4407]

I've seen people recreate old photos... But my goodness, Gordie has the EXACT same smile/expression in both of those photos. Guess he truly was timeless!

[@issurchaim]

very sad day...a class act.. met him in 1988.. very gracious and humble.

[@erichalstead2603]

The fact that my hometown hockey team had one of the greatest players to ever play..never met him but saw him on the Jumbotron at The Joe

[@glenncurley680]

My Son really liked Gretzky, I made him go meet Gordie Howe! As a youngster he didn't understand, now as an adult he does. I said, next we're going to meet my favorite player Johnny Bower!

[@Skankhunt-bl1tl]

😢😢 rip mr hockey Gordie Howe u will be missed by all of us !!!

[@davidrobins4025]

The first hockey stick I bought was a Gordie Howe autographed stick from Eatons Catalogue. Yes, it was a "straight blade 6 L" - I still have it 60 years later and it is displayed on our family room wall. I smile every time I watch a KZbin video of Mr Hockey.

[@marcjames-finel9461]

man played until he was 52!

[@czechhockeyfan4403]

Gordie Howe, one of the best hockey players of all time. A hockey legend all over the world. R.I.P Mr. Hockey. You´ll be never forgotten.

[@mattlatorre9084]

First Muhammad Ali, then Gordie Howe... R.I.P.

[@AEMoreira81]

And (if you're in the USA) Howe's death isn't getting massive coverage because the Muhammad Ali funeral proceedings were under way when this broke.

[@mattlatorre9084]

***** Hey I'm subbed to you! Gordie Howe was an iron man, too bad I was born too late to see him play in person. There will always be debate as to who the greatest of all-time was, but only someone with Howe's kind of grit could pull off playing at least one professional game in 6 different decades. That record will probably stand forever.

[@mattlatorre9084]

***** Yes I am! I live in Colorado so naturally I'm an Avalanche fan.

[@timhannah2321]

i cried watchin this

[@cadenconverse15]

Tim Hannah same!😢😢😭🤧

[@timhannah2321]

that wus a great documentary

[@arthurpasseri4590]

Me too.. Watched him in Hartford and had dinner at his and Coleen's restaurant.

[@fabiomendonca749]

I wish I was half as tough as this guy.

[@thunderbolito5609]

His heart part 100%, the dementia no thank you

[@JackTheripper911]

Chicken Lee Broth i wish i was even 1/5th as tough and 1/100th as talented.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Chili, Gordie was so tough that his reputation alone was enough to keep everyone in line. The famed "Gordie Howe hat-trick"? - a goal, an assist and a fight - Gordie accomplished only a few times in his long career, 2 or maybe 3. But after his utter dismantling of Ranger tough guy Lou Fontinato, no one wanted to pull on superman's cape. Not even the refs or linesmen would cross him. One of the strongest men ever to play the game, he - like Tim Horton - didn't take any crap from anyone, but he really didn't need to. Word got around - don't mess with number nine for Detroit! For those who needed a kinetic reminder, Gordie's famous elbows took care of the rest.

[@paulelliott3220]

Mr Hockey - a true legend Gordie Howe, R.I.P

[@erikness4231]

Not only the best, but the best ambesidore of the game. Fierce, but respected. Old Time Hockey.

[@capncanuck2064]

LOVE Gordie ! So proud he's Canadian. What a beautiful Man ! Such a genuinely nice and humble person off the ice and yet the meanest SOB on the ice. One of the all time toughest and strongest players in history. Google the photo of him fishing on a boat. OMG! RIP Gordie , you'll always be the greatest.

[@thejoebro0280]

#RIPGordieHowe we will miss you😔😔😔

[@johnnyboy4me]

There's being a fit athlete and Gordie Howe fit... 51 + playing hockey competitively with feared physicality is just sick. That's 1 record I'm confident will not be broken. Thanks for sharing a reminder of a player that many have forgotten his greatness on and off the ice.

[@jeancorriveau8686]

Chris Chelios played 26 seasons, same as Gordie Howe. If it wasn't for the 2004-05 cancelled season (due to lockout), Chelios would have broken Howe's record. But Chelios would have still retired at 48. That 52-year-old of Howe's will never be broken.

[@alanwells7379]

the greatest of them all Gordie Howe

[@TheDanhenk]

This man taught Chuck Norris how to be a man!

[@mikegrey5663]

Miss you Mr. Hockey. Always have been and will be my favorite and in my opinion the greatest player

[@craigwilliams1959]

"You'll never see a Maurice Richard, and you'll never see a Gordie Howe" truest words

[@janettemcclelland2959]

Saw him on TV near the end of his career in Detroit. Then saw him play with his sons in LA,both in the WHA and NHL. A lot of us became hockey fans because of him. Legend. Icon. On and off the ice. RIP Mr. Hockey. And thank you. :(

[@mikegrey5663]

I remember seeing him on tv when he was at one of the Wings games it was awesome. I miss him he was truly the greatest

[@maggieandjim1934]

a very special man and a fabulous role model..............we all miss him

[@msanna4]

RIP Mr. hockey. We'll miss you! Another legend leaving this world :-(

[@joebaker5089]

I was at that vipers game. Was a youngster but regardless I saw gordie take a shift. I later met him while skating in a replay game. Gordon is a true gentleman and a God amongst legends in this game.

[@oldone8251]

No one, not even Jagr will ever play in the NHL at 51 years old, that's amazing.

[@jeancorriveau8686]

Chris Chelios played 26 seasons, same as Gordie Howe. If it wasn't for the 2004-05 cancelled season (due to lockout), Chelios would have broken Howe's record. But Chelios would have still retired at 48. That 52-year-old of Howe's will never be broken.

[@rogerthat309]

He's the best ever

[@sammyweed4771]

Thank you

[@MrROTD]

Gordie Howe so great and Wayne Gretsky was amazing I got to watch him play in person a few times as an LA King against Edmonton , he always could put himself in the right place at the right time that is Waynes Magic much like Howe

[@nneevveerrmmoorree]

excellent player...top 3 ever

[@kajanutil8638]

RIP MR. Hockey

[@ry-rn5st]

I still have my "here's howe" hockey skills tapes. I used the one breakaway move to top corner over glove many times with success!!

[@bigred3164]

I never quite knew the level of mutual admiration between #9 and #99. Gordie's legacy will live on forever. #9RIP.

[@TheHappySask]

Well done, SportsNetCanada. Our hearts are heavy this week.

[@RM-gn2nj]

It shows us the kind of respect Wayne had for the game and especially Gordie even when he broke his records and then shattered them years later.Both Wayne and Gordie class acts for sure.

[@janellemaynait]

the greatest of all time bar none

[@sammyweed4771]

Thank you.

[@crowlee5111]

There’s no young hockey player that has a close relationship like this like Wayne and gordie ever. It was a special relationship and respect between one of the greatest ever.

[@mrbojangles9620]

No one ever came close to his longevity. He was superhuman

[@nhlretro3102]

What a legend. Unrivaled sportsmanship and class. Was there ever anyone like him in any other sport? Probably not. RIP.

[@johnwesley8327]

Mr. Hockey says it all!

[@leoberget750]

a true legend for sure

[@yoimstewy]

#9 greatest of all time RIP legend

[@staceystohl5662]

Legends never die

[@darrenmarkowski8841]

There will never in the history be another as great. He is the pioneer. He is Mr. Hockey baby. Don’t come to the dirty D. The wings are back, watch.

[@kurtrindgen4708]

Tough to get through that one without tears of admiration and joy, despite the whiskey.

[@The_Frozen_1]

#9 should be retired. League wide... IMHO. Mostly for Gordie, but for the The Rocket as well. The greatest #9's of all time.

[@4orrcountry]

Also for Bobby Hull!

[@junkyardjim]

I know it's been 3 years, but as a Red Wings fan for life i respectful say that it would have to be both. Maurice Richard is an institution in French Canada and even across a lot of Canada, if you ask a lot of old timers still they will pledge allegiance to the Rocket. Beyond that, their was a great deal of respect between Howe and Richard, i think even Gordie might have objected if it was just him.

[@Eagle3396]

From a hockey and stars fan..RIP Gordie Howe..

[@ah4800]

Good old prairie boy. We love him here in saskstoon and have a statue of him downtown.

[@dm19609721]

2 players you would not want to mess with........Tim Horton and Gordie Howe....both incredibly strong!

[@richman61]

One of the better tributes I've seen...so far. r.i.p. Gordie

[@buffalofan7169]

Rip Mr. Hockey);

[@Mike_Fahmy]

#RIP Gordie MR. Hockey Howe A Legend

[@StonedSpagooter]

If there is one reason and one reason alone to be proud to be born in Sask it is that we have Howe.

[@StonedSpagooter]

3:13 amazing how the game has changed. that high stick was just shrugged off. Fascinating.

[@MrAce-lm8es]

Mr. Humble himself, Mr. Hockey # 9 Gordie Howe. Legend.

[@dougbrowne9890]

Made me cry, this time. Not because Gordie is gone, but because the times he represented are. I know things change over time. But I cannot think of one thing that is better now, than it was then. Oh, to be young again. Now all I look forward to is death. I apologize to all who read this, but that is the way I feel. Can't come soon enough.

[@mysteryboy7904]

I LOVE THAT YOU DID A VIDEO OF GORDIE HOWE HES MY FAVRIT

[@anthonydelke3193]

when wanye said gordie is the best you can just stop all other conversations period.

[@petergoettler1385]

GREATNESS! Thxs.

[@Aidenrocks]

my dad this man in the 90s Gordie you went up with the Hockey gods

[@kakke87]

Goosebumps

[@jreiland07]

41 points in 80 NHL games. At age 51. Fifty. One.

[@jeancorriveau8686]

In 1973-74, Gordie Howe was the leading scorer of the Houston Aeros, despite his 43 years! The following year he was second. Then, 1976-77, first. In 1977-78, first of the team still again despite his 49 years! In 1978-79, he was ninth. He would have been the 3rd if he hadn't missed 20 games. 1979-80, 7th in the team. Wow! He was solid!