Gordie Howe, whose 33-season career in professional hockey ended with three seasons playing for the team that would eventually become the Carolina Hurricanes, died Friday after a long illness at the home of his son, Murray, in northwest Ohio. He was 88.
Universally known as “Mr. Hockey” and widely regarded as one of the top players in the history of the game, Howe spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, winning four Stanley Cups in a six-season stretch from 1950 to 1955. He retired following the 1970-71 season holding the NHL records for goals (786), assists (1023), and points (1809).