Gordie Howe bridged the gap that brought many people over to hockey. Even if they weren’t rabid fans of the game, everyone came to know who Mr. Hockey was.
Perhaps then, it’s appropriate that what figures to be the busiest border crossing between Canada and the United States will be named in his honour.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and several members of the Howe family were on hand in Windsor Thursday as it was announced that the new border crossing slated to be completed by 2020 will be known as the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“Many people are legends, many people are heroes in their own time, but very few people are living legends, and it’s great that we’re able to honor this living legend,… Harper said. “His career, not just his career in hockey, but in sports has more symbolized and has been about an unprecedented combination of skill, strength and ability, and that’s everything you want this particular bridge, this great international bridge, to be.…
A Canadian from Floral, Sask., Howe rewrote the NHL record book while playing for the Detroit Red Wings from 1946-71. He still holds league marks for the most games (1,767) and seasons (26) played and the most goals (801) and points (1,850) recorded by a right-winger. Howe also holds NHL marks for 20-goal seasons and consecutive 20-goal seasons, both 22.
“What an inspiring name, because Gordie Howe does represent, as the Prime Minister said, great things for both the country of Canada and the state of Michigan,… Snyder said. “He’s a legend in both places and what a wonderful thing to have a Canadian spend so much of his career setting records, bring hockey to new levels right in Detroit.
“So very great to have his name associated with this. It does bring the attributes that we want – excellence in terms of a world-class crossing, longevity in terms of an enduring bridge that will be for decades and decades, community spirit in terms of bringing our nations together.…
Normally, procedure is that someone would be required to be deceased for three years before a bridge could be named after them. That this condition was waived in this case exemplifies exactly how much Gordie Howe’s name means to people on both sides of the border.
“When I told my dad that the bridge would be named in his honor he said, ‘That sounds pretty good to me,’… related Murray Howe, Gordie’s youngest son. “He is deeply moved by this gracious gesture.
“Our mother and father’s goal was always to be a bridge between people and especially a bridge between the people of the United States and Canada. This bridge will stand as a beautiful symbol of their efforts.…
Marty Howe, Gordie’s oldest son and along with his brother Mark the two siblings who skated as their father’s teammate in both the WHA and NHL, couldn’t contain his excitement at the announcement.
“The first time I heard about it two years ago I thought it was a great idea, and now as it comes to fruition it can’t be any better,… Marty said. “I might be a little prejudiced, but it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.…
Marty Howe gave all the credit for the process moving forward and becoming a reality to Harper.
“He’s very generous,… Marty Howe said of the Canadian Prime Minister. “A nice guy. Actually unassuming.
“I think he puts his game face on when he has to make the speeches, but I thought he did a great job. I think he’s been the driving force to this whole thing to happen. I’m glad he’s a sports fan because that’s how Gordie’s name got involved.…
Murray Howe pointed out that the family history also shares a link with Windsor as well as its more famous connection to Detroit.
“Just over a hundred years ago, my grandmother Katherine Schultz, boarded a ship in Germany and headed for North America for a better life,… Murray explained. “She landed here in Windsor and made it her home. She eventually settled in Saskatoon. So Windsor is where it all began. How fitting is it where the bridge begins.
“Mr. Hockey began his unforgettable hockey career as a Red Wing in 1946 and has called Detroit his home since that time. So how fitting is that’s where the bridge ends.…
Gordie Howe, 87, continues to live with his daughter Cathy in Lubbock, Tex., battling the effects of s stroke and dementia, and did not attend the ceremony.
“Murray talked to him the other day about it,… Mark Howe said. “He’ll know about it. He might be aware of it but he’s unable to retain things (in his memory) on most days.
“Murray had a live stream contact for us, so he got to watch it all at my sister’s house on the computer. I’m sure Dad was watching. And we’ll try to get tape of this thing.…