Many around hockey today have been sharing their memories and personal stories regarding the great Gordie Howe, who passed away at the age of 88.
Mr. Hockey was a true icon in the game. One could argue that he was the first player in the game to transcend the game. He might be the face many immediately associated with the National Hockey League, and perhaps, hockey itself. Even casual fans, or sports fans who didn't follow hockey, were able to identify with Howe and recognize who he was.
While Howe was feared on the ice - there were not many players who came across Howe that did not feel the brunt of his elbow at some point - he was respected off the ice. A pain to play against on the ice, he was a gentleman off the ice.
Ask anybody who encountered Howe in any capacity and they will tell you the same.
I never had the fortune to engage Howe during my career, unlike so many of my colleagues. But I did come across him once in my days with The Tampa Tribune. It came during the 1999 NHL All-Star weekend in Tampa at the then Ice Palace.
I had only been with the paper less than two years, but was thrilled to have the opportunity to work the All-Star game. For the first night of the weekend, I drew the assignment to work the celebrity/legends game that used to be a part of the festivities.
When I went downstairs following the game, there were two "players'' in the locker room. One was actor Tim Robbins, who took part in the game. The other was Howe, who drew a small gathering around his locker stall. Naturally, I gravitated right to Howe, who was gracious and cordial. He sat there, getting undressed, answering questions. As he was talking, he was signing autographs, putting his signature on whatever was put in front of him.
As a member of the media, autograph seeking is strictly forbidden and grounds for having a credential revoked. Throughout my career, not once have I asked a player for an autograph for myself. I've never even been tempted, except this one time, and let me tell you, I was tempted to have Howe sign whatever I could find. Had I asked, he would have been just as accommodating to me as he was to others who were there (I don't believe any of them were reporters, but my memory is a bit foggy on that).
But I didn't ask, standing by my professionalism. But it remains the only time the thought entered my head.
So that's my personal story regarding my one and only encounter with Gordie Howe throughout my time covering the league.
Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, however, met Howe many times. Both are larger than life personalities in Detroit, where each captained the Red Wings to Stanley Cup titles. Howe had a big impact on Yzerman, who released a statement today through the Lightning.
"It was very saddening to hear the news of Gordie's passing this morning. He has been an icon not only in Detroit, but throughout the entire hockey world for as long as I can remember. As one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL, the majority of his career being in Detroit, it was an honor to wear the same uniform, spend time with, laugh, joke and seek advice from him. Gordie's humility and kindness left a permanent impression on me, greatly influencing how I tried to conduct myself throughout my career. “His impact on the Red Wings organization is still evident today. I travel the world and constantly hear stories from people who love the Wings and share memories of the glory days when Gordie and his teammates ruled the NHL. For all players fortunate enough to play for the Wings, we should take time to thank and honor Gordie, for he is a significant reason why Detroit is such a special place to play. “To Gordie's surviving family, I offer my sincere condolences, in particular to his son Mark, my former teammate and colleague, who cannot help but remind me of his father every time I see him."
Howe treated so many with kindness and respect, now all that is being returned by all those who were touched by him.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Hockey.