Hockey legend Gordie Howe — nicknamed “Mr. Hockey” — died on Friday at the age of 88. Though Howe, who was suffering from declining health over the past few years, finally succumbed, his legacy and records all remain.
Howe played a league record 26 seasons in the NHL; his professional career spanned five decades; he was a six-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP; he won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings; he is second all-time in career goals; ninth in career assists; and fourth in career points.
The idol of Wayne Gretzky and many others, Gordie Howe’s legacy also includes something truly badass: the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
To this day, a player who records a goal, assist and fight in the same game has completed the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick.”
Howe was no stranger to fights and explained why.
“If you play a little rough, you get respect,” Howe said. “And with respect you get just a little bit more space on the ice.”
But the truth is, Howe actually only recorded a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” twice during his career.
Don’t spread that fact too widely though, as we don’t want to completely ruin an awesome tribute to one of the league’s greats. RIP Mr. Hockey.
