Detroit Red Wings Honor Gordie Howe After Stroke

Former Detroit Red Wings hockey legend Gordie Howe suffered a stroke last week and the Red Wings organization and fans honored him during their 5-2 win Friday against the Los Angeles Kings.

The man who is known as Mr. Hockey and the father of one of the greatest sports franchises in history, the Detroit Red Wings, was honored during Detroit’s home game against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday after he suffered a stroke last week. The organization made “Get Well Gordie” signs for fans and the fans had a standing ovation and chanted his name during the game as you can see in this video:

Gordie Howe underwent spinal surgery this summer, but had been healthy up until the stroke he suffered last week. The 86-year-old is weak on the right side of his body and is having difficulty speaking. He’s aware of his surroundings and doesn’t appear to have severe brain damage, but he is physically weak.

More from Detroit Red Wings

He watched the Detroit Red Wings game Friday from his daughter’s home in Lubbock, Texas where he is staying at the time. His family has since made a statement where they said that he is doing much better since the stroke.

"“The Howe family would like to thank friends, family and fans for your overwhelming well-wishes, prayers and support for Gordie. He suffered a significant stroke on Sunday morning while at his daughter’s home in Lubbock, Texas. His condition remains guarded although he is showing some signs of improvement. We acknowledge that there is a long road to recovery ahead, but Dad’s spirits are good and his competitive attitude remains strong.”"

Gordie Howe played with the Detroit Red Wings from 1946-1971, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 for his legendary play in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings. He holds many hockey records including most games played (1,767), most games played with one team (1,687), most consecutive NHL 20-goal seasons with 22 (1949–1971), most times leading NHL playoffs in scoring (six times), oldest player to play in NHL: 52 years and 11 days (no other player has played past the age of 48), among many others. He won four Stanley Cup Championships with the Detroit Red Wings.

We wish for a speedy recovery for Gordie Howe, as all of the hockey community hopes to have Mr. Hockey around for longer. He brought great popularity to the sport of hockey both during his playing career and since he retired. Gordie Howe was the inaugural recipient of the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award, which the league presented to him in 2008. His jersey number, 9, has been retired by the Red Wings.

Get well soon, Gordie.

More from FanSided

Home/Detroit Red Wings