It is just last week that I wrote my tribute to the Greatest, the athlete of the 20th Century, Muhammad Ali. I am glad he received the recognition in his death by everyone.
But you know that when the BBC finds it important to report the death of a hockey player, that hockey must be special. Indeed Gordie Howe was the Muhammad Ali, the Babe Ruth or Jolting Joe, or Michael Jordan of our sport, ice hockey. Nice of BBC to recognise possibly the greatest Canadian sports figure.
Since I am not Canadian I may not quite reach their appreciation level, but it is an understatement to say that he was a formidable athlete and hockey player. Again in Europe we didn't get to see many NHL games in the 40s, 50, 60, 70, and 80s when Gordie Howe was on top of his game. The odd photo, or highlight reel, came through, that was it. But we heard of him and his incredible feats.
His scoring prowess, his leadership, his sheer force, longevity, endurance and humility were amazing. I saw glimpses of his skill at the very end of his career
when he played for Hartford. But lowly Hartford wasn't exactly covered regularly, but I remember vividly when he took part in the All Star game at the age of 54. Maybe the league wasn't as fast then but no matter he was one of the best on the ice. Since his time there really wasn't a player of that charisma, that skill and power to replace him. Yes Gretzky was maybe more offensively skilled and had the charisma but not the longevity and the power. Bobby Orr could contend on skills, toughness and popularity levels but his career was cut short due to injury and he didn't win the Cups that Gordie did. Similarly Mario Lemieux, who overcame illness and injury to retire and come back but his numbers sadly do not reach the supreme those of Gretzky and Howe Mark Messier had the toughness and the leadership and the skills and the Cups but somehow not everyone revered him in the same manner as they do Mr. Hockey.
Now maybe Jaromir Jagr who could possibly spend another 10 years in the league, win a cup or so compete to claim to be Greatest, but Jaromir despite many attributes doesn't have the charisma. No doubt with every goal and every record he breaks his appreciation among hockey fans and experts grows. I shall watch the rest of his Pro career with interest.
when he played for Hartford. But lowly Hartford wasn't exactly covered regularly, but I remember vividly when he took part in the All Star game at the age of 54. Maybe the league wasn't as fast then but no matter he was one of the best on the ice. Since his time there really wasn't a player of that charisma, that skill and power to replace him. Yes Gretzky was maybe more offensively skilled and had the charisma but not the longevity and the power. Bobby Orr could contend on skills, toughness and popularity levels but his career was cut short due to injury and he didn't win the Cups that Gordie did. Similarly Mario Lemieux, who overcame illness and injury to retire and come back but his numbers sadly do not reach the supreme those of Gretzky and Howe Mark Messier had the toughness and the leadership and the skills and the Cups but somehow not everyone revered him in the same manner as they do Mr. Hockey.
Now maybe Jaromir Jagr who could possibly spend another 10 years in the league, win a cup or so compete to claim to be Greatest, but Jaromir despite many attributes doesn't have the charisma. No doubt with every goal and every record he breaks his appreciation among hockey fans and experts grows. I shall watch the rest of his Pro career with interest.
What impresses me the most about Gordie Howe is, was his comeback from several years in retirement when he was in his mid 40s in order to get the chance to play top level hockey with his 2 sons Mark and Marty. What a dream for any dad! And play he did, the team in WHA he played for initially the Houston Aeros won the Championship, I think twice while he was there. When the WHA folded he came back to the NHL and still had the level to compete despite being into his 50's
Legendary!
RIP Mr. Hockey
Legendary!
RIP Mr. Hockey
