Of his head. Strong physically, did all his own playing, all his own back checking. Mike there were generations of fans who bought tickets to see him and playing in five different decades, there were generations of players who so admired his character and skill, they wore number nine. Representing all of hockey with great distinction for five decades, number 9. Mike at a detroit Bowling Alley in his late 20s, he met his wife. In their 56 years as a couple, four children, including another hall of famer, mark. Gordies career had two phases. First, 25 years with the red wings. Then with sons mark and marty in the wha. The epilogue was in hartford where he finished his nhl career at age 42 with his son, mark, assisting. He was something else. And i dont think there will ever be another gordie howe. Mike small town guy, an enormous shadow cast. A reason why many who werent athletes loved this sport because they shook that hand and got one of those legible auto dwrafs. And for a few seconds