For any player to play 6 decades of the pro game is something that will never be accomplished again by any player.Mr. Hockey talent was unsurpassed and respected by players of all teams and given his accomplishments will anyone do it again?
His six decades of play is unique and given the fact he played until he was 53 is a feat that has gone unmatched in today’s market. Let alone playing with not one, but both Son’s.
The Vancouver Giants hosted Mr. Hockey – Gordie Howe on his 85th birthday as they play against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Those attending will include Bobby and Dennis Hull, Marcel Dionne, Orland Kurtenbach, Johnny Bower and Charlie Hodge.Also in attendance was hall of fame broadcaster Jim Robson the original voice of the Vancouver Canucks for several years.
The pre-game will include a cake which will be presented by Michael Buble to “Mr. Hockey” at centre ice. To mark this special event the Giants players will wear a “special designed” jersey with the number nine on both the front and back.
The day prior to the event a media conference was held at White Spot in Vancouver where the media were able to gather as the hall of famers.
It was a pleasure to talk to the “legends” about the game in there era and how it was played in the original 6 team league prior to expansion.
In addition I asked them “what is was like to play against Gordie Howe and the Detroit Red Wings.” Interesting and great comments from each and every player that laced up against “Mr. Elbows” – Gordie Howe.
Marcel Dionne thanked Giants Ron Toigo for the privilege of being here for Gordie Howe’s 85th Birthday celebration.
Dennis Hull played for the Junior Black Hawks (Chicago’s farm team) and he stated “playing against Gordie was tough given his work ethic being so strong each shift and he had a mean streak in him – if you ever got him mad.”
Bobby Hull spoke about the loyality from the players to the teams and the fan’s and what it meant to them. “It was a passion we had that went unsurpassed and in today’s world – well let’s say the game has changed and you won’t see that dedication now or in the future. It’s all about money and no one thinks about loyality to the fans who pay your way.”
Truer words were never spoken and those old enough understand!
Pat Quinn minority owner of the Vancouver Giants had nothing but respect for “Mr. Hockey in his playing days with Toronto. His stats speak for themselves in his career unmatched by any player unless you were Wayne Gretzky; who surpassed Gordie for the all-time scoring leader.
Marcel Dionne who had over 1,700 points in his career had nothing but praise for the way he (Gordie) played the game and stated “his numbers speak for themselves.” The team held a “closed door” media event in the lower lounge of the Coliseum prior to the Game to a sold-out crowd.
Brooke Ward did an exceptional job in being the “Master of Ceremonies” and had to stay one step ahead of the quick whit of Dennis Hull.
Hull and his one-liners had everyone in “stitches”, but spoke about hockey in the past vs. hockey in today’s world. He was very informative for those old enough to not only remember, but understand how it was played.
Asking some of the Giants players what Gordie means to then, they all say they never saw him play, but have asked relatives about him and gotten some great stories and information.
The event saw the Giants pull off a win for Gordie and no one went home empty handed – they got to see the Great One – Up Close!!
The Giants deserve credit where credit is due.
This was as professional as it could be and here’s hoping Gordie comes back for his 86th!
Excellent photo taken by sportswave’s Laird Allan
Thanks to Bruce Nolte for covering the press conference.
