Hockey Legend Gordie Howe Dies at Age 88

Gordie Howe, the rough-and-tumble Canadian farm boy whose blend of boundless talent and toughness made him the NHL's quintessential star during a career that lasted into his 50s, has died. The man forever known as Mr. Hockey was 88.

Son Murray Howe confirmed the death Friday, texting to The Associated Press: "Mr Hockey left peacefully, beautifully, and w no regrets."

Howe shattered records, threw elbows and helped the Detroit Red Wings win four Stanley Cups, becoming an idol to Wayne Gretzky and countless other Canadians while also helping the sport attract American fans.

His final NHL season came at age 52 when Gretzky was a rookie -- a fitting symmetry, since Howe was the league's most prolific scorer until The Great One set new records for goals and points.

With finesse and a hefty dose of grit, the Hockey Hall of Famer set NHL marks with 801 goals and 1,850 points -- mostly with the Red Wings -- that held up until Gretzky came along. Howe was also so famously fierce that having a goal, an assist and a fight in one game became known as a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

"On behalf of the generations who were thrilled by his play and those who only know of his legend, and on behalf of all the young people and teammates he inspired, we send heartfelt wishes of condolence, comfort and strength to the Howe family and to all who mourn the passing of this treasured icon of our game," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch issued a statement that said in part, "The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than 'Mr. Hockey.' ... He will be deeply missed."

Howe suffered a stroke in late October 2014 while at his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas, losing some function on the right side of his body. He suffered another stroke a short time later, and family members said chronic back pain, advanced dementia and high blood pressure were taking a toll. The body Howe had relied on as an athlete remained relatively strong, but family members noticed that he was experiencing memory loss before the death of his wife, Colleen, in 2009.

Howe was a giant of the game, and every list of the NHL's greatest players places him near the top, alongside players like Bobby Orr, Maurice Richard, Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, Bobby Hull and Gretzky. Like few others, Howe's impact on the game stretched over decades.