Hall-of-Fame right winger Gordie Howe (1928-2016) wore these skates while a member of the World Hockey Association's New England / Hartford Whalers (1977-1979..)
Known as Mr. Hockey, Howe entered the National Hockey League in 1946, joining the Detroit Red Wings at the age of 18. Howe finished his career with 23 NHL All-Star nods, leading the league in scoring six times and earning six Hart Memorial trophies as the league's Most Valuable Player.
In 1971 Howe retired from the Red Wings front office to play for the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros. In 1977 he was traded to that league's New England Whalers. Howe was able return to the NHL for his final season as the Whalers joined the league in 1979. In 1997, Howe played one shift for the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League, becoming the only hockey player to play professionally in six different decades (1940s-1990s.)
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