Hall of Famer Gordie Howe has died at the age of 88, his son Marty Howe confirmed to CNN Sports.
Howe suffered a serious stroke and nearly died in October 2014, but he underwent stem cell treatment last summer and improved so much he was able to attend a Detroit Red Wings game this March, just before his 88th birthday.
Known as “Mr. Hockey” and renowned as one of the best hockey players of all time, Howe played 25 years for the Red Wings followed by seven more seasons with the Houston Aeros, New England Whalers and Hartford Whalers.
Howe won four Stanley Cup trophies with the Red Wings and six Hart Trophies for being the league MVP.
He was voted an All Star 23 times and led the league in goals in five seasons. He ranks second all-time among NHL players in goals with 801 and fourth in points with 1,850.
Howe is also known for the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick,” which involves a player scoring a goal, recording an assist and getting into a fight in a single game.
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