The story of Gordie Howe, particularly his time with the Hartford Whalers alongside his sons Mark and Marty, is a truly unique and heartwarming chapter in the annals of professional sports. It transcends mere statistics and achievements, offering a poignant testament to family, an unyielding love for the game, and the extraordinary longevity of an athlete who was, in every sense of the word, an icon. While the phrase “the best players have played the game over the years” is undeniably true, Gordie Howe stands apart, not just as one of the best, but as a singular force whose career spanned generations and whose passion for hockey burned brighter than almost anyone else’s.
For one unforgettable season, the 1979-80 NHL campaign, the Hartford Whalers provided the stage for a hockey fairy tale: Gordie Howe, then an astonishing 51 years old, lacing up his skates alongside his sons, Mark and Marty.1 This was not a promotional stunt or a ceremonial appearance; this was legitimate NHL competition, with Gordie playing a regular shift, scoring goals, and delivering the signature elbows that earned him the nickname “Mr. Hockey.”
The journey to this remarkable family reunion in the NHL began in the World Hockey Association (WHA). After retiring from the Detroit Red Wings in 1971 following 25 illustrious seasons, Gordie Howe was lured back to professional hockey in 1973 by the Houston Aeros of the WHA.2 The appeal was simple yet profound: he could play on the same team as his sons, Mark and Marty, who were embarking on their own professional careers. For six seasons in the WHA (four with Houston, two with the New England Whalers, who later became the Hartford Whalers), Gordie proved he still had plenty left in the tank, even in his late 40s and early 50s. He scored over 100 points in one WHA season, defying age and conventional wisdom.
When the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, the New England Whalers (now the Hartford Whalers) were one of four WHA teams absorbed into the older league.3 Crucially, the NHL granted the Whalers an exemption, allowing them to keep Gordie Howe on their roster despite his advanced age. This set the stage for that magical 1979-80 season, the only time a father and two sons have played together on the same line in North American professional sports history.
Gordie Howe’s presence on the Whalers went far beyond mere nostalgia. In that 1979-80 NHL season, playing alongside Mark and Marty, Gordie appeared in all 80 regular-season games, scoring 15 goals and adding 26 assists for a remarkable 41 points.4 To put that into perspective, he was scoring at an age when most professional athletes are long retired, often having been out of their prime for a decade or two. He was playing against men who could have been his grandsons, competing fiercely, and still contributing meaningfully to an NHL team. His final NHL goal, scored at the age of 51, stands as a testament to his incredible durability and scoring touch.
The longevity and impact of Gordie Howe’s career have naturally given rise to a multitude of legendary tales, many of which are interwoven with his reputation as a rugged, uncompromising player:
- The “Gordie Howe Hat Trick”: Though he only officially recorded two in his career, the term “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” – a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game – perfectly encapsulates his unique blend of skill, toughness, and scoring prowess. It speaks to his complete game, his willingness to engage physically, and his ability to contribute in every facet of the sport.
- His Unbreakable Durability: Howe played professional hockey in six different decades.5 He made his NHL debut in 1946 and played his last NHL game in 1980.6 This level of longevity is almost unimaginable in any sport, let alone one as physically demanding as hockey. Tales abound of his rigorous conditioning, his disciplined lifestyle, and his almost superhuman ability to play through injuries that would sideline lesser men.
- The Elbows: Gordie was renowned for his use of the “reverse elbow” – a seemingly innocuous move where he would swing his elbow back to ward off or punish opponents who got too close. It was a subtle yet effective tactic that infuriated opponents but was rarely penalized. Many players have tales of unexpectedly encountering a sharp elbow from Howe, a reminder of his physical dominance and cunning.
- The All-Around Game: Beyond the goals and toughness, Howe was incredibly skilled defensively, backchecking relentlessly and playing a full 200-foot game. He was strong on the puck, difficult to knock off his feet, and had an uncanny ability to control play in all three zones. Stories from teammates and opponents alike often highlight his completeness as a player, underscoring why he was so dominant for so long.
- His Love for the Game: Perhaps the most endearing of all Gordie tales is his sheer, unadulterated love for hockey. He didn’t play for records (though he held many), or for fame, but because he genuinely loved being on the ice. This passion was evident in his willingness to come out of retirement multiple times, even enduring the grueling demands of the WHA and later the NHL in his senior years, just to keep playing the game he adored. This profound passion endeared him to fans across generations.
While Gordie Howe’s story is unique, it exists within the broader narrative of hockey’s greatest players, each contributing to the game’s evolution and legendary status:
- Maurice “Rocket” Richard: A fiery competitor and prolific goal-scorer, the Rocket transcended hockey to become a cultural icon, particularly in Quebec.7 His intensity and scoring prowess set new benchmarks.
- Bobby Hull: “The Golden Jet” possessed a blistering slap shot and incredible speed, revolutionizing the game’s offensive power and becoming one of the most exciting players of his era.8
- Bobby Orr: Widely considered the greatest defenseman of all time, Orr redefined the position with his offensive flair, incredible skating, and puck-rushing abilities.9 He transformed how defensemen played the game.
- Wayne Gretzky: “The Great One” rewrote the record books, shattering scoring records and demonstrating an unparalleled vision and playmaking ability.10 His impact on the game’s offensive strategy is still felt today.
- Mario Lemieux: “Super Mario” combined immense size with sublime skill, battling serious health issues to deliver dazzling performances and lead his teams to championships.11
- Sidney Crosby: A generational talent, Crosby’s all-around game, leadership, and consistent excellence have defined an era, earning him multiple Stanley Cups and individual accolades.
- Connor McDavid: The current standard-bearer for offensive dominance, McDavid’s explosive speed, incredible stickhandling, and superhuman vision represent the pinnacle of modern hockey skill.
Each of these players, along with countless others, has left an indelible mark on hockey history, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice. They represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement, inspiring millions and contributing to the rich tapestry of the sport.
However, even among this esteemed company, Gordie Howe’s 1979-80 season with the Hartford Whalers, playing alongside his sons, stands as a singular achievement. It wasn’t just about his point totals at 51, or his continued physical play; it was about the profound human story it represented. It was a testament to family bonds, to an almost mythical endurance, and to an enduring love affair between a man and his game that simply refused to end. It’s a tale that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest stories in sports are not just about who wins, but about the extraordinary individuals who play, and the unforgettable journeys they undertake. The Howe family’s time in Hartford remains a sweet, compelling, and utterly unique piece of hockey lore that will likely never be replicated.