When Did Gordie Howe Retire- The Legacy of Hockey’s Greatest Ever to Call It Quits-
When did Gordie Howe retire? This question often arises among hockey enthusiasts who admire the legendary Gordie Howe’s illustrious career. Gordie Howe, often hailed as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, officially retired from the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1971. However, his retirement journey was not straightforward, as he had multiple comebacks and played in different leagues throughout his career.
Gordie Howe began his professional hockey career in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings, where he spent the majority of his NHL tenure. Over the course of his 26 seasons in the NHL, Howe accumulated an impressive record of 1,850 goals and 1,850 assists, making him the only player in NHL history to record at least 1,000 points in both goals and assists. His exceptional skills, work ethic, and leadership qualities earned him numerous awards and honors, including 6 Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player.
Howe’s retirement from the NHL in 1971 was a bittersweet moment for the hockey world. After spending 22 years with the Detroit Red Wings, he decided to retire from the NHL to pursue other interests. However, his love for the game and the desire to continue playing led him to return to the ice. In 1972, Howe signed with the Houston Apollos of the World Hockey Association (WHA), a rival league to the NHL. He played two seasons with the Apollos before returning to the NHL in 1973 with the Hartford Whalers.
In 1974, Gordie Howe’s retirement saga took another twist when he joined the New Westminster Bruins of the Western Hockey League (WHL), a junior league in Canada. Howe played just one season with the Bruins before deciding to retire for the final time. His final game was on April 5, 1974, against the Seattle Totems.
Gordie Howe’s retirement marked the end of an incredible career that spanned over three decades. His legacy as a hockey icon endures to this day, and his influence on the sport has inspired countless players and fans. When did Gordie Howe retire? The answer is 1974, but his impact on the game will forever be remembered in the annals of hockey history.
