Remaining Lifelines

Gordie Howe: The Legend of Detroit Hockey

Gordie Howe, often referred to as “Mr. Hockey,” is one of the most legendary figures in the history of ice hockey. Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Howe’s career spanned an incredible five decades, during which he became synonymous with the sport itself. His journey began in 1946 when he joined the Detroit Red Wings, marking the start of an unparalleled legacy.

Howe’s combination of skill, toughness, and endurance set him apart from his peers. He played 25 seasons with the Red Wings, leading them to four Stanley Cup championships in 1950, 1952, 1954, and 1955. Howe’s versatility allowed him to dominate both offensively and defensively, earning him six Hart Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player and six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s top scorer.

One of Howe’s most remarkable achievements is his longevity in the sport. After initially retiring in 1971, he returned to professional hockey with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1973, where he played alongside his sons, Mark and Marty. This period added another chapter to his illustrious career, proving that his skills and passion for the game were undiminished by age.

Howe’s impact on the game extends beyond his statistics. He embodied the spirit of hockey, playing with a level of grit and determination that inspired generations of players and fans alike. His influence is seen in the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick,” a term coined to describe a player who scores a goal, records an assist, and gets into a fight all in one game, showcasing his all-around abilities.

Gordie Howe’s legacy lives on, not just in the record books but in the hearts of hockey fans worldwide. His contributions to the Detroit Red Wings and the sport of hockey have cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Howe’s number 9 jersey is retired by the Red Wings, and his name remains synonymous with excellence and dedication in the world of hockey.

What's the legend of the octopus?

The legend of the octopus in Detroit Red Wings lore is one of the most unique and enduring traditions in sports. It all started during the 1952 playoffs when the team was on its way to winning the Stanley Cup. Two brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano, who were fish market owners and avid Red Wings fans, threw an octopus onto the ice at Detroit’s Olympia Stadium.

The octopus's eight tentacles symbolized the eight wins needed to secure the Stanley Cup at that time: two best-of-seven series. The Red Wings went on to sweep both series, winning eight straight games and capturing the championship. The octopus quickly became a good luck charm and a symbol of the Red Wings’ playoff success.

Since then, throwing an octopus onto the ice has become a beloved tradition for Detroit fans, particularly during the playoffs. The spectacle of the octopus toss has grown over the years, with fans finding creative ways to smuggle the sea creatures into arenas. Al Sobotka, the team’s Zamboni driver, became famous for his ritual of twirling the octopus above his head to excite the crowd.

The NHL has tried to curtail the tradition due to safety and cleanliness concerns, but the legend of the octopus endures, representing the passion and spirit of Red Wings fans. It’s a unique and quirky tradition that adds to the rich tapestry of Detroit hockey history, embodying the tenacity and pride of the team’s supporters.

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!