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The 'greatest guy you ever met in your life': Islanders remember Gordie Howe

Prince Edward Islanders are sharing their memories of Mr. Hockey, including former Red Wing players Forbie Kennedy and Gerard Gallant.

'He was an iconic player. I mean you don't get called Mr. Hockey for nothing.'

Nancy Russell · CBC News ·
Forbes Kennedy still treasures this team photo featuring himself and Gordie Howe. (Nancy Russell/CBC)
Prince Edward Islanders are sharing their memories of Mr. Hockey, including former Red Wing players ​Forbes (Forbie) Kennedy and Gerard Gallant.

Considered one of the hockey greats, Gordie Howe  passed away at the age of 88. 
He was an iconic player. I mean you don't get called Mr. Hockey for nothing.—Jeff MacDonald, hockey fan

Kennedy played with — and against — Gordie Howe over his 600 game career in the NHL, which included two different stints with the Detroit Red Wings.

Kennedy recalled his first year in the league when he ended up in a face-off against Howe.

"The next thing I see he dropped the gloves and he grabbed me by the pants and his hands slid off my pants and I went head first into the corner," recalled Kennedy, saying that, fortunately for him, the referee broke it up before any damage was done to the rookie from P.E.I.
 
He called Howe the greatest hockey player he has ever seen.

"He was unreal," said Kennedy. "Greatest guy you ever met in your life, him and Bobby Orr," 

​Howe had his number

Florida Panthers' head coach Gerard Gallant says Howe 'played the game it was supposed to be played.' (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Summerside's Gerard Gallant, now head coach of the Florida Panthers, recalls how excited he was to be drafted by the Red Wings organization.

Growing up, number 9 was Gallant's favourite number but he realized that there were some numbers in Detroit that were 'untouchable' and that was one of them, already hanging in the rafters in honour of Gordie Howe. Gallant settled for number 17.

Gallant played in Detroit for 9 years, and recalls how Howe would come around once or twice a year and talked to every player. 

Gallant also played with Howe's son Mark in Detroit for a couple of years.

"Mark was the same way, just a high class family that were good people, just outstanding people," said Gallant.

He also admired Howe on the ice.

"He worked hard at both ends of the rink and that's why he earned his nickname Mr. Hockey because he played the game it was supposed to be played," observed Gallant.

'He was an iconic player'

This sports store changed its sign to honour Gordie Howe. (Nancy Russell/CBC)

On the streets of Charlottetown, hockey fans were mourning the loss of Mr. Hockey.

"Gordie was the consummate professional, unique hockey player, unique individual, it's a sad day," said Mark Belfry.

"He was a great player and certainly symbolized hockey in Canada and so I think everyone will miss him," echoed Mike Smith.

"He was an iconic player. I mean you don't get called Mr. Hockey for nothing," added Jeff MacDonald.

Chuck Keating calls Gordie Howe 'the complete hockey player'. (Nancy Russell/CBC)

"He looked after himself. He was the complete hockey player. He could score goals, he could play a bit of defence, and he was tough." said Chuck Keating, owner of a sports shop in Charlottetown. 

"Respect. He was the epitome of anything you could ever want and he garnered that respect because his peers looked up to him," added Keating.

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