DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe suffered a serious stroke this past weekend, Local 4 has confirmed with his family.
Howe, 86, suffered the stroke on Sunday in Lubbock, Texas, where his daughter lives. He is resting at a hospital. His three sons -- Mark, Marty and Murray -- all are down in Texas with him.
His daughter Cathy says he has lost much use of his right arm and right leg. She told the Associated Press his speech is slurred, but he's been looking at family pictures and pictures from his playing days, and he's able to recognize and identify people he played with.
On Wednesday, the family released this statement:
"The Howe family would like to thank friends, family and fans for your overwhelming well-wishes, prayers and support for Gordie. He suffered a significant stroke on Sunday morning while at his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas. His condition remains guarded although he is showing some signs of improvement. We acknowledge that there is a long road to recovery ahead, but Dad's spirits are good and his competitive attitude remains strong."
Howe played 25 seasons for the Red Wings between 1946 and 1971. He played in 1,767 NHL games -- a league record -- and scored 801 goals and 1,049 assists. He came to be known simply as "Mr. Hockey."
Howe, Sid Abel and Ted Lindsey together formed the "Production Line," one of the most famous scoring lines in NHL history.
"I feel so bad for Gordie. My thoughts are with him and the family," said Lindsay.
Here is some file footage of Howe playing with the Red Wings, including an excerpt from his No. 9 retirement ceremony:
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Howe won four Stanley Cups with Detroit before leaving the NHL to play six seasons in the World Hockey Association between 1973 and 1979. He was inducted into the Hockey hall of Fame in 1972.
-- Howe with the Red Wings in 1967 (AP File)
Mark and Marty played professional hockey with their father in the 1970s with the WHA's Houston Aeros, leading the team to two Avco Cups. Mark enjoyed a long NHL career which included three seasons with the Red Wings in the 1990s. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marty played 197 games in the NHL. Murray is a doctor.
The Howe family would like anyone wishing to send cards or letters of support to Gordie to please send to:
Gordie Howe
c/o Texas Trailer Corral
12207 HWY 87
Lubbock, TX 79423