DETROIT – A new bridge between Detroit and Canada will honor a man special to both places: Gordie Howe.
It will be known as the Gordie Howe International Crossing in honor of the legendary Canadian hockey player who spent decades playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
Governor Rick Snyder joined Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of Howe's family Thursday morning in Windsor to announce the official name of the new bridge between Detroit and Canada.
"We're very happy that this international bridge linking Canada and the United States will carry the name of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe," said Harper. "I don't think we could think of a better person who symbolizes this relationship than Gordie Howe."
Howe, 87, was born in Saskatchewan. He made his debut with the Red Wings in 1946 and went on to help lead the team to four Stanley Cups.
"Mr. Hockey is a universally respected ambassador for both Canada and Michigan," said Snyder. "His home country and his adopted country are both so proud of Gordie Howe and our joint efforts on this bridge are representative of the teamwork he has always embodied."
Back in 2012, Gov. Snyder struck a deal with Harper in which Canada would pay for Michigan's portion of the bridge. Canada would then recoup the costs from bridge tolls.
Construction for the bridge has yet to begin as acquisition of land on the U.S. side is pending.
Before Thursday's announcement, the bridge was being referred to as the New International Trade Crossing. Here is an illustration of where the bridge is planned to be built across the Detroit River: