NHL legend Gordie Howe has died at 88 years old.

The hockey world has lost one of it's greatest legends and a true icon of the sport. The Detroit Red Wings have announced that the man who earned the moniker of "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe, has passed away at the age of 88. 

Howe made his reputation with his skill, durability, and his undeniable toughness a combination that would result in his name being attached to any player who scored a goal, an assist, and who dropped the gloves for the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick." Howe played 32 seasons of professional hockey, and holds the record for most games played by a man in the National Hockey League with a whopping 1,767 games under his belt, a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated.

His toughness on the ice was also matched by his toughness off the ice. As someone who covered the stories surrounding Howe's health back in 2014 I can safely say that most expected Howe to die after he suffered a major in October of that year. Howe fought through it however, and it's a true testament to his force of will that he was not only able to survive, but would recover enough to go on to make several more public appearances even celebrating his 88th birthday with the Wings earlier this year.

Howe was one of the greatest hockey players of all time, winning four Stanley Cups, six scoring titles, six MVP awards and was named an All-Star an incredible 21 times. He was also a father, and as the hockey world mourns his loss it's important to remember that no one will be hit as hard by this news as the Howe family, his sons Mark Howe, Marty Howe, Murray Howe and his daughter Cathy Howe. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.

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