Report: NHL legend pays surprise visit during tonight's game.

Fans who tuned in to tonight's preseason match up, between long time rivals the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, got a special treat as an NHL legend showed up unannounced.

None other than Gordie Howe showed up to watch the contest and he was even photographed backstage with Red wings and Blackhawks alike.

It's remarkable to see Howe being able to engage in these kinds of activities, it was around the same time last year that by all accounts Howe was in in the final stages of his life.

Perhaps the best part of this entire story however was just how happy Mr. Hockey looked throughout the experience.

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I have goosebumps just being in his presence again. Gordie looks great! #RedWings pic.twitter.com/TqafB29GBg

— The Wheel Deal (@Bill_Roose) September 23, 2015

Image courtesy Keystone Press.