Gordie Howe's long shot
Broadcast Date: April 16, 1963
He was known simply as "Mr. Hockey." For 25 years, Gordie Howe was the backbone of the Detroit Red Wings, breaking old records and setting new ones for his team and the National Hockey League. In this CBC Sports clip, Howe starts off the scoring in Game 4 of the 1963 Stanley Cup finals. Carrying a pass from teammate Alex Delvecchio across the blue line, Howe winds up for a slap shot and blasts the puck past Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Johnny Bower.Gordie Howe's long shot
• Shortly after the goal seen in this clip, game play was suspended so that the ice could be cleared of eggs tossed by Detroit fans. "A couple of omelettes out there again," remarked announcer Bill Hewitt.
• Despite Howe's efforts – he tied his teammate Norm Ullman for lead scorer in the playoffs that year – the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup in 1963.
• Wayne Gretzky eventually broke many of Howe's records, including most goals and most points. When Gretzky bested Howe's career points tally of 1,850, Howe said, "I was cheering like hell. I feel I've gained more than I lost. I lost a record but I gained a lot of friends."
Gordie Howe's long shot
Medium: Television
Program: Hockey Night in Canada
Broadcast Date: April 16, 1963
Announcer: Bill Hewitt
Duration: 0:53
Last updated:
March 25, 2009
Gordie Howe's long shot.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: March 25, 2009.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]