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Mr. Hockey: My Story
THE DEFINITIVE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A SPORTS LEGENDThe NHL may never see anyone like Gordie Howe again. Known as Mr. Hockey, he led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cups and is the only player to have competed in the league in five different decades.In Mr. Hockey, the man widely recognized as the greatest all-around player the sport has ever seen tells the story of his incredible life...Twenty consecutive seasons among the top five scorers in the NHL. One hundred points after the age of forty. Playing for Team Canada with his two sons. Gordie Howe rewrote the record books. But despite Howe’s unyielding ferocity on the ice, his name has long been a byword for decency, generosity, and honesty off of it.Going back to Howe’s Depression-era roots and following him through his Hall of Fame career, his enduring marriage to his wife, Colleen, and his extraordinary relationship with his children, Mr. Hockey is the definitive account of the game’s most celebrated legacy, as told by the man himself. FOREWORD BY BOBBY ORRINCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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1512 people want to read
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June 13, 2016
At a time when the name Gordie Howe is surely splashed all across newspaper headlines, I wanted to take some time to better acquaint myself with the man and explore some of his fondest memories. Who better to take me on this journey than Gordon 'Gordie' Howe himself? Growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Howe took to hockey at at early age. With the Depression in full-swing around him in the middle of the Canadian Prairies, there was little to do on those long-winter days than to lace up a pair of used skates and hobble over to the open ponds for a day-long game. As he grew, so did his passion for hockey, going so far as to idolise some of the greats while curled up on Saturday nights in front of the radio. When the scouts emerged to lure him away, it was Howe's bashful side at fifteen that almost derailed his time in the NHL. He had the talent, but was not used to being away from home (or so far away). Only later, when he took the plunge and entered the Detroit Red Wings organisation, did Howe begin to flourish. Recounting some of his early days on the squad with well-established stars, Howe paints a very different picture from the NHL of today. Contracts were negotiated every year, players were never safe from trades, and the travel conditions were much less ideal than today's private jets and fancy hotels. When Howe met his future wife, Colleen, things took a major turn for him, as he became a more grounded man and the biography shows a more sentimental man. When they married and had children, Howe became a doting father, while still remaining a marquee hockey player. He recounts the juggling act between a family at home and an NHL career, which could not have been easy, though he seemed to make it work with a wonderful wife and determined children who loved him to the core. Even after his foray away from the game, Howe could not remain inactive. Though he was shafted with his first office position within the Wings organisation, Howe did not let this ruin his future as he left retirement and stepped up to play alongside two of his sons in a new league, the WHA. A second career in Houston and Hartford allowed the Howes to develop new rivalries and set records few thought possible. By the time that second round of professional play ended, Howe had permanently etched his name into the record book and onto the hearts of many hockey fans around the world. Told with such honesty and attention to detail, this is a wonderful book to read as the world celebrates the life of Gordie Howe.
After his recent passing, I dusted off this book, having put it aside for just this occasion. I knew the day was coming and felt this was a worthwhile tribute for the man who was arguably the best all-around player ever to lace up his skates in the National Hockey League. While that title does waft around the pages of this book, Howe would be the first to dismiss it, as he is not the type of man who looks for praise. Instead, he wanted to play the game he loved and foster a passion for generations to come. The modern NHL star lacks modesty as he strives for more money in a game that has seen salaries skyrocket and owners push their way to the trough for a larger slice of the pie. Howe sought not to line his pocketbook, but to play for passion and the thrill of the game. This comes out in the succinct chapters that offer an overall view of his life in and out of the game. While the book is by no means a comprehensive biography or memoir, it does allow the reader a better insight into some of the key moments Howe felt worth mentioning in a time that saw him break records and earn his keep. The passion for family, particularly Colleen, spills forth at every turn and the reader is treated to more anecdotes than they might have thought could be found. The entire delivery is one of pure recollection and well-formed storytelling, such that anyone who might have been too young to have seen Howe play can bask in the glory of those memories and feel as close to him as their parents or grandparents. Howe will surely be missed by the hockey world, and this is a little piece that readers can take to honour him in their own way.
Kudos, Mr. Howe for the touching book. You are the one and true MR. HOCKEY in my books!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After his recent passing, I dusted off this book, having put it aside for just this occasion. I knew the day was coming and felt this was a worthwhile tribute for the man who was arguably the best all-around player ever to lace up his skates in the National Hockey League. While that title does waft around the pages of this book, Howe would be the first to dismiss it, as he is not the type of man who looks for praise. Instead, he wanted to play the game he loved and foster a passion for generations to come. The modern NHL star lacks modesty as he strives for more money in a game that has seen salaries skyrocket and owners push their way to the trough for a larger slice of the pie. Howe sought not to line his pocketbook, but to play for passion and the thrill of the game. This comes out in the succinct chapters that offer an overall view of his life in and out of the game. While the book is by no means a comprehensive biography or memoir, it does allow the reader a better insight into some of the key moments Howe felt worth mentioning in a time that saw him break records and earn his keep. The passion for family, particularly Colleen, spills forth at every turn and the reader is treated to more anecdotes than they might have thought could be found. The entire delivery is one of pure recollection and well-formed storytelling, such that anyone who might have been too young to have seen Howe play can bask in the glory of those memories and feel as close to him as their parents or grandparents. Howe will surely be missed by the hockey world, and this is a little piece that readers can take to honour him in their own way.
Kudos, Mr. Howe for the touching book. You are the one and true MR. HOCKEY in my books!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 16, 2015
3.5? This is not the most well-written of books, but it's a fast read with a lot of good stories. Basically it reads like Grandpa Gordie is sitting on the porch telling tales, and someone is writing them down. Like you know the fight was bad when he says something like, "well, let me tell you, that hurt like a son of a gun." And what he means is "I had 300 stitches in my face."
Aside from that, I learned that the Wings had a lady owner who was awesome (two Cups in three years) but drummed out of the organization because reasons, and now I am super mad about it. Not just her treatment -- I mean, I'm a Hawks fan, so it's not like I don't know how much Detroit sucks -- but also the fact that no one hears anything about her. There are 13 women with their name on the Cup! So anyway, now I'm on a mission to find out more. Thanks, Gordie!
Aside from that, I learned that the Wings had a lady owner who was awesome (two Cups in three years) but drummed out of the organization because reasons, and now I am super mad about it. Not just her treatment -- I mean, I'm a Hawks fan, so it's not like I don't know how much Detroit sucks -- but also the fact that no one hears anything about her. There are 13 women with their name on the Cup! So anyway, now I'm on a mission to find out more. Thanks, Gordie!
November 2, 2014
First off, full-disclosure - as a life-long Detroit Red Wings fan, I may not be able to guarantee that I'll be the most objective reviewer of this book. That said, I think it was a super read and a great story!
Let's deal with the elephant in the room right off the bat. Anyone who knows hockey knows that Gordie Howe has a reputation as being one of the dirtiest players ever. And he doesn't shy away from acknowledging that's how some see him in the book. He tells stories of some of his altercations throughout his career, and while he doesn't apologize for anything he did, he also accepts the knocks he took in return - including a head injury at the start of his career that doctors said could have killed him and required drilling a hole in his skull to treat - as "just how things go in pro hockey" and clearly felt throughout his career that the giving and taking of knocks and hits was part the cost of doing business in the NHL at that time. He doesn't feel he was a dirty player, although he acknowledges that not everybody agreed with his style of play. I think the fact that he ultimately either remained, or became friends with most of the players he mixed it up with during his career proves that hockey was a different game then, and that the guys who played it with him knew that too.
However you may have felt about Gordie Howe's playing style and approach, I don't think that anyone familiar with his career would dispute that he is one of the best players the game has ever seen. After all, how many other hockey players have played NHL hockey for four decades and still held their own all the way? He won trophys and broke scoring records all over the place. By almost any measure - including penalty minutes! - Gordie Howe was a phenomenal player. When it takes Wayne Gretzky to break one of your scoring records, then I'd say you hold a special place in hockey. We get to follow Gordie through his entire career, from a kid playing in frozen street ruts in Saskatoon, to his time in the WHL playing with two of his sons. It's a hell of a story and a lot of fun to read.
But in spite of all that, the tone and feel of this book start to finish as Howe tells his story is absolutely one of humility, gratitude and respect - for the game, for the opportunities he was given, and for the people he knew throughout his life. Every story he tells, in every chapter of the book demonstrated that he sees himself as just a guy who loved to play hockey, and got lucky enough to do that as his career. He seems to remember every person who ever helped him, even in the smallest of ways - such as the father of a school friend, whose loan of his sick son's hockey equipment so Gordie could try out for one of his first competitive teams, when Gordie didn't have, and couldn't afford, equipment of his own.
It's true - as Howe himself says in the book - that he never forgot or let go a slight, a disrespect or a hit he felt was unreasonable. But by the same token, he never forgot a kindness or help extended to him, and he always went out of his way to return them if he possibly could. There is a substantial amount of charitable work Howe did towards the end of his career and into his retirement for a variety of charities. But even in talking about these sorts of things, he mentions them in an off-handed, matter-of-fact way. There is absolutely nothing boastful, arrogant or self-important anywhere in this book from my perspective. He just tells it like he remembers it.
While he may have been hell on the ice, it seems he was a kind generous man off-ice, who believed in giving back whenever he could. I think it says something when the foreword of the book is written by Bobby Orr, who says of him: "No one captured the respect of players and the adoration of fans like Gordie did. And no one handled that level of fame and stardom with such genuine humility and graciousness." And Wayne Gretzky, who is quoted on the back cover says, in part: "You can never replace Gordie Howe - the greatest player ever, the best idol a young player could ever look up to, but most of all the nicest man I have ever met!" Considering these are two players widely considered to be some of the "nicest" guys in hockey, I feel their perspectives carry some weight in judging Howe as a player and a person, so I will take their word for it, especially as their opinions very much match what I felt reading the book.
Overall, this book is a love letter - to hockey, to Howe's family, and even to a large extent, to the city of Detroit, which Howe talks about extensively, mentioning people, places and things in the city from a period when it was booming, which, given the hard times Detroit is currently facing is a nice opportunity to remember better days. Howe says flat out that most of the best times of his life were spent there and he clearly has very fond memories of Detroit, which isn't all that surprising, but still nice to read.
If you enjoy sports bios, you might like this book. If you are hockey fan, or a history of hockey afficianado you should definitely read it. And, if you are a Gordie Howe fan, a Red Wings fan, or a Detroit native - this is absolutely a must read.
P.S. If you read this, be sure to read the afterword, written by Howe's four kids. It talks about his recent health difficulties, but also some of the stories he was to humble to tell himself and is very touching.”
Let's deal with the elephant in the room right off the bat. Anyone who knows hockey knows that Gordie Howe has a reputation as being one of the dirtiest players ever. And he doesn't shy away from acknowledging that's how some see him in the book. He tells stories of some of his altercations throughout his career, and while he doesn't apologize for anything he did, he also accepts the knocks he took in return - including a head injury at the start of his career that doctors said could have killed him and required drilling a hole in his skull to treat - as "just how things go in pro hockey" and clearly felt throughout his career that the giving and taking of knocks and hits was part the cost of doing business in the NHL at that time. He doesn't feel he was a dirty player, although he acknowledges that not everybody agreed with his style of play. I think the fact that he ultimately either remained, or became friends with most of the players he mixed it up with during his career proves that hockey was a different game then, and that the guys who played it with him knew that too.
However you may have felt about Gordie Howe's playing style and approach, I don't think that anyone familiar with his career would dispute that he is one of the best players the game has ever seen. After all, how many other hockey players have played NHL hockey for four decades and still held their own all the way? He won trophys and broke scoring records all over the place. By almost any measure - including penalty minutes! - Gordie Howe was a phenomenal player. When it takes Wayne Gretzky to break one of your scoring records, then I'd say you hold a special place in hockey. We get to follow Gordie through his entire career, from a kid playing in frozen street ruts in Saskatoon, to his time in the WHL playing with two of his sons. It's a hell of a story and a lot of fun to read.
But in spite of all that, the tone and feel of this book start to finish as Howe tells his story is absolutely one of humility, gratitude and respect - for the game, for the opportunities he was given, and for the people he knew throughout his life. Every story he tells, in every chapter of the book demonstrated that he sees himself as just a guy who loved to play hockey, and got lucky enough to do that as his career. He seems to remember every person who ever helped him, even in the smallest of ways - such as the father of a school friend, whose loan of his sick son's hockey equipment so Gordie could try out for one of his first competitive teams, when Gordie didn't have, and couldn't afford, equipment of his own.
It's true - as Howe himself says in the book - that he never forgot or let go a slight, a disrespect or a hit he felt was unreasonable. But by the same token, he never forgot a kindness or help extended to him, and he always went out of his way to return them if he possibly could. There is a substantial amount of charitable work Howe did towards the end of his career and into his retirement for a variety of charities. But even in talking about these sorts of things, he mentions them in an off-handed, matter-of-fact way. There is absolutely nothing boastful, arrogant or self-important anywhere in this book from my perspective. He just tells it like he remembers it.
While he may have been hell on the ice, it seems he was a kind generous man off-ice, who believed in giving back whenever he could. I think it says something when the foreword of the book is written by Bobby Orr, who says of him: "No one captured the respect of players and the adoration of fans like Gordie did. And no one handled that level of fame and stardom with such genuine humility and graciousness." And Wayne Gretzky, who is quoted on the back cover says, in part: "You can never replace Gordie Howe - the greatest player ever, the best idol a young player could ever look up to, but most of all the nicest man I have ever met!" Considering these are two players widely considered to be some of the "nicest" guys in hockey, I feel their perspectives carry some weight in judging Howe as a player and a person, so I will take their word for it, especially as their opinions very much match what I felt reading the book.
Overall, this book is a love letter - to hockey, to Howe's family, and even to a large extent, to the city of Detroit, which Howe talks about extensively, mentioning people, places and things in the city from a period when it was booming, which, given the hard times Detroit is currently facing is a nice opportunity to remember better days. Howe says flat out that most of the best times of his life were spent there and he clearly has very fond memories of Detroit, which isn't all that surprising, but still nice to read.
If you enjoy sports bios, you might like this book. If you are hockey fan, or a history of hockey afficianado you should definitely read it. And, if you are a Gordie Howe fan, a Red Wings fan, or a Detroit native - this is absolutely a must read.
P.S. If you read this, be sure to read the afterword, written by Howe's four kids. It talks about his recent health difficulties, but also some of the stories he was to humble to tell himself and is very touching.”
August 15, 2023
Fascinating and well written life story of Gordie Howe. Lots of neat stories that highlight how it used to be and how the game and life has changed. I’m guessing he had a ghost writer because it’s well written with a thoughtful but brief style. If you have any interest in hockey, it’ll be worth the time.
June 16, 2016
I read the book Mr. Hockey by Gordie Howe. It an autobiography about Gordie, who sadly died recently. This book explain his dominance, and skilled nature in the great game of hockey. Howe played thirty two seasons with the Detroit red wings, Houston Aeros, and the Whalers. Gordie how is a living legend most would say, his great gestures to the game of hockey, and how he grew the game and just loved it so much. For all he did for the game they gave him the name "Mr. hockey". I think one of the most amazing things is the fact that Bobby Orr one of my idols, and Wayne Gretzky arguable the best Hockey player to ever play the game both players said Gordie was an amazing player person. Even recently Gretzky said something along the lines of if My number is retired his should be too. This book overall goes over Howe hockey career, what teams he played for, how he was as a player, his accolades and much more. I would say that this is one of the best books I've read all year and would recommend it to any hockey fan.
November 17, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book!
I am a longtime fan of the Montreal Canadiens. I only heard the name of Gordie Howe by reputation and the famous "Gordie Howe hat trick".
I was curious and wanted to read this book because I wanted to learn more about the man.
Through the pages, I laughed, I was on the edge of my seat like I was in a hockey game. Mr Howe really is a good story teller. I felt like I was in front of my grandfather telling me stories about his life. He starts from his youth in a poor Canadian farmer family, how he met his wife, how he raised his children, and most importantly his hockey life, going through his junior years, his first years in the Red Wings organization, his very long career playing for them and bring them success and his time playing in the World Hockey Association where he had the chance to play with his sons.
The book was a page turner and I was absorbed in this story like I am watching a hockey game.
I would recommend definitively to every hockey fan.
(PS: I almost never write reviews, I felt this book was worth it.)
I am a longtime fan of the Montreal Canadiens. I only heard the name of Gordie Howe by reputation and the famous "Gordie Howe hat trick".
I was curious and wanted to read this book because I wanted to learn more about the man.
Through the pages, I laughed, I was on the edge of my seat like I was in a hockey game. Mr Howe really is a good story teller. I felt like I was in front of my grandfather telling me stories about his life. He starts from his youth in a poor Canadian farmer family, how he met his wife, how he raised his children, and most importantly his hockey life, going through his junior years, his first years in the Red Wings organization, his very long career playing for them and bring them success and his time playing in the World Hockey Association where he had the chance to play with his sons.
The book was a page turner and I was absorbed in this story like I am watching a hockey game.
I would recommend definitively to every hockey fan.
(PS: I almost never write reviews, I felt this book was worth it.)
March 27, 2015
My loyalty to following Red Wing hockey has gone through intense times to more recently much less- but this book is a great read for anyone who is fan of hockey, the Red Wings, or the city of Detroit. The stories of his childhood in Canada during the depression, and later of courting his wife in Detroit (including printing some of their love letters) were great insights into his character and personal history. The descriptions of played seasons - some described in detail, others gleamed over in clumps-through his several decades of playing were informative to me. I knew he was a legend in hockey- but few details of his career. He also did a good job of comparing the modern day game to the old days. The book read quickly and easily and I liked how candidly it read.
August 5, 2016
This is the story of Gordie Howe's Hockey career lasting five decades; but it is more than that. The story begins even before Howe started playing. It talks of his tough life in Saskatchewan and how this toughness proved useful in later years.
If the book seems to be somewhat like bragging just stop and think who is writing it. Gordie Howe owned the record books till Wayne Gretzky came along.
If you are a hockey fan you'll love this book. If you're not a hockey fan you just might become one on reading it! Regardless, a wonderful read.
If the book seems to be somewhat like bragging just stop and think who is writing it. Gordie Howe owned the record books till Wayne Gretzky came along.
If you are a hockey fan you'll love this book. If you're not a hockey fan you just might become one on reading it! Regardless, a wonderful read.
February 19, 2015
A great tale from a great player. It was like Grandpa Gordie was telling his story to you. He left out many hockey stories, which could fill out another whole book itself.
February 11, 2020
As a hockey fan, I love to watch all of the games. Usually, I will watch the Bruins (my favorite team) play, but if they are not playing, then I will somehow find another game. While most teenagers will be binge-watching a show on Netflix or doing things that, let's just say aren't reasonable or appropriate, I'm watching hockey. My life is circled around hockey as it is my favorite hobby in so many ways. I don't only watch hockey, I also play hockey and I read about hockey. It doesn't matter if I'm reading a news report or a book on a player, I enjoy to learn about what is happening around the league (NHL or National Hockey League). As a fan, being more knowledgable is very important. You don't really want to sound like an idiot when talking about something that you don't know about (honestly, this would be a good idea for everything). As a person that loves to read about hockey, I feel like I'm benefiting myself by reading Gordie Howe's book. He will always be a legend to this sport that will live forever as Mr. Hockey.
Instead of talking about Gordie Howe's achievements in his career (because you can just read an article or look at his stats), I'd rather talk about his humble beginnings and all of the in-depth things that happened to Gordie Howe in his career. Gordie Howe, born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada), was always a hard worker. The reason for that was how he grew up during the 1930s which was right in the middle of the Great Depression. In the book, Gordie Howe recalls how he had a few "jobs" like a kid in Saskatchewan. The reason why they would be considered as "jobs" is how back in the 1930s, what Gordie Howe would do to make money has killing animals. He says how a gopher tail would get you $15 to $20 from the government in the 1930s. He did have other jobs that he got from his father. Overall, growing up for Gordie Howe was difficult because of the Great Depression and other factors that would play out during his childhood. One of the biggest memories of Howe was when he got his first pair of skates. He said how he got them from a neighbor. He and his sister had to share a single skate as they both were interested in learning how to skate. At the end of the day though, you wouldn't believe who ended up with the pair of skates. Gordie Howe. Even though Howe had a pair of skates, he didn't have all of the other important pieces of equipment. It wasn't until the first training camp that he really had the privilege of having all of his equipment. He also never really played that many organized games until he was around 15 or so. Did you know that in Gordie Howe's first practice, he had to have someone help him put on his equipment because he never had all of the equipment that the New York Rangers gave to him? He said how he got dressed the same way every time he hit the ice. We also heard a story where Gordie Howe almost died when he got hit and almost bleed out on the ice. It's funny, this book sounds like a grandfather telling a story of his past time. Gordie Howe talking about his life and his hockey career really made this into a great book.
This was a great book in the sense of who it was about. Having Gordie Howe talking about his life and what happened during his hockey career was rather extraordinary. Gordie Howe's story is really uplifting as he talks about his humble beginnings and how he endured the Great Depression. This isn't only a book that should be read by many hockey players or fans, it should be read by anyone that wants to read something that is nice and good for the soul. Of course, Gordie Howe's career wasn't all rainbows, but his story of how to overcome many things can really inspire anyone that needs help or guidance in their life. How he tells it can really make a lot of people feel happy when reading this book. Gordie Howe isn't a writer, we all know that (or at least all hockey fans should know that) but how he tells his story is amazing. It's like the reader is sitting next to Gordie Howe while he is talking about what happened during his career, but he also adds a couple of life lessons. This is what makes this book amazing. He doesn't go on in talking about his career. Howe doesn't brag about the 801 goals he scored or how he played until he was 50 years old. He didn't brag about anything, but what he did was talk about what a reader would want to hear. This book is very helpful as it has stories of Gordie Howe and not just statistics on his career.
The only reason why this isn't a 5 out of 5 was how Gordie Howe didn't write this as if he were an author. In other words, Gordie Howe isn't an author, he is a hockey player. The way that the book was told could have made this a quick read because of how the book wasn't hard to interpret. Usually, I like to read a book and never go back to it, but this book makes me wish that Gordie Howe was still alive to talk about all of his stories.
This was a very good book that was written for most hockey fans that want to here an uplifting story about a poor kid growing up to become the best hockey player ever per Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky. I recommend this to everyone, even if they don't follow hockey, as it tells a story that can help a reader learn about life and what it possesses.
Instead of talking about Gordie Howe's achievements in his career (because you can just read an article or look at his stats), I'd rather talk about his humble beginnings and all of the in-depth things that happened to Gordie Howe in his career. Gordie Howe, born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada), was always a hard worker. The reason for that was how he grew up during the 1930s which was right in the middle of the Great Depression. In the book, Gordie Howe recalls how he had a few "jobs" like a kid in Saskatchewan. The reason why they would be considered as "jobs" is how back in the 1930s, what Gordie Howe would do to make money has killing animals. He says how a gopher tail would get you $15 to $20 from the government in the 1930s. He did have other jobs that he got from his father. Overall, growing up for Gordie Howe was difficult because of the Great Depression and other factors that would play out during his childhood. One of the biggest memories of Howe was when he got his first pair of skates. He said how he got them from a neighbor. He and his sister had to share a single skate as they both were interested in learning how to skate. At the end of the day though, you wouldn't believe who ended up with the pair of skates. Gordie Howe. Even though Howe had a pair of skates, he didn't have all of the other important pieces of equipment. It wasn't until the first training camp that he really had the privilege of having all of his equipment. He also never really played that many organized games until he was around 15 or so. Did you know that in Gordie Howe's first practice, he had to have someone help him put on his equipment because he never had all of the equipment that the New York Rangers gave to him? He said how he got dressed the same way every time he hit the ice. We also heard a story where Gordie Howe almost died when he got hit and almost bleed out on the ice. It's funny, this book sounds like a grandfather telling a story of his past time. Gordie Howe talking about his life and his hockey career really made this into a great book.
This was a great book in the sense of who it was about. Having Gordie Howe talking about his life and what happened during his hockey career was rather extraordinary. Gordie Howe's story is really uplifting as he talks about his humble beginnings and how he endured the Great Depression. This isn't only a book that should be read by many hockey players or fans, it should be read by anyone that wants to read something that is nice and good for the soul. Of course, Gordie Howe's career wasn't all rainbows, but his story of how to overcome many things can really inspire anyone that needs help or guidance in their life. How he tells it can really make a lot of people feel happy when reading this book. Gordie Howe isn't a writer, we all know that (or at least all hockey fans should know that) but how he tells his story is amazing. It's like the reader is sitting next to Gordie Howe while he is talking about what happened during his career, but he also adds a couple of life lessons. This is what makes this book amazing. He doesn't go on in talking about his career. Howe doesn't brag about the 801 goals he scored or how he played until he was 50 years old. He didn't brag about anything, but what he did was talk about what a reader would want to hear. This book is very helpful as it has stories of Gordie Howe and not just statistics on his career.
The only reason why this isn't a 5 out of 5 was how Gordie Howe didn't write this as if he were an author. In other words, Gordie Howe isn't an author, he is a hockey player. The way that the book was told could have made this a quick read because of how the book wasn't hard to interpret. Usually, I like to read a book and never go back to it, but this book makes me wish that Gordie Howe was still alive to talk about all of his stories.
This was a very good book that was written for most hockey fans that want to here an uplifting story about a poor kid growing up to become the best hockey player ever per Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky. I recommend this to everyone, even if they don't follow hockey, as it tells a story that can help a reader learn about life and what it possesses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
Gordie Howe is a sports legend. His NHL career spanned an astounding 5 decades, starting his career in the 1940s and ending in the 80s after playing with two of his children. He’s universally considered to be one of the best hockey players of all time. But that’s really not the highlight of this book. Howe presents his life with an “aw shucks” attitude consistent with someone who grew up enduring the hardships of rural Saskatchewan during the Great Depression.
Listening to this book is like hearing your grandpa start telling stories, and at first they seem old timey and irrelevant, but as you keep listening you start to appreciate how valuable and extraordinary they are.
Listening to this book is like hearing your grandpa start telling stories, and at first they seem old timey and irrelevant, but as you keep listening you start to appreciate how valuable and extraordinary they are.
October 31, 2017
Howe's big-hearted autobiography, from his rough childhood in Saskatoon during the Depression, to his time in junior hockey as a painfully shy teenager, through his incredibly long career. He spends almost as much time on his family as he does on hockey, and he remembers small kindnesses throughout his life (teachers that were supportive, neighbors who gave him gloves or ice time, the sacrifices of his parents and wife) and warmly expresses his gratitude. What stood out for me, though, was how badly the Red Wings treated their players in the 50s and 60s - underpaid, promises made and broken, constant fear of trade or demotion at the whim of management - and Gordie manages the remarkable balance of both expressing his gratitude for the life he got from hockey while remaining clear-eyed about how he was taken advantage of. A great, quick read, and both sweeter and smarter than I was expecting.
October 10, 2025
Meine Highlights:
- detroit red wings ballroom dancing
- Die Liebesbriefe an Colleen
- Überhaupt Colleen
- Dass er das Wörterbuch neben den Brief gelegt hat, um genug Selbstbewusstsein für die Briefe zu haben. Als er keins hatte, hat er sich auch nicht getraut zu schreiben
- Als er nicht wusste wie er ein Mädchen ablehnen soll und panisch gesagt hat, er möge nur Mädchen mit grauen Haaren. Und sie färbte sich die Haare grau. Weshalb er dann aus dem Fenster geklettert und weggerannt ist
- Die Anfänge der nhlpa und überhaupt der Einblick, wie es damals so in der Liga lief (eine Gewerkschaft war dringend nötig)
- detroit red wings ballroom dancing
- Die Liebesbriefe an Colleen
- Überhaupt Colleen
- Dass er das Wörterbuch neben den Brief gelegt hat, um genug Selbstbewusstsein für die Briefe zu haben. Als er keins hatte, hat er sich auch nicht getraut zu schreiben
- Als er nicht wusste wie er ein Mädchen ablehnen soll und panisch gesagt hat, er möge nur Mädchen mit grauen Haaren. Und sie färbte sich die Haare grau. Weshalb er dann aus dem Fenster geklettert und weggerannt ist
- Die Anfänge der nhlpa und überhaupt der Einblick, wie es damals so in der Liga lief (eine Gewerkschaft war dringend nötig)
April 22, 2020
I’ve had been reading this book to a resident in the LTC home where I volunteer. Due to the pandemic I’ve finished it on my own.
Not a huge sports or hockey fan but must say it was an interesting & enjoyable read.
Not a huge sports or hockey fan but must say it was an interesting & enjoyable read.
July 16, 2018
Not a bad read. Gordie had a fairly interesting life. And apparently Jack Adams (namesake of the NHL's coach of year award) was a total asshole.
July 23, 2018
This was a very fun read. I recommend it to any fan of the game.
Read
April 19, 2022Sad to say, this book is a testament to the fact that great athletes and legendary careers don't always equal great autobiographies.
I appreciated Howe's experience, and there are great stories here, but sadly this book lacked any strong insights. There is enough here to make it worth the read for a Red Wings fan or anyone who likes hockey. As both, I did enjoy this autobiography but finished this book hoping for a bit more in the end.
I appreciated Howe's experience, and there are great stories here, but sadly this book lacked any strong insights. There is enough here to make it worth the read for a Red Wings fan or anyone who likes hockey. As both, I did enjoy this autobiography but finished this book hoping for a bit more in the end.
April 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommend!
November 10, 2024
Really enjoyed it, lots of Life stories along with Hockey stories and Family all through. Learned a few things too, great read.
May 31, 2024
3.6/5
Howe is one of those rare souls who completely dominated his sport without being a complete asshole like MJ or TB.
Howe is one of those rare souls who completely dominated his sport without being a complete asshole like MJ or TB.
November 27, 2024
(3.5 stars) A cute and easy read. Gordie Howe was not the best writer but this book is full of fun anecdotes about hockey legends. The book feels more organized as it goes on, with the beginning having a lot more asides and tangents than the end. Would recommend it to a hockey fan.
July 24, 2016
The greater story within these pages is one of family. "Mr. Hockey" as Gordie Howe became known is first a family gentleman. Reflecting upon the many historical books I have read the common theme to all of them are the families of people – they continued on after the historical legacy of the person him/herself ended. John Adams comes to mind within History to my immediate mind of National legacies. Each of us may not be able to lend to that sort of fame to the pages of history; however, we each have our own individual legacies to leave and hope to pass along to those who must continue after we ourselves leave this earth. The work ethic of my Father and the location to which I was born and originally raised reminds me of Gordie Howe; Gordie Howe would pop in and out of my life in that as a fan I would attempt to keep up him and others who were once people I looked upto. With the passing this year of my Dad I was saddened with the childhood memory loss of “Mr. Hockey” – 2016 in many ways is a personal triumph for me professionally; however, the personal side has taken a beating. The Veterans Administration doesn’t really help with the personal adjustments – but, like Gordie Howe feeling the “imaginary piano on his back” during the couple of years he played in the WHA of the Houston Aero’s and New England Whalers – my personal “shift on the ice” continues and many team mates and American citizens depend on me to bring my best game to the office on a daily basis. With this in mind, a person need not be a fan of Hockey to enjoy the decent read of the life of Gordie Howe – the surprise for me was discovering his passion for baseball, he hit for “the cycle” once as he was playing minor league ball in Saskatoon during the NHL off-season. “Mr. Hockey” could have been “Mr. Baseball” if his life had taken a different direction. Growing up in the depression one can see the effects of the “invisible scar” though Mr. Howe does not reference the Great Depression in any other form than that of the “Great Depression.”
As a young boy growing up in Ontario Canada, Gordie Howe was not only a Hockey player for kids like me – he was a ‘role model” in every sense of the word. His actions on the ice long ago were true to form for this (then) young boy. As a man later – hockey was the instrument for me to pursue a long service to the United States inside of the Marine Corps. That need to move, operate, lead, fight, and secure all had their spirit of foundation with my personal experiences on the ice. Gordie Howe was synonymous to me with other great hockey players in the Original Six era and then with the first expansion in 1967. The likes of Davey Keon, Bobby Hull, Bobby Orr, Phil and Tony Esposito, Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, Maurice Richard, Terry Sawchuck, Tiger Williams, all these great hockey names connect in my mind with “Mr. Hockey.”
My favorite chapter in this book was Chapter 9 (for #9) “My Favorite Team” – it was an insight to the point that his favorite team was the family at home on those nights he was either at the Olympia in Detroit or on some road game. I truly enjoyed his cross references to other sports in the MLB, NBA, Boxing, and the PGA. This all sort of rounds out the personal true good man that Mr. Howe was and will always be remembered for. I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Howe once in 1992; he signed an autograph for me and I was able to briefly chat with him on the loss we felt when he was not a part of the 1972 Summit Series of 8 games of Canada vs. the USSR to which the Canadian National Team won in a series of 8 games taking 5 with the last 3 of these being won in Moscow. Where the USA will always rightfully recall the 1980 Winter Olympics; Canadians cannot forget the 1972 Summit Series.
Thank you Mr. Howe for the memories, the leadership, the role model I will always recall you to be. Rest in peace “Mr. Hockey.”
As a young boy growing up in Ontario Canada, Gordie Howe was not only a Hockey player for kids like me – he was a ‘role model” in every sense of the word. His actions on the ice long ago were true to form for this (then) young boy. As a man later – hockey was the instrument for me to pursue a long service to the United States inside of the Marine Corps. That need to move, operate, lead, fight, and secure all had their spirit of foundation with my personal experiences on the ice. Gordie Howe was synonymous to me with other great hockey players in the Original Six era and then with the first expansion in 1967. The likes of Davey Keon, Bobby Hull, Bobby Orr, Phil and Tony Esposito, Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, Maurice Richard, Terry Sawchuck, Tiger Williams, all these great hockey names connect in my mind with “Mr. Hockey.”
My favorite chapter in this book was Chapter 9 (for #9) “My Favorite Team” – it was an insight to the point that his favorite team was the family at home on those nights he was either at the Olympia in Detroit or on some road game. I truly enjoyed his cross references to other sports in the MLB, NBA, Boxing, and the PGA. This all sort of rounds out the personal true good man that Mr. Howe was and will always be remembered for. I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Howe once in 1992; he signed an autograph for me and I was able to briefly chat with him on the loss we felt when he was not a part of the 1972 Summit Series of 8 games of Canada vs. the USSR to which the Canadian National Team won in a series of 8 games taking 5 with the last 3 of these being won in Moscow. Where the USA will always rightfully recall the 1980 Winter Olympics; Canadians cannot forget the 1972 Summit Series.
Thank you Mr. Howe for the memories, the leadership, the role model I will always recall you to be. Rest in peace “Mr. Hockey.”
May 25, 2018
Great overview of the life of Gordie Howe. It was written with his voice, and read like you were listening to an older guy telling all of his stories. Great read for sports fans and especially hockey fans!
January 2, 2015
Nice, quick, easy read and learned much about Howe without having to read a 500-page biography. The autobiography was a nice break and I enjoyed the Christmas gift from my daughter.
February 27, 2017
Great story on a hockey legend.. it is always fun to read on someone's life... not the best written but interesting and a quick read...
March 10, 2017
Everyone should read this book, even if they don't like hockey. The history of growing up during the depression is reason enough. This book was thoroughly enjoyable.
December 16, 2022
I was pleased to read this book as a Detroit Red Wings fan who grew up admiring their history and especially admiring the incredible longevity of "Mr. Hockey." In this book, published just two years before his passing, Gordie Howe shares his memories. One of the major themes concerns his upbringing during the Great Depression, as he was born in 1928. His family's neighbor in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan brought a pile of equipment to his house out of the hope that his family would pay her for it so she would be able to buy food. This was the kind of assistance that families gave to each other at the time. The pile included a pair of ice skates. With that, Gordie built the strength of his legs by skating on whatever sheet of ice he could find in his hometown of Saskatoon.
Eventually, a Red Wings scout noticed him and gave him a professional contract when he was just a teenager. He shares his fond memories of winning four Stanley Cups during his 25 years in Detroit and setting the record for most goals scored in NHL history, but also his complaints about General Manager Jack Adams. According to Howe, Adams was too intrusive in dictating what his players could do off the ice and made an ill-advised dismantling of the roster after the 1955 Stanley Cup championship. The Wings had the foundations of a dynasty that could have attained much more success, Howe believed, but Adams dismantled the roster and paved the way for the Montreal Canadiens to win five straight cups instead after 1955. Another theme concerns his inability to let go of the game he had loved all of his life. Although he retired in 1971, he decided to end his retirement by playing for the Houston Aeros and Hartford Whalers of a rival league called the WHL.
This gave him a chance to play with his sons Marty and Mark. By 1980, he was back in the NHL with the Whalers and competing in professional hockey for an incredible fifth decade. Still another theme concerns his toughness on the ice. He explains here that he was unafraid to play with his elbows up or deck opposing players (Lou Fontinato of the Rangers being the most infamous victim of a fight with Gordie), because he believed that this would win more respect for him from opposing players. In turn, this respect would help give him the space he needed to generate offense. He needed more than 300 stitches during his career and played decades without the cartilage in his knees, but still he felt the call to lace up his skates every year until he was in his fifties. That is something all fans and readers should revere.
Eventually, a Red Wings scout noticed him and gave him a professional contract when he was just a teenager. He shares his fond memories of winning four Stanley Cups during his 25 years in Detroit and setting the record for most goals scored in NHL history, but also his complaints about General Manager Jack Adams. According to Howe, Adams was too intrusive in dictating what his players could do off the ice and made an ill-advised dismantling of the roster after the 1955 Stanley Cup championship. The Wings had the foundations of a dynasty that could have attained much more success, Howe believed, but Adams dismantled the roster and paved the way for the Montreal Canadiens to win five straight cups instead after 1955. Another theme concerns his inability to let go of the game he had loved all of his life. Although he retired in 1971, he decided to end his retirement by playing for the Houston Aeros and Hartford Whalers of a rival league called the WHL.
This gave him a chance to play with his sons Marty and Mark. By 1980, he was back in the NHL with the Whalers and competing in professional hockey for an incredible fifth decade. Still another theme concerns his toughness on the ice. He explains here that he was unafraid to play with his elbows up or deck opposing players (Lou Fontinato of the Rangers being the most infamous victim of a fight with Gordie), because he believed that this would win more respect for him from opposing players. In turn, this respect would help give him the space he needed to generate offense. He needed more than 300 stitches during his career and played decades without the cartilage in his knees, but still he felt the call to lace up his skates every year until he was in his fifties. That is something all fans and readers should revere.
July 15, 2021
Mr. Hockey: My Story is an autobiography memoir written by Gordie Howe. It chronicles the life of the legendary hockey star, as he reviews his storied and stellar career.
Gordon Howe was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. From 1946 to 1980, he played 26 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and six seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA) – his first 25 seasons were spent with the Detroit Red Wings. Nicknamed "Mr. Hockey", Howe is often considered the most complete player to ever play the game and one of the greatest of all time.
In this amiable memoir, Howe recounts his remarkable career as a professional athlete. Raised in Depression-era Saskatoon, Canada, Howe developed the toughness and drive that would be the hallmarks of his playing style. Ambidextrous and with unusually short legs, Howe could do everything on the ice, and was as renowned for his fighting as for his scoring.
After winning four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, Howe played on a line with two of his sons in the WHL Houston Aereos, and received that league's most valuable player award in 1974. Howe modestly downplays the qualities that earned him the name of "Mister Hockey."
Mr. Hockey: My Story is written rather well. The chapters on his impoverished childhood provide a vivid picture of a world without central heating or indoor plumbing where kids played on frozen ponds and made shin guards out of magazines. Even as a star with the Red Wings, Howe still worked day jobs in the off-seasons, and his long career tracks the transformation of elite athletes from regular players at the mercy of owners to the mega-billionaires of today.
All in all, Mr. Hockey: My Story is a wonderful autobiography with lots of action, a bit of rumination and few regrets in this genial work by a remarkable athlete in Gordie Howe.
Gordon Howe was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. From 1946 to 1980, he played 26 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and six seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA) – his first 25 seasons were spent with the Detroit Red Wings. Nicknamed "Mr. Hockey", Howe is often considered the most complete player to ever play the game and one of the greatest of all time.
In this amiable memoir, Howe recounts his remarkable career as a professional athlete. Raised in Depression-era Saskatoon, Canada, Howe developed the toughness and drive that would be the hallmarks of his playing style. Ambidextrous and with unusually short legs, Howe could do everything on the ice, and was as renowned for his fighting as for his scoring.
After winning four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, Howe played on a line with two of his sons in the WHL Houston Aereos, and received that league's most valuable player award in 1974. Howe modestly downplays the qualities that earned him the name of "Mister Hockey."
Mr. Hockey: My Story is written rather well. The chapters on his impoverished childhood provide a vivid picture of a world without central heating or indoor plumbing where kids played on frozen ponds and made shin guards out of magazines. Even as a star with the Red Wings, Howe still worked day jobs in the off-seasons, and his long career tracks the transformation of elite athletes from regular players at the mercy of owners to the mega-billionaires of today.
All in all, Mr. Hockey: My Story is a wonderful autobiography with lots of action, a bit of rumination and few regrets in this genial work by a remarkable athlete in Gordie Howe.
February 14, 2024
I read the book Mr. Hockey by Gordie Howe. It an autobiography about Gordie Howe, who died in 2016 after his amazing HHOF career. This book tells his story thought his life from his childhood to his own kids playing In the show with him, and his skilled nature in the great game of hockey. he played thirty-two seasons in the NHL. Gordie Howe was a great father and athlete, and did great gestures to the game of hockey, I loved the whole book but mostly his stories of hockey and the "Gordie Howe Hatrick". During his days people loved the way he played he was a thrilling player to watch and would always keep the moment entertaining for his teammate and the fans. I thought it was a great thing that Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky "The Great One" even told some stories about him and his talent on the ice. Gretzky once said something about his jersey number he said, if My number is retired his should be too. This book tells you many things about Howe's career, what teams he played for, how he was as a player, his accolades, his family life, and so much more. I really enjoyed this book because of all these thing and more, this book kept me entertained and informed me of unknown facts that i didn't know. I would highly recommend this book to people who wonder about Gordie or the people of hockey.
November 25, 2019
Mr. Hockey being the man of Gordie Howe, one of the best hockey players that has ever played the game in my opinion. Gordie's autobiography about his life leading up to hockey and during his career, showed the aspects of a hardworking kid that had a love so great for a game of hockey. The story illustrated the early days of his life, where he grew up, his junior hockey career, being in the big city for hockey, how his wife impacted his life, the glory years, as well as life in the National Hockey League all together. Gordie showed the love for the game throughout the book and how that lasted thought-out. Not being the best fan of reading books I found that I actually wanted to read more and more for this story that really spoke to me as being a hockey player and sharing some of those aspects he had in my life. If you love the game of hockey or even any sport I suggest you read this motivating story that shows the hard work it takes and the struggles it takes to make it in professional sports. In summary this is one of the books I read in my life that I actually really enjoyed because of the connections it had to my life and showed the love that others have for the great game of hockey.
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