The tributes poured in after Gordie Howe, 52, announced his retirement – for good, this time – following his 32nd pro season, and The Hockey News likewise stepped up to celebrate one of the all-time greats. The publication and Howe existed almost in lockstep through their early years – the Red Wings legend was an NHL sophomore when The Hockey News premiered in 1947. There is barely a mention of Howe in the debut issue. The only reference is in relation to Howe’s first big-league coach, Jack Adams.

Over the years, Howe made up for that omission. He was featured countless times on the front page and inside. And Howe’s career is feted beautifully in the July 1980 issue. Tom Fitzgerald, then the chairman of the Hall of Fame selection committee, penned an excellent tribute to his acquaintance, Howe, by doing away with the recounting of his great many accolades in favor of sharing anecdotes from Fitzgerald’s time covering the NHL and running in its great orbit. And Fitzgerald carves out a little space – just in case – for the idea that ‘Mr. Hockey’ might not be done yet. Instead, his second retirement was the real deal.

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