On this day in 1950, Gordie Howe suffered one of the most frightening injuries in NHL history, fracturing his skull during a playoff game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He required emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, and for a time, his career was in serious doubt.

Remarkably, Howe made a full recovery and returned the following season stronger than ever, capturing his first Art Ross Trophy in 1950 to 1951 as the league’s leading scorer. It was the beginning of a stretch of dominance that would define an era of hockey.

Howe spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the face of the franchise and one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Over his NHL career, he played 1,767 games, recording 801 goals and 1,049 assists for 1,850 points. At the time of his retirement, he held the all-time records for goals, points, and games played.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Nicknamed “Mr. Hockey,” Howe combined skill, toughness, and longevity in a way few players ever have. He won six Art Ross Trophies as the NHL’s leading scorer and six Hart Trophies as league MVP. He was also a key part of four Stanley Cup championships with Detroit in 1950, 1952, 1954, and 1955.

One of Howe’s most famous legacies is the “Gordie Howe hat trick,” which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game, a testament to his all-around style of play.

Beyond the NHL, Howe extended his career into the WHA and briefly returned to the NHL in his 50s, showcasing incredible durability and love for the game. His influence helped grow hockey’s popularity across North America and inspired generations of players with his complete, hard-nosed style.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.