Gordie Howe Taking Turn for the Worse

(photo via letsgoflyers.net)

Gordie Howe‘s family says the hockey legend has gotten worse after suffering another stroke just recently.

His most recent stroke occurred about a week ago in Lubbock, Texas, where the former Detroit Red Wings player is currently staying with his daughter. He was also at her home last month when the initial stroke happened and impaired him a little bit.

It  is not easy for any of his kids to speak about it, let alone having to witness their dad’s derailing health every day. Mark Howe, who is also a great hockey player just like his dad, told The Canadian Press on Sunday about his dad’s ongoing struggle.

“His health has taken a turn for the worse this past week to 10 days and we are doing what we can to help his situation the best that we can,” he said. “But he is not doing well at all is the bottom line.”

One of Howe’s other sons, Murray, was very optimistic when he spoke to TSN 1040 about his dad becoming strong once again and that this stroke cannot stop him. He talked about how his dad has good and bad days just like everyone else. He can walk and speak clearly on some days while during others, he cannot take a few steps without resting, will slur his words, and he has some signs of mild dementia. Howe also talked about how his dad is and never will be alone during this tough time. They remain in Lubbock and at least one of the sons is with the dad at all times.

There has not been another Gordie Howe or “Mr. Hockey” since he has been around and there probably never will be. He set high NHL marks for the record books with 801 goals and 1,850 points. The only other player to surpass him was Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky. Even after he quit playing, Howe still supported the NHL and all of hockey thoroughly, and is still seen as The Greatest Player of all Time, setting the standards high to how great the game should be.

For more on Howe’s ongoing battle : Ted Kulfan’s post in The Detroit News