(Getty)
Gordie Howe, one of the most prolific hockey players of all-time, has passed away at the age of 88.
The Detroit Red Wings, who played host to “Mr. Hockey” for an unbelievable 25 seasons from 1948 to 1971, confirmed the news:
Thoughts and prayers to the Howe family as Gordie Howe passes away at the age of 88. #9RIP
An official cause of death was not stated, but Howe, who had been living with dementia since 2012, suffered a major stroke in October of 2014 that left him unable to walk.
He twice received a stem cell transplant that improved his health, and he had been living in Ohio with his brother Murray Howe.
Howe, a 23-time NHL All-Star and six-time NHL MVP, tallied 801 goals and 1,049 assists in his career. Besides his unbelievable longevity (he holds the NHL record for most regular season games played), he is perhaps best known as the inspiration behind the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick,” an achievement named for scoring a goal, tallying an assist and getting into a fight in the same game.