Iconic NHL Star Gordie Howe, Known as 'Mr. Hockey,' Dead at 88

He is known as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, a top goal-scorer and winner of four Stanley Cups.

Gordie Howe, the ice hockey legend who has played more games in the sport than any other player, has died, CBS News confirmed Friday. He was 88.

Known as "Mr. Hockey," Howe is regarded as one of the sport's greatest players, a top goal-scorer and winner of four Stanley Cups  all with the Detroit Red Wings.

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Concerns about Howe's health have been raised in recent years after he suffered a devastating stroke in October 2014. He was also plagued by dementia.

Howe, who hailed from Saskatchewan, Canada, played a staggering 26 seasons — 25 with the Red Wings  in the National Hockey League, and holds the NHL record for most games played.

After retiring as a Red Wing following the 1970-71 season, he switched to the World Hockey Association. When the league collapsed in 1979, Howe returned to the NHL at age 51, playing one season with the Hartford Whalers before calling it quits for good. 

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He also held a variety of records, including most points and goals scored, both of which were eventually broken by Wayne Gretzky.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

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