Gordie Howe, also known as 'Mr. Hockey', was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest hockey players of all time and his nickname, 'Mr. Hockey', reflects his legendary status in the sport. Howe's career spanned five decades and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.