Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 131

1 -W lit uiimwiiimiiiiimwiiimu jmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwtummm imimmmwmmm III it -X jr t' AFTER THREE seasons Howe had only 35 goals, but experts called him a coming super-star and he could see a big future. BY 1949 many beaten goalies had seen No. 9 flash by the net with stick raised in the traditional goal sign. Howe got 35. FEW PLAYERS ever hit the league with better physical equipment.

Faithful in his conditioning, he scaled 187 then, 204 now. BY 1947 the rugged youngster was highly respected for both his strength and his shot. They called him the Bashful Basher. IN 1946 Red Wing fans were introduced to this raw, self-conscious rookie of 18. Jack Adams tagged him a "sure-fire" star.

IS 1941, only 13, Gordie was knocking shingles off his home in hockey practice. He starred as a goalie while a schoolboy. 1 i fcJ ldL JfP i.VOr Here's Hoiveirom Bashiul Basher, to Elder Skatesman Gordie's a Graybeard at 29 By MARSHALL DANN Frw Press HportN Writer Back in 1946 an awkward young hockey These pages carry a pictorial review of player came out of Saskatoon in Western Gordie Howe's fabulous career. Although Canada as a Red Wing candidate. In the 12 on the shelf recently with injuries, Howe years since he has become recognized as is still at his peak.

Only 29, he has won Detroit's outstanding player as well as every honor attainable and, despite his one of the all-time stars of the sport. youth, he rates as an "elder skatesman." '1 1 TROPHIES came steadily as Howe won five NHL scoring titles, eight All-Star berths, three MVP awards. IS 1953 Howe and Lindsay, great off-ice buddies and roommates as bachelors, were married men and exuberant expectant fathers. LINEMATES for nine years: Howe and Ted Lindsay. They and veteran Sid Abel formed the original "Production Line." IN 1950 playoffs a near-fatal injury almost ended his career.

But he came back even stronger. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwm mi nim 1 1 il I 1 i-j- tjJ J- ZrJf'r- Li 1 OFF-SEASON business caused Howe to settle here permanently. He has applied for IT. S. citizenship.

Gordie wed a Detroiter, the former Colleen Joffa. They live in the Northwest area with two sons, Marty, 4, and Mark, 3 in May. IN 1958 the durable Howe, who had missed only seven of 770 games with injuries, was idled with broken ribs. IN 1957, ex-linemate Lindsay was in Chicago but ex-linemate Abel was back as the coach. AN ALL-ROUND athlete, he is a faithful and excellent golfer (the low 70s) in the off-season.

BY 1955 Jack Adams was calling Howe the "greatest" as Gordie set NHL scoring marks and began chasing top man "Rocket" Richard. lO DETROIT FREE PRESS ROTO Sunday, Feb. 16, 1958 Sunday, Feb. 16, 1958 DETROIT FREE PRESS ROTO 1 1.