On May 14, 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, announced that the new publicly-owned bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Several members of the Howe family attended the naming ceremony including Gordie Howe’s sons Marty and Murray.
Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan and spent the majority of his playing career with the Detroit Red Wings. Knowtn simply as “Mr. Hockey”, Howe is internationally recognized as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
During his 32 seasons of professional hockey spanning six decades, Howe amassed more records than any athlete in history. These include benchmarks of 1,071 goals, 2,589 points, 28 all- star appearances, seven MVPs, and registering an amazing 20 consecutive seasons in the top five in NHL scoring.
He has been awarded six Hart Trophies as the National Hockey League’s (NHL) most valuable player; six Art Ross Trophies as the leading scorer; and has won the Stanley Cup four times with the Detroit Red Wings. Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 and into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1975. He was also the inaugural recipient of the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
Howe was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1971 in recognition of his outstanding achievement in sports and his service to Canadians. In 2000, Howe was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in celebration of his excellence in sports and inspiration to the next generation.
Today, he continues to serve as a role model and ambassador to generations of fans and players on both sides of the border. As a proud Canadian who was equally proud to play for the Detroit Red Wings, Howe built extraordinary goodwill between Canada and the United States.
The new bridge bearing his name will continue this proud legacy by accelerating the flow of people, merchandise and services between our great nations for years to come.
WDBA is honoured to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge which will not only foster the close relationship between Canada and the United States but also reflect “Mr. Hockey’s” qualities of strength, endurance and excellence.
