Larson on the Passing of Gordie Howe

Washington – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the passing of hockey legend, Gordie Howe, who passed away at the age of 88:

“This week, we say goodbye to another giant of the sports world, Gordie Howe. Those of us who still reserve a special place in our hearts for the Hartford Whalers remember how incredibly lucky we felt to watch Mr. Hockey himself take the ice with his sons, Mark and Marty, as the pillars of the brand new franchise.

“He came to Hartford already a living legend—having skated twenty-nine seasons of professional hockey, including lifting the Stanley Cup four times with the Detroit Red Wings. He and his beloved, late wife Colleen should have been enjoying their golden years, but Gordie could not pass up the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream to skate alongside his sons. So they moved to Glastonbury and became Connecticut’s own First Family of Hockey. We remember his endurance, his achievements, and the uncanny combination of brute strength and sheer skill that baffled goalies and left those in his wake battered and bruised. Most of all, we remember his love of the game and his service to his community and the sport.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this sad time, and I join them in mourning the passing of a man that we were fortunate enough—however briefly—to call our own.”

###