‘Gordie, Gordie, Gordie!’

By Ed Odeven

TOKYO (Nov. 10, 2014) — Before Wayne Gretzky thrilled the masses with his out-of-this world hockey skills, Gordie Howe was “Mr. Hockey,”a beloved figure throughout Canada and beyond. Howe’s tough-guy demeanor, ability to put the puck in the net, deliver a bone-rattling check — and take a hit — and lead his team to Stanley Cup titles were all legendary exploits during his quarter century in a Detroit Red Wings sweater.

And as far back as I can remember, I recall my Uncle Jack telling hockey tales, and Howe’s name was alwaysa part of those stories.

How couldn’t it have been?

Gordie Howe is 86 now and recovering from a recent stroke. Despite his advancing age, his ties to the currentRed Wings remain as strong as ever.To this day, helikes to dish out advice to players, telling them to “shoot the puck,” Detroit’s HenrikZetterberg told The New…