Gordie Howe’s career was outstanding from start ... first in the WHA and then in the NHL with the Hartford Whalers in Howe’s final season. Howe referred to it as the “greatest accomplishment ...

Gordie Howe had smiled at Gatt back then ... He was introduced last for the Prince of Wales Conference. "And from the Hartford Whalers…" the announcer said, and the fans were on their feet ...

Gordie Howe scored 786 times in a Detroit ... and capped his career with 15 goals as a 52-year-old for the Hartford Whalers in his final NHL season in 1979-80. What a specimen.

they remained in Hartford until 1997. When the WHA and NHL merged in 1979, the Whalers became a major-league franchise, with legendary players like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and Dave Keon playing ...