Spittin Chiclets Spittin' Chiclets Episode 629: Featuring Mark Howe
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Mar 17, 2026 Mark Howe, Hockey Hall of Famer and son of Gordie Howe, shares memories from a career spent around NHL legends. He tells family stories about Gordie, explains his move from forward to defense, and recalls life in the WHA and Flyers. Conversations touch on longevity, training, caregiving, and the quirks behind one of hockey's greatest families.
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Gordie Howe's Autographs Built Hockey's Fan Culture
- Gordie Howe's autograph habit reinforced that player–fan reciprocity built hockey's early popularity.
- Mark says Gordie signed every autograph because 'those are the people that are paying my salary,' and that humility shaped fandom.
How Gordie Policed The Ice And Earned Respect
- Mark tells multiple locker-room stories showing Gordie handled slights physically but earned respect; opponents wore their scars proudly.
- Examples include Gordie knocking out an opposing winger and taking a player down with an elbow-to-face response.
Net Spear Injury Nearly Ended Mark's Career
- Mark survived a severe net-spear injury where a net peg pierced near his spine, lost ~22 pounds, and returned to play six weeks later.
- He says modern protocols would have kept him out months, but he returned quickly under 'old-school' expectations.