NHL father-son duos hold a significant place in hockey's history, representing a legacy of love, skills, and life lessons passed down through generations. As Father's Day approaches, we celebrate the exceptional contributions these families have made to the sport. Their dedication and passion have enriched the game, inspiring players and leaving a lasting impact on fans and the hockey community. On this special day, we honor the enduring bond between NHL fathers and sons, acknowledging their remarkable legacies and immeasurable impact on the sport we cherish.
The Howe Legacy: Gordie and Mark Howe
circa 1955: Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe smiling in a hockey jersey. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
There comes a time in every father's life when his child surpasses him at his own game. It's the symbolic passing of the torch, a moment that signifies a new era. However, for Gordie Howe, this moment never really arrived.
Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," is synonymous with the game itself. He redefined what it meant to be an NHL player, combining elegance with strength, skill with high hockey IQ. He was willing to fight on the ice, yet always ready to shake hands with his opponents after the game. Gordie Howe was a legend.
His list of accomplishments speaks for itself. Four Stanley Cups, six Hart Trophies, 21 All-Star appearances, six Art Ross Trophies, 1,850 points, and a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. There was nothing Gordie Howe couldn't do.
But perhaps one of his most remarkable achievements was the opportunity to play alongside his two sons at the highest level of the game.
In 1973, Gordie's sons, Mark and Marty, were signed by the Houston Aeros for the upcoming WHA season. Despite being retired from hockey for two years, Gordie made the bold decision to undergo wrist surgery and join his sons on the ice in Houston.
At the age of 45, already a Hall of Famer, Gordie Howe made a comeback.
Together, the Howe trio dominated the WHA, with Gordie matching Mark's performance despite a significant age difference of nearly 20 years. They helped the Aeros secure consecutive championships in 1974 and 1975.
Portrait of Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe (center) and his sons Marty (left) and Mark, all of the Houston Aeros WHA hockey team, mid 1970s. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Then, in the 1979-80 season, the three players accomplished something unprecedented. They became the first and only father-son trio to play together in an NHL game. Gordie Howe would retire at the end of that season, leaving the game at the age of 52.
Marty had a respectable six-year career, while Mark established himself as one of the most dynamic defensemen of the 1980s. Mark Howe notably clashed with Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers during his time with the Philadelphia Flyers.
In 2011, Mark Howe was rightfully inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, having recorded 742 points in 929 NHL games.
Collectively, the Howe family amassed an astounding 3,819 points in 4,113 NHL and WHA games, leaving an enduring legacy that spanned half a century.
Mark and Marty will always have the ultimate bragging rights in the "my dad can beat up your dad" game. Their bond on and off the ice, intertwined with their father's unparalleled career, is a testament to the strength of family and the everlasting impact of Gordie Howe's influence.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 22: Gordie Howe's sons Marty Howe (L) and Mark Howe attend the 2016 NHL Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
This Father's Day, let us celebrate the extraordinary Howe family and the remarkable journey they shared in the game of hockey.
The Hull Dynasty: Bobby and Brett Hull
Black Hawks' Bobby Hull adjusts his tie at a news conference 11/13 after saying that he is ready to go back to work. Hull, who set a National Hockey League record of 58 goals last season, said "differences arose between my advisors and the club on matters which I now realize are entirely unrelated to my functions as a hockey player. - Gettyimages
Bobby and Brett Hull, the NHL's iconic father-son scoring duo, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their combined achievements and impressive haul of trophies, including a pair of Lady Byng Trophies, three Hart Trophies, three Stanley Cups, and inductions into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cement their legacy as one of the greatest scoring duos in NHL history.
Both Bobby and Brett possessed an exceptional scoring ability, characterized by their blistering shots and pure scoring instincts. Bobby, a dominant force during his 16-year NHL career, led the league in scoring seven times and became the first player to achieve multiple 50-goal seasons. His contributions to the Chicago Blackhawks, including 30 hat tricks and a Stanley Cup victory in 1960-61, propelled him to a remarkable 610 goals and 1,170 points in 1,063 games. Bobby's impact extended beyond the NHL, as he amassed an additional 300 goals in the WHA.
Following in his father's footsteps, Brett Hull also became a scoring sensation. Undeterred by defense, Brett's lethal scoring touch led him to three consecutive scoring titles from 1989 to 1991, with goal totals of 72, 86, and 70 respectively. He swiftly joined the prestigious 500-goal club in just his 11th year in the league and concluded his career with an impressive 741 goals and 1,391 points in 1,269 games. Brett's contributions were not limited to his scoring prowess, as he played a pivotal role in bringing hockey to prominence in the southern United States, leading the Dallas Stars to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1998-99.
Even in the latter stages of their careers, both Bobby and Brett remained formidable goal-scorers. Brett notably led the 2001-02 Detroit Red Wings in playoff scoring en route to capturing his second Stanley Cup. The Hulls' impact on the game is undeniable, solidifying their place as one of the most dynamic scoring duos in NHL history.
JUNE 05: Hull of a night: Brett Hull; left; is joined by his father; Bobby; at the National Hockey League awards after winning the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP in 1990-91. His dad won the Hart in 1965 and 1966. (Photo by Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Stastny Legacy: Peter, Anton, and Marian Stastny
Peter Stastny - Wikipedia
The Stastny family's impact on hockey is undeniably monumental, earning them a place among the sport's dynasties.
In 1980, Peter Stastny made history by defecting from the Soviet Union to join the Quebec Nordiques in the NHL. His decision not only marked a significant social moment but also showcased his incredible talent. During the 1980s, Stastny became one of the highest-scoring players of the decade, recording 1,059 points in just 749 games, second only to Wayne Gretzky.
After retiring in 1995, Stastny had the opportunity to represent his homeland of Slovakia in 1993. He was rightfully inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998.
His sons, Yan and Paul, have continued the Stastny legacy. While Yan had a brief NHL career before playing professionally in Europe, Paul currently excels as the second-line center for the Vegas Golden Knights. Paul is nearing the impressive milestone of 1,000 games played and has accumulated over 700 points in his 15-year career.
Yan Stastny of the Peoria Rivermen. Photo: Ross Dettman
Paul Stastny with the Avalanche in the 2013–14 season
The Stastny story not only embodies personal triumph and liberation but also serves as a reminder that the strength of nations like the United States and Canada lies in their immigrant roots and the diversity they embrace.
As we celebrate Father's Day, it is crucial to recognize and honor these famous NHL father-son duos for their remarkable contributions to the sport. Their legacies extend far beyond their individual achievements, showcasing the power of family, dedication, and a shared passion for the game. These extraordinary families have not only left an indelible mark on the history of hockey but have also inspired future generations to forge their own paths in the sport. On this special day, let us pay tribute to the remarkable hockey legacies created by NHL father-son duos and express our gratitude for the enduring impact they have had on the game we love.
>>> Please check out this video to learn more about the legacy of Gordie Howe