Gordie Howe: A Hockey Legend By CollinDaley Mar 31, 1928 Gordie Howe is born. Born in Saskatoon. Dec 23, 1933 Gordie gets his first pair of skates Dec 12, 1936 Gordie first plays organized hockey Oct 11, 1945 Gordie Has his first NHL tryout Nov 12, 1946 Gordie makes his NHL debut with the Red Wings Jun 9, 1950 Gordie fractures his skull in a collision into the boards. Apr 15, 1953 Gordie Howe marries his wife Colleen Apr 14, 1954 Gordie wins the stanley cup Aug 22, 1971 Gordie Howe retires the first time. Jul 11, 1980 Gordie Howe retires the second time.