Gordie Howe became all-time leader in regular-season career goals in 1963

One of the greatest moments in Detroit sports history occurred 60 years ago at Olympia Stadium when 35-year-old Gordie Howe surpassed Montreal’s Maurice “The Rocket” Richard to become the all-time leader in regular-season career goals. Playing in his 18th season with the Red Wings, Howe was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, six-time most valuable player, and a scoring champ who already held the record for most total points and assists. Howe, who passed away in 2016, was widely regarded as the game’s greatest all-around player.

However, achieving goal number 545 was no easy feat. Prior to the start of the 1963-64 season, Red Wings publicity director Elliott Trumbull persuaded Howe to pose for a photograph that would later become iconic. In the photo, Howe is seen kneeling on the ice in full uniform surrounded by 540 pucks, with five in his hand symbolizing the number of goals he needed to break Richard’s record.

Gordie Howe poses in 1963 with 540 pucks on the ice and five in his hand, signifying the number he needed to break the all-time scoring record of Maurice “The Rocket” Richard. Photo courtesy of The Detroit Red Wings. Roy Bash, photographer

Trumbull stated, “Gordie loved the idea.” The process of obtaining 545 pucks from trainer Lefty Wilson wasn’t easy, as Wilson initially resisted the request. But eventually, he agreed.

In the Red Wings’ opening game of the season, Howe scored two goals in the first period against Chicago goaltender Glenn Hall, and then recorded another goal in the second game against Boston. It seemed like the record would be broken within the first week. However, over the next four games, Howe failed to find the net, despite his linemates’ persistent attempts to set him up.

Then, on October 27th, at Olympia Stadium, fittingly against the Montreal Canadiens, Richard’s former team and a fierce rival, Howe received a pass from Bruce MacGregor during a third-period power play. He tied the record by defeating goaltender Gump Worsley with his remarkable wrist shot. The “Old Red Barn” vibrated that night as Howe received a five-minute standing ovation from the enthusiastic fans, who showered the ice with programs, hats, and other items.

In the following five games, spanning two weeks, Howe struggled once again to find the back of the net. Every Red Wings fan hoped that on November 10th, in a rematch against Montreal at Olympia, Gordie would finally make history. Three thousand fans who arrived at the ticket office were turned away because Olympia was sold out with an attendance of 15,027 fans. Even the standing room sections were packed with spectators standing three to five deep, while others sat on the steps.

Among the attendees was 8-year-old Mark Howe, who was brought to the rink by his father from their home in Lathrup Village. He watched the game alongside his mother, Colleen. The anticipation finally reached its climax. At the 15-minute mark of the second period, with the Wings shorthanded and holding onto a 2-0 lead, Red Wing Billy McNeill gained possession of the puck deep in Detroit territory. He then broke out with Howe on his left and Bill Gadsby on the opposite side for a 3-on-2 break. The Canadiens were defended by Dave Balon and Jacques Laperriere.

McNeill cut across the middle just past the Montreal blue line, and despite Gadsby being wide-open and calling for the puck, McNeill found Howe in full stride near the faceoff circle. Howe swiftly released a wrist shot just above the ice, that sailed between goalie Charlie Hodge’s left skate and the post.

Then, bedlam ensued. Goal judge John Miller repeatedly flashed the red light as Howe leaped off the ice with his stick raised, before falling to his knees behind the net. His teammates poured over the boards to celebrate with him. For nearly 10 minutes, the crowd erupted in cheers and chanted Howe’s name, while the PA announcer proclaimed his scoring record. Both teams retreated to their benches, waiting for the deafening ovation to subside, as the fans littered the ice with their extravagant celebrations.

The fans cheer and chant as Gordie Howe relaxes after breaking Maurice “The Rocket” Richard’s record.

According to the Detroit Free Press, police radios in scout cars, precinct stations, and patrol wagons received a special message from headquarters: “Attention all cars, Gordie Howe’s new record is 545.” It was a momentous occasion that nearly went unnoticed, Red Wings goaltender Terry Sawchuk achieved his 94th career shutout in the 3-0 victory, thus tying the record set by George Hainsworth.

Mark Howe, in an interview, stated, “People have asked me what was my greatest moment in hockey, and I always say it was that goal. The ovation just seemed to go on forever. I remember thinking, ‘I’m the only one in here who can say, ‘That’s my dad.'”

Elliott Trumbull fondly recalled the scene that unfolded before his eyes in the press box. “I’ll never forget Montreal captain Jean Beliveau skating over to the Detroit bench and shaking Gordie’s hand,” Trumbull said. “It was quite a moment.” Maurice Richard had retired from the Canadiens in 1960, but his brother, Henri, was still playing for the team and he also shook hands with Howe.

In the dressing room after the game, Howe confessed to reporters, “Ever since I tied the record, everything seemed much harder to accomplish. The pressure was getting to me, and it felt like everything depended on me scoring that goal. I must have lost 10 pounds during that period, but it’s all over now.” He received a wired note from former coach and general manager Jack Adams that read, “I knew you could do it. What took you so long?”

Jean Beliveau, captain of the Montreal Canadiens, presents Gordie Howe with a gift portrait the night Howe broke the all-time scoring record of Montreal’s Maurice “The Rocket” Richard.

Beliveau then entered the Detroit locker room and, on behalf of the Canadiens, presented the new scoring champion with an oil painting of himself. Mark Howe has cherished the painting ever since he left home at the age of 19. He exclaimed, “It’s the only item that I’ve ever wanted which belonged to my father.” The painting is proudly displayed in his New Jersey home.

After the game, Howe continued the tradition of signing autographs for fans outside the Red Wing locker room. He then drove to St. Clair Shores to witness the first freezing of the ice at the soon-to-be-opened Gordie Howe Hockeyland.

Howe defied all expectations and continued to play for seven more seasons in Detroit, famously defying Father Time. The highlight of his career came in the 1968-69 campaign when, at the age of 40, he scored 44 goals with 103 points. After his 1971 retirement, Howe briefly served in the Red Wings’ front office before resuming his playing career in the World Hockey Association alongside his sons, Mark and Marty. He played for six seasons before playing one final year in the NHL when Hartford joined the league in 1979-80. At the age of 52, he played all 80 games, scoring 15 goals. He finally retired at the end of the season.

Howe concluded his 26th NHL season with 801 regular-season goals. This record stood for nearly 31 years until Wayne Gretzky surpassed it in 1994. Despite Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin surpassing him in career goals, Howe still holds the record for the most regular-season goals (975) scored in professional hockey history when considering his WHA goals as well.

Bill Dow is a freelance writer in the Detroit area.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gordie Howe broke NHL’s all-time regular season goals record in 1963