Gordie Howe's Son On Naming Of Bridge: 'This Is As Big An Honor As He's Ever Had'
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Hockey legend Gordie Howe has received all kinds of recognition for his decades of fabulous play in the NHL, including election into the Hall of Fame and the retirement of his number, which hangs in the rafters at Joe Louis Arena.
On Thursday, Howe received an honor that transcends the sport.
A new bridge that will span the Detroit River will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Gordie's son Murray said the family learned of those plans last week but was sworn to secrecy. Keeping quiet about the big news was difficult, Murray said with a laugh in a phone interview Thursday.
"We're just so thrilled for him and just really thrilled for the people of Canada and the U.S. because ... every day people will be reminded of who Gordie Howe was and what he stood for, and my dad is really, he's such a great ambassador between the two countries," Murray said. "We spent so much time, too, as kids, traveling across that river for hockey practice and hockey games and stuff, so it's so fitting in so many ways.
"I think this is as big an honor as he's ever had, for sure," Murray added. "I can't imagine that anything they could do bigger."
Naming a hockey arena after a player is an impressive gesture, of course, but Murray said naming a bridge after a person is even more substantial.
"A bridge is just so long-standing and vast," Murray said. "It just seems to set itself apart as such a permanent structure, almost. And, you know, bridges are kind of big and powerful like my dad, so it's kind of fitting in that way as well. But yes, the fact that it's more than just hockey I think it does make it extra special."
Even with all Howe has done, how beloved he is in both Canada and the United States, the family was still surprised to hear the bridge would be named for him.
"It's such a huge, huge honor," Murray said. "The first thing I did was call my dad and told him about it, and he was thrilled. He said, 'Well, that sounds really good to me.' He was very pleased."