Howe, now.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Gordie Howe, possibly the greatest hockey player ever. He was good enough to earn the nickname "Mr. Hockey" and was the NHL's highest scorer until Wayne Gretzky came along. Now he's No. 2.

He was one of my hockey heroes as a kid, along with the likes of Bobby Hull, the Esposito brothers (Phil and Tony), and my favorite, Bobby Orr.

Howe had a long professional career, extending it long enough that he could play on the same team professionally as his sons. He was tough, he was cool, and he was an amazing player — and now he's off to ride that big Zamboni in the sky! RIP, Mr. Hockey!