Gordie Howe’s comeback at 44 set for big screen
Gordie Howe’s comeback at age 44 to the upstart World Hockey Association will be the subject of a new movie.
Producers Howard Baldwin and Karen Baldwin announced the project on Monday at a Los Angeles Kings game against the Detroit Red Wings, Howe’s former team. Monday was also the 60th anniversary of Howe’s first National Hockey League goal.
The Baldwins will produce the film alongside David E. Kelley, the producer behind television shows Ally McBeal and Boston Public. The three producers previously delved into the world of sticks and pucks with the Russell Crowe film Mystery, Alaska.
“The World Hockey Association was part of my life growing up,” Kelley said in a statement released Tuesday. “Gordie Howe has always been an idol, so this project has special meaning for me.”
The man known as Mr. Hockey led Detroit to four Stanley Cup championships and scored 1,071 goals during his pro career. He finished his career playing for the Hartford Whalers, which Howard Baldwin owned for 17 years. Kelley’s father Jack was also GM and coach of the Whalers.
The Whalers left Hartford in 1997 and became the Carolina Hurricanes.
The WHA was the main rival of the NHL from 1972 until it merged with the league in 1979. Like the American Basketball Association did with the National Basketball Association, the WHA ó co-founded by ABA promoter Gary Davidson ó pitted league against league in a bidding war for the best players, which led to the general escalation of salaries for professional athletes.
Bobby Hull became the biggest name NHL player to bolt to the WHA when he joined the Winnipeg Jets in 1972 after they offered him a contract that included an unprecedented $1-million signing bonus.
The improbable arrival and success of Howe for the 1973 season in the new league is the focus of the new film.
Coming out of a two-year retirement, Howe played alongside his sons Mark and Marty in the 1973-74 season, led the Houston Aeros to the championship and was named league MVP. Howe’s wife Colleen served as agent-manager for both her husband and two sons that year.
“I am really excited that this film has come to fruition,” Howe said. “The thrill of playing with my two sons that first year in Houston could only be surpassed by telling the story on the big screen.”
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