DETROIT -- Gordie Howe, the rough-and-tumble Canadian farm boy whose blend of boundless talent and toughness made him the NHL's quintessential star during a career that lasted into his 50s, has died.

Gordie Howe, considered one of the NHL's greatest players and ambassadors, died Friday at 88. His nickname says it all: Mr. Hockey," said Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke.

Hockey's royalty gathered Friday night in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to honor Mr. Hockey, and Gordie Howe -- on his death bed just two months ago at his daughter's home in West Texas -- didn't ...