This Koho hockey stick was game used by Gordie Howe while playing for the WHA New England Whalers. Affectionately known as Mr. Hockey, Howe is considered the greatest pre-expansion player ever, and in the minds of many the greatest of any era.

Howe’s career totals for goals 801 and points 1850 have only been surpassed by Wayne Gretzky. Gordie played an incredible 1767 NHL games, a record that will likely never be broken. His NHL career spanned an amazing 26 seasons. After a 2-year retirement from hockey following the 1970-71 season, Howe, then in his mid 40’s, was lured back to professional hockey by the Houston Aeros of the WHA. His first season back saw him score 100 points. He continued to play at a high level through the remainder of the decade as a member of the WHA. His WHA totals are impressive in their own right, with 508 points in 419 games played, while in his mid 40’s to his early 50’s.

Following the 1978-79 season, the WHA’s last, the New England Whalers, Howe’s current WHA team, gained entry into the NHL as the Hartford Whalers. Then in his 50’s, Howe fulfilled a lifelong dream as he played in the NHL with his two sons, Mark and Marty. His final NHL season, while in his 50’s, was unlike that of many athletes who hang around too long. Gordie scored a productive 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points.

He was a (21) time 1st or 2nd team NHL All Star as well as a (2) time 1st team WHA All Star. Howe was the winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States, (4) Stanley Cups, (6) Art Ross Trophies for leading the NHL in scoring and (6) Hart Memorial Trophies as the league’s MVP. When you think of a power forward from hockey’s early days, this is the man that comes to mind. He was as skilled and as tough as they came, earning his nickname of Mr. Hockey.

This Koho was originally obtained from the former president of the New England Whalers Booster Club Joe Antinerella, and was apparently used to score goal #999 of Howe's incredible career.  It's actually a Tom Webster stick, with the stamped "Webster" on the shaft blackened out and with Howe's #9 added in black marker.  Properly taped in Howe's fashion on the butt and the blade, it is date stamped "MAR 14 1975". The stick has a wicked curve and is autogaphed "To Joe Best Regards, Gordie Howe.