The legendary Gordie Howe who passed away in June will still be very much present during the Red Wings 2016-2017 season and beyond.
The Detroit Red Wings announced the team will sport a red No. 9 patch on their jerseys for all home and away games this season. The team will also have a red No. 9 painted behind both nets at the Joe Louis Arena as a tribute to Mr. Hockey.
"Our team wanted to honor ‘Mr. Hockey,’ due to his incredible impact on the game of hockey, the Red Wings organization and the city of Detroit,” said Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment, in a statement. “Wearing the ‘9’ jersey patch will be one of many ways our team will celebrate and look back on the life and career of Gordie during the upcoming season.”
On October 17, during the home opener for the Wings, fans will get a Gordie Howe poster. The Red Wings are also planning on hosting a Gordie Howe Replica Statue Night on November 4. The first 5,000 fans will get a small replica of the Gordie Howe statue that's currently at the entrance of The Joe.
