Colleen Howe

Colleen Joffa Howe (February 17, 1933 – March 6, 2009) was a sports agent who founded Power Play International and Power Play Publications to manage the business interests of her husband, Hall of Fame hockey player Gordie Howe, as well as those of their sons Marty and Mark. She was married to Gordie for 55 years, until her death. As a civic leader, she brought the first Junior A hockey team to the United States, built the first indoor rink for public use in Michigan, and ran for Congress. In 2000, as "Mrs. Hockey", Howe received the Wayne Gretzky International Award - presented to individuals "who have made major contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the United States" - from the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, along with her husband (known as "Mr. Hockey") and their two sons Mark and Marty.

Professional career

Howe was one of the founders of the Detroit Junior Red Wings, the first Junior A hockey team in the United States. She served as general manager for three years and formed Power Play International to manage Gordie, Marty and Mark's business interests. She registered her husband's name (Gordie Howe), nickname (Mr. Hockey), and her own nickname (Mrs. Hockey) as trademarks. She was instrumental in the construction of Michigan's first indoor ice hockey rink, named the Gordie Howe Hockeyland arena, located in the Detroit suburb of St. Clair Shores. She was named Sportswoman of the Year in Detroit in 1972, followed by Michigan Sportswoman of the Year in 1973. The Colleen J. Howe Arena in Sandusky, Michigan was named in her honour. The Colleen & Gordie Howe Middle School, Abbotsford, British Columbia, British Columbia and the Howe Arena in Traverse City, Michigan are also named in their honour. Howe established the 65-city 65th birthday Gordie Howe tribute tour and the Howe Foundation which supported charities. Howe was also the proud recipient of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce award for outstanding community achievement in 1979.