Saskatoon Blades to honour Gordie Howe

The Saskatoon Blades are set to honour Gordie Howe after the city declared Sept. 25 as “Thank You Mr. Hockey Day.”

“It’s going to be an incredibly historic day, this is our chance to thank the Howe family for all they did for us,” said Saskatoon Blades president Steve Hogle.

“We think we’re going to pack the place and have a fantastic day.”

The day starts with a private ceremony for the Howe family. They will place Gordie and wife Colleen’s ashes in the statue outside Sasktel Centre. 

What follows is an afternoon of celebrations culminated by the Saskatoon Blades home opener against Swift Current. Events include a tailgate party in the Sasktel Centre parking lot and a special pre-game ceremony. Hockey broadcast legend Bob Cole will serve as host.

Bob Cole has a special announcement…#ohbaby pic.twitter.com/Fs7vHYBdtJ

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) September 6, 2016

Blades players will also wear Howe themed jerseys for the game, as well as stickers on their helmets bearing Howe’s signature.

“(Gordie) never bragged or anything like that but I am sure he will be looking down and smiling at all the things that are happening,” said Gordie’s son Marty Howe.  

Here are the jerseys @BladesHockey will wear to tribute Gordie Howe on Sept 25. @CKOMNews #Yxe #ThankYouMrHockey pic.twitter.com/VxMRBhciEe

— Ryan Brandt (@Ryan_Brandt) September 6, 2016

Doors to Sasktel Centre open at 1 p.m. Trophies Howe won are being brought in from the Hockey Hall Of Fame to be put on display. The first 6,000 people inside the arena will get special Howe themed items.