Fans often look for family connections in sports, especially when a name as iconic as Gordie Howe's is involved.
Even though the Canadian athletesTanner Howe and Gordie Howe share the same last name and are connected to hockey, there is no familial relationship between them.
Tanner Howe is a young hockey player who plays as a forward in the Western Hockey League (WHL), whereas Gordie Howe played as a right-wing in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Gordie Howe, who passed away in June 2016, had an extraordinary career spanning five decades (1946–1980), primarily with the Detroit Red Wings.
In December 2024, Tanner Howe was selected to represent Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Even Though Not Related by Blood, Tanner Considers Gordie Howe, His Favorite Player
While they are not related, Tanner’s relentless work ethic is similar to that of Gordie Howe, whom he considers his inspiration.
Both Gordie and Tanner Howe are prominent figures in hockey, albeit from different generations.
This shared involvement in the sport adds to the assumption that they could be related.
Gordie Howe’s home was Floral, Saskatchewan, while Tanner was born in Prince Albert, less than 100 miles away.
Both are Saskatchewan boys with remarkable talent on the ice, which often leads to the conclusion that they are related.
A fan jokingly said,
“Is that Gordie’s great great great grandson?”
Born on March 31, 1928, Gordie Howe played for the King George Athletic Club in Saskatoon in 1942. At 15, he attended a New York Rangers training camp in Winnipeg.
Gordie Howe made his NHL debut on October 16, 1946, at age 18, playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
He played 26 seasons in the NHL, 25 of them with the Detroit Red Wings, where he won four Stanley Cups (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955).
Known for his immense physical strength, Howe dominated opponents throughout his career, finishing in the top five in NHL scoring for 20 consecutive seasons.
Nicknamed “Mr. Hockey,” Howe scored 801 career NHL goals and recorded 1,850 points, making him one of the all-time leading scorers in NHL history.
On the other hand, Tanner Howe was born on November 28, 2005.
He began his major junior career with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 2020-2021 season.
Over multiple seasons with the Pats, he demonstrated consistent offensive production in the 2022-2023 season.
In 2024, he was traded to the Calgary Hitmen, where he continued to contribute significantly.
Described as an “energy forward” and “power forward,” he excels in forechecking and is adept at using his body to gain advantageous positioning.
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Howe in the second round, 46th overall, of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on July 10, 2024.
Similarly, Howe has represented Canada with distinction. He secured a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and a bronze at the World Under-18 Championship in 2023.
Although Tanner Howe is not Part of his Family, Gordie Howe had his own Family That Carried on his Legacy
The Howe family is widely respected for their contributions both within and beyond the realm of ice hockey.
Gordie and his wife, Colleen, had four children: Mark, Marty, Murray, and Cathy.
Mark and Marty followed in their father’s footsteps, pursuing professional hockey careers.
The eldest Mark also earned a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Murray chose a different path, becoming a radiologist and authoring a book celebrating his father’s values while Cathy maintained a private life.
Gordie also achieved the unique feat of playing alongside his sons, Mark and Marty, in the WHA, creating a lasting family moment in hockey history.
The Howe family’s legacy also continues through Gordie’s grandchildren, each of whom has pursued diverse paths.
Mark Howe’s son, Nolan, has shown interest in hockey without reaching the professional level.
Murray Howe’s son, Corey, has been active in promoting his grandfather’s legacy, participating in initiatives such as the Gordie Howe Sports Complex in Saskatoon.
While not all of Gordie’s descendants pursued hockey, their family remains deeply connected to his contributions to the sport.
In case you did not know
Gordie Howe was an ambidextrous hockey player.
He won the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) six times and the Art Ross Trophy (top scorer) six times.
Tanner Cowe shoots left and primarily plays as a left winger.
Rasu Rajbanshi, a BBA gradaute works as a freelance content writer and tries to bring ideas to life through words, by creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
