BIRTHPLACE: Detroit, Mich.

BORN: May 28, 1955

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: Houston Aeros, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers

As the son of legendary Hall of Famer Gordie Howe, Mark Howe grew up among hockey royalty. As a 16-year-old, Mark went on to become a key member of the 1972 silver medal-wining U.S. Olympic hockey team at Sapporo, Japan. From there, Howe exploded onto the pro hockey scen in 1973-74 when he tallied 79 points en route to earning WHA Rookie of the Year honors for the Houston Aeros Avco Cup championship team. Howe would lead his club to a second straight Cup that next year as well.

Thre years later, Howe went on to play for the New England Whalters, where he scored an outstanding 107 points. In 1979 the Whalers became known as the NHL's Hartford Whalers. Howe, meanwhile, was moved from forward to defense, where he played with the Whalers from 1979-82. Among his many records with the Whalers, Howe held the franchise record of scoring points in 21 straight games.

In 1982 Howe signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. He would remain with the Broadstreet Bullies for 10 years, and made history along the way. There, Howe became the team's all-time leader among defensemen in goals (138), assists (342) and points (480). In fact, when it was all said and done, Howe was the scond-highest scoring defenseman in professional hockey, with 1,246 points in 929 NHL games and 426 WHA games. Howe would also play in a pair of Stanley Cup Finals with the Flyers in 1985 and 1987.

In 1992 Howe left Philly to sign with the Detroit Red Wings, helping to lead the club to the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals. That same year Howe retired.

Among his many honors and accolades, Howe was a three-time runner up for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the NHL's top defenseman. A three-time First Team All Star in 1983, 1987 and 1988, Howe also played in four NHL All-Star Games in 1983, 1986, 1987 and 1988. In addition, in 1986, he was awarded the Emery Edge for the best plus/minu sin the league. Furthermore, in 2001 Howe was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame.