DETROIT -- There's no relationship more special than the one that Gordie Howe shares with the city of Detroit and with Red Wings fans.
Howe made a rare appearance at Joe Louis Arena Monday night as the Wings held a celebration in honor of Howe's 88th birthday, which is this Thursday.
"It's a challenge for him," said Mark Howe, Gordie's son and the Wings' director of pro scouting. "He really hasn't been here since he had his stroke. So many people from the Detroit area and a lot of people here at the Joe, they reached out to him.