When Gordie Howe pulled off something no NHL legend ever dared to try

Gordie Howe played pro hockey between 1946 and 1980, and that was impressive enough. But he also came back for one shift to claim a sixth decade in hockey.

Wayne Gretzky Breaks Gordie Howes Record | Andrew D. Bernstein/GettyImagesIn one of the most legendary careers in NHL history and the most legendary career in franchise history, Gordie Howe "only" spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. To put that into perspective, he played for one team between his age-18 and age-42 seasons.

If that doesn't impress you, then maybe the fact he played without ever wearing a helmet for that long will, and you can say the same for his days with the Houston Aeros and New England/Hartford Whalers. That'll…