The Gordie Howe International Bridge, slated to open on July 27, will span the Detroit River, linking Michigan and Ontario in a seamless flow of trade and commuters.
Engineers and planners have highlighted the crossing’s role as the busiest land border in North America, promising a boost to regional economies on both sides.
The Man Behind the Name
Gordie Howe, born in Floral, Saskatchewan in 1928, emerged as one of hockey’s most durable stars, skating for the Detroit Red Wings across five decades.
His 25‑year tenure with Detroit produced four Stanley Cup championships in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955, and his No. 9 sweater now hangs in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena.
Howe’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, his 1,685 penalty minutes, and the invention of the “Gordie Howe hat trick” cement his mythic status.
Even after retirement, Howe returned to the NHL at age 52 for the 1979‑80 season, a testament to his enduring physicality and love of the game.
A Cross‑Border Tribute
The bridge’s naming was first suggested in 2010, and a ceremony in 2015 featured Murray Howe, Gordie’s son, alongside political figures and hockey greats.
Wayne Gretzky, who idolized Howe and later broke his scoring records, delivered a eulogy at Howe’s funeral in June 2016, a service attended by Steve Yzerman, Al Kaline and other Detroit sports legends.
The tribute extended to a moment of silence during the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, and thousands gathered at Joe Louis Arena to pay respects.
Beyond the ceremony, the bridge stands as a lasting monument to Howe’s impact on both Detroit and Canada, symbolizing the shared spirit of two nations united by sport and commerce.