Gordie Howe was known as "Mr. Hockey," and the seemingly indestructible Hall of Famer played 25 seasons as a right wing on the Detroit Red Wings. He retired, for the first time, after the 1970-71 season, and he accepted a position as a vice President for the Red Wings. He stayed in that position for about a year, which is the period in which the pen and pen holder was presented to him. Howe came out of retirement in time for the 1973-74 season, and he played six seasons in the World Hockey Association, followed by his final NHL season with the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80. Both the length and width of the pen holder's base is 4.25". On the top of the pen holder is printed "Gordon Howe Vice president Detroit Red Wings." The included ballpoint pen is 6.25" long. It does not presently write, but it could easily write with a new ink refill. Howe was an unusual combination of grace and power, and he was known to be a rough player against opposing teams. In fact, he was so good on offense and so tough on the ice, that the term "a Gordie Howe hat trick" originated. That meant: a goal, an assist, and a fight. The pen holder is in excellent condition, and this Gordie Howe pen holder and pen combination will provoke interest - whether in a collection or on a desk.