Howe Recovers From Surgery

Gordie Howe was recuperating Tuesday from surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his left shin.

The Hockey Hall of Famer had surgery at Toledo Hospital.

"He went through the surgery extremely well," hospital spokeswoman Colleen Grubb said. "His prognosis is excellent."

Patients who have the surgery typically have a 10-day recuperation period. Howe was released Monday. His phone number is unlisted and he could not be reached for comment.

Howe began a 25-year career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1946. After a brief retirement, he joined the Houston Aeros of the now-defunct World Hockey Association, playing with sons Mark and Marty. He finished his career back in the NHL in 1980 with the Hartford Whalers.

Howe scored 801 goals and had 1,049 assists in 1,767 NHL regular-season games. He led the Red Wings to four Stanley Cup championships.

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