To say that NHL legend Gordie Howe — also known as Mr. Hockey — had a remarkable career would be a huge understatement.

One of his greatest achievements? Playing until he was 52 years old … and oh, by the way, in his final season for the Hartford Whalers, he score 15 goals and totaled 41 points.

But back in October of 1997, when Howe was 69 years old, the Detroit Vipers of the IHL got him to suit up one more time for a game, giving him the chance to have played in a whopping six decades.

(AP Photo/Jeff Kowalsky)

From NHL.com:

According to media accounts of the game, The Palace was full to its capacity of 20,182 and Mr. Hockey received a standing ovation to start the game.

“That was beautiful,” Howe was quoted as saying after the game. “You always want to be in touch with the fans. The greeting was terrific.”

Howe played two shifts and was almost credited with a goal after a shot by Bred Shaw deflected off his shin and nearly went in the net.

Here’s footage from the game:

Pretty cool, isn’t it?

[presto-gallery id=”1916863″ title=”Gordie Howe through the years” type=”presto”]