Wings issue statement on Howe's condition

Oct 29, 2014 - 11:56 PM Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday offered an update on the condition of hockey ambassador and franchise icon Gordie Howe, who suffered a health setback over the weekend.

"The Howe family would like to thank friends, family and fans for your overwhelming well-wishes, prayers and support for Gordie. He suffered a significant stroke on Sunday morning while at his daughters home in Lubbock, Texas," read the statement, issued by Hall-of-Fame defenseman and current Red Wings scout Mark Howe, Gordie's middle son.

"His condition remains guarded although he is showing some signs of improvement. We acknowledge that there is a long road to recovery ahead, but Dad's spirits are good and his competitive attitude remains strong."

Howe's stroke was a sudden downturn after a relatively peaceful period. According to a Toronto Sun piece from late September, the 86-year-old Hall-of- Famer was forced to undergo surgery in August to correct narrowing of his spinal canal which made it almost impossible for Howe to walk and caused him debilitating pain.

The paper also revealed the elder Howe had a seizure in early September and also endured a series of smaller strokes. He had apparently made enough progress to walk without assistance once more.

"It's sad news of the stroke and the family is all in there and we're praying and hoping for a speedy recovery," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock added.