Colleen Howe

Colleen Janet Joffa Howe (February 17, 1933 – March 6, 2009) was a sports agent who founded Power Play International and Power Play Publications to manage the business interests of her husband, Hall of Fame ice hockey player Gordie Howe, as well as those of their sons Marty and Mark.

[1] As a civic leader, she brought the first Junior A hockey team to the United States, built the first indoor rink for public use in Michigan, and ran for Congress.

[2][4] She was instrumental in the construction of Michigan's first indoor ice hockey rink, named the Gordie Howe Hockeyland arena, located in the Detroit suburb of St. Clair Shores.

[nb 1][9] Colleen Howe has stated in an open letter: "Both Gordie and I stem from humble, rural origins.

Howe was a candidate in the special Republican primary held in Connecticut's first congressional district in 1981 following the death of William R. Cotter.

Mark Howe started his professional hockey career at the age of 18 in the WHA and went on to become a Hall of Fame defenseman in the NHL; he is currently a pro scout for the Detroit Red Wings.

Marty Howe played initially for the WHA at 19; he later changed careers and became a home builder and designer.

[2] Her son, Murray, who diverged from the family's footsteps to become a doctor, helped treat Howe during her ordeal with Pick's disease.

[2] When a picture of Howe and Gordie lit up the scoreboard, fans responded with a standing ovation at the Friday, March 6, 2009 Vancouver Giants' game against the Calgary Hitmen at the Pacific Coliseum.