Mark Howe going to Hockey Hall of Fame

Former Flyers defenseman Mark Howe has been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Howe played for the Flyers from 1982-92. Howe played 929 games in 18 NHL seasons and scored 197 goals and 545 assists. Howe started his professional career in the World Hockey Association, where he played with his legendary father, Gordie, and his brother Marty. Mark Howe played 426 games in the WHA, scoring 208 goals and 296 assists.

With the Flyers, Howe was a smooth and fast skater who was equally strong on the power play or defending a power play.

Howe, a Detroit native, played junior hockey in Toronto before turning professional with the Houston Aeros in 1973. He stayed in the WHA until the merger with the NHL, playing with the Hartford Whalers, Flyers and Detroit Red Wings before retiring in 1995.

"I was elated to have this dream come true given that it is a tremendous honor just to have my name mentioned with the upper echelon of hockey," Howe said. "To actually have my name in the Hall of Fame with my Dad will mean so much to my family."

"Mark Howe is the first Flyers defenseman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and rightfully so," said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and Flyers founder Ed Snider. "When he played for the Flyers, he was the ultimate leader both on and off the ice. He is one helluva guy and one of the classiest men I've ever been around. I'm particularly proud of Mark on his outstanding career and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This is a tremendous honor for Mark and I'd like to congratulate him on this milestone in his career."

"Mark Howe was one of the greatest defensemen of his era," said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "His skill and grace, as well as his leadership ability, both on and off the ice, put him in a class by himself. The Flyers are proud to see one of our former players be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame."

Howe will be joined in this year's Hall of Fame class by Doug Gilmour, Joe Niewendyk and Ed Belfour. The 18-person selection committee announced the class of 2011 this afternoon.

The induction ceremony in Toronto will be Nov. 14.

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