Gordie Howe walking on his own after stroke, son says

NHL Hall of Famer Gordie Howe is progressing in his recovery from a stroke, according to his son Marty. 

Marty Howe told John Fraser of Sports for Saskatoon Media Group that his father is walking under his own power and his expected to make an appearance at a fundraising dinner in Saskatoon, Canada in February. 

Howe is expected to appear at the Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner on Feb. 6. The event will be a tribute to the longtime Detroit Red Wings star and will feature a keynote address by Wayne Gretzky. 

Howe suffered a major stroke in late October and was hospitalized again earlier this month with dehydration. He has suffered from dementia for several years.

Howe, 86, played 32 seasons of professional hockey, including 25 with the Red Wings. His final season was in 1979-80 at the age of 51, when he scored 15 goals in 80 games for the Hartford Whalers.

- Dan Gartland