The Free Press reported police radios in scout cars, precinct stations and patrol wagons heard the message from headquarters: “Attention all cars, Gordie Howe’s new record is 545.”

“People have asked me what was my greatest moment in hockey, and I always say it was that goal,” Mark Howe said in an interview. “The ovation just went on like it seemed forever. I remember thinking, ‘I’m the only one in here who can say, ‘that’s my dad.’ ”