[Deadman]

It is already been established that Howe fought very little and not that terribly well in the NHL. I wanted to investigate the earlier statement that Howe had 35 fights in his minor league stay in Omaha, and that he put 4 guys in the hospital. Also, it was pointed out that these 35 fights only accumulated 53 penalty minutes because the refs usually would not call penalties.

I searched on the internet and found the name of a gentleman named Gary Anderson who wrote a the most comprehensive book ever regarding the Omaha Knights. It has stories, the team history, etc. I found his phone number in Elkhorn, Nebraska and just spoke to him.

He was very nice and said he would be glad to answer any question he has regarding the team. I read him the above statement and he laughed a bit and said it just wasn't true. He said he had gone thru the box scores and stories of every game during Howe's year with the Knights. He said that Gordie did get into a couple fights early that year, but his coach at that time (Tommy Ivan, later of Blackhawk fame) more less calmed him down and more less put a stop to it. He wasn't aware of any hospitalized opponents. I guess Gordie could have injured someone, but you would think this guy would have read about it. Nevertheless, the 35 fights is apparently more MYTH. He said maybe 4, 5 fights would be what he recalls from the box scores.

When I asked him about refs not calling penalties, he laughed and said that was ridiculous. He said they called majors just like today. We talked a bit and he said the biggest name fighter that played down there was Steve Durbano, who he said had over 400 pim in that season. He added that with Durbano I would have my 35 fights a season!

For anyone interested, his book is called "Those Were the Knights." Heck, it might be worth ordering. If interested, here's the info....

"Those Were the Knights: The History of Professional Hockey in Omaha" is available now by mail order. It is a 140-page, 8 1/2x11 softbound book with a color cover and about 150 black and white photos. It is a complete, year-by-year history of the Omaha Knights from 1939-75 and includes all stats and Omaha records for about 400 players and coaches. Cost is $23, including shipping and handling. Make checks or money orders out to Gary Anderson and send to Those Were the Knights, P.O. Box 691, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

This myth about Howe as a great fighter may be the most powerful one in sports. Facts and evidence just seem to be mere nuisanses to be shoved aside or trampled on as the myth gains more power each passing day!