Vic Howe, younger brother of Gordie Howe, passes away at 85

Vic Howe, the younger brother of Gordie, has passed away. He was 85.

Sad news from hockey's first family. Vic Howe, the younger brother of Gordie, passed away on Saturday. He was 85.

Vic's career paled next to the accomplishments of his older brother. He spent much of his time in the game bouncing around the minor leagues, but scored three goals and seven points in 33 games with the New York Rangers from 1950 to 1955.

Hockey historian Bob Duff recalled the first time the two players met on NHL ice:

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Playing in just his 13th NHL game against Gordie and the Wings on Jan. 27, 1955, Vic fired a 35-foot screen shot past Terry Sawchuk at 11:57 of the third period to fashion a 3-3 tie before 10,667 at Olympia Stadium. Gordie, who would retire in 1980 as the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader with 801, was held off the score sheet.

“How about that kid brother of mine?” Gordie told Associated Press. “I invite him to my house, he eats my steak and then he does a thing like that.”

Vic was expected to appear alongside Gordie this Friday at the highly anticipated Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner in their hometown of Saskatoon. No word yet from organizers if this tragedy will change Gordie's plans.

Our condolences go out to the Howe family.