Gordie—The Movie

Ready for another hockey movie? David Kelley, Mike Illitch, the Baldwins (Howard and Karen, not Alec and Billy) and the Howe family think so. They’ll collaborate on a film about the WHA’s second season, 1973-74, when 44 year old Gordie came out of retirement to join sons Mark and Marty on the Houston Aeros. David Kelley, of course, is the son of former BU coach Jack Kelley, and the award-winning writer director whose credits include Ally McBeal, The Practice and Mystery Alaska. Howard Baldwin was the original owner of the New England Whalers when Jack was coach and general manager, and later owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins with the elder Kelley serving as team president.

So, who will play the role of NHL Hall of Famer Howe? Bobby Hanson, who portrayed David Silk in Miracle? Too young. BU All-American Mike Hyndman, who played Cornell’s Francois LaFleur in Love Story and punched out Ryan O’Neal? Too old. How about MacGyver—Richard Dean Anderson? He’s about the right age and still plays in charity hockey games.

One more BU connection here is Travis Howe, Gordie’s grandson, who heads the East Coast Selects program and has coached future Terriers Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen and Corey Trivino.