A History of Hockey Prodigies

Gordie Howe

Nov 14, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Gordie Howe is congratulated during the second period as the Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Being slightly dyslexic with a calcium deficiency  as a kid did not stop the future legend to make it into the NHL. He was extremely fit and tough as a teenager and had a huge advantage by being ambidextrous (the sticks were straight back then, so a player could easily switch sides if he wanted to).

Despite not making the New York Rangers as a fifteen-year-old (!), he eventually went on to have great success in the United States Hockey League as a 17-year-old and caught the eyes of Detroit Red Wings scouts, including legendary coach Jack Adams. The rest is history.