Gordie Howes toughne s has never been questioned. It wasnt during his lengthy playing career and it wont be at the age of 86. Mr. Hockey is said to be continually improving after suffering what was termed as a pretty bad stroke back in late October.That stroke was part of a series of strokes suffered by the longtime star that left Howes mobility and speech severely limited. Despite the odds being stacked against him, it sounds like things are looking up lately after Kent Tekulve Jersey Howe went for a special stem cell treatment in mid-December.Son Mark Howe, who was at Saturday's game between the Wings and in his role as a Wings pro scout, told the Free Pre s that Gordie Howe "is doing very well, overall."Before the treatment, Mark Howe said, his father's mobility was limited to shuffling his feet forward while sitting in a wheelchair. Now he's able to kick a small ball around outside. And within the past few days, "dad was pushing a cart at a grocery store, and he's gone to the mall," Mark Howe said.Howe remains in Lubbock, Texas, where he has been living with his daughter Cathy. The Howe familys strength through this entire proce s has to have helped their famous father. They also have kept the public in the loop on what has been happening with one of the most popular players in NHL history and a true North American sporting icon. Its pretty remarkable all around from the First Family of hockey, but Mr. Hockey himself has been truly inspiring in this fight. Thomas Hatch Jersey