Howe's family says his condition is guarded

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) Gordie Howe's family says the hockey Hall of Famer's condition remains ''guarded'' but his spirits are good after a significant stroke Sunday.

The family released a statement through the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. The stroke occurred over the weekend at his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas. The family says the 86-year-old Howe is showing some signs of improvement, but there is a long road to recovery ahead.

Howe's family reports that his competitive spirit remains strong.

The man known as ''Mr. Hockey'' set NHL marks with 801 goals and 1,850 points - mostly with the Red Wings - that held up until Wayne Gretzky surpassed him in the record book.