Gordie Howe's son: Mr. Hockey's condition 'definitely headed in the wrong direction'

Gordie Howe's health has taken a turn for the worse.

Howe's son, Mark, told Ken Campbell of The Hockey News that his father's condition has declined since the family offered a positive update earlier this month.

“(Gordie) is having a really difficult time here,” Mark said. "Things are definitely headed in the wrong direction."

Mark sent an e-mail to family members last week informing them that Gordie's health was worsening and suggested that it may be time to consider hospice care, according to Campbell.

The 86-year-old hockey legend suffered a serious stroke in late October.

He was honored by the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 31 and watched the ceremony after the fact from his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas.

“As a family, if we’re not going to be able to reduce his pain, the outcome is not going to be good," Mark said.

Despite the setback, Mark did provide one glimmer of hope.

“When I got here last night, (Gordie) opened his eyes,” he said. “And I know a lot about this from being around my mom that they hear what you say and they know what you say. So that part is still very much there.”