Video: Watch announcement here

WINDSOR, ONTARIO -- The new cross-border bridge set to be built over the Detroit River by 2020 will be named Gordie Howe International Bridge, officials were expected to announce Thursday.

Howe, an 87-year-old hockey icon born in Saskatchewan, spent 25 years with the Detroit Red Wings.

The bridge project had been known as the New International Trade Crossing or the Detroit River International Crossing during years of preparation for construction, but Canadian and U.S. officials gathered Thursday in Windsor to announce an official name.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was preparing to make the announcement around noon.

"Mr. Hockey, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, is a proud Canadian who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories, building extraordinary goodwill between our two countries," Harper said in a statement provided ahead of the announcement. "It is my sincere hope that this bridge, which bears his name, will continue this proud legacy by accelerating the flow of people, merchandise and services between our great nations for years to come."

Howe suffered a severe stroke in October, but saw significant recovery after stem cell treatments in Mexico.

The bridge project won federal approvals and permits and saw the establishment of committees to oversee construction and operation last year.

A Canadian public-private partnership plans to cover the cost of building the $2.1 billion bridge, and in February agreed to add the cost of a $250 million customs plaza on the U.S. side.

Toll revenues collected on the U.S. side of the bridge will go toward repayment for the American share of the project.