Red Wings legend Gordie Howe was in attendance Wednesday night for Detroit's 4-1 exhibition victory over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, marking his first visit back to Joe Louis Arena since he suffered a series of strokes.

Tomas Tatar had a hat trick, and Justin Abdelkader added a goal for Detroit.

In spite of dementia and a serious stroke suffered last October, Howe has experienced a dramatic recovery with the help of stem cell procedures. While he has stayed away from public appearances, Howe, 87, was in attendance as he was honored by his hometown Saskatoon Kinsmen at their annual sports celebrity dinner in February.

In December, Howe's family said his response to a stem cell clinical trial had his physical therapists "astonished." When he was tested at the time, Howe's ability to name items had gone from less than 25 percent before the treatment to 85 percent.

Howe, who is still undergoing treatment, played in 1,767 career NHL regular-season games, scored 801 goals and registered 1,049 assists.

ESPN's Scott Burnside and The Associated Press contributed to this report.