Gordie Howe is recovering well enough from recent health issues that he is expected to appear at a Saskatoon gala event this winter, his family says.

The 86-year-old hockey legend, who’s spent the past few months recovering in Texas from a series of strokes, will be honoured at the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon’s Sports Celebrity Dinner on Feb. 6.

His family told the Kinsmen Club he is walking under his own power and that they expect him to make his final public appearance at the dinner.

Wayne Gretzky will host the event and serve as keynote speaker, the club announced.

The pair shared the stage, alongside Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the same event in 2009.

Other NHL guests, who’ve yet to be announced, are also set to attend the gala.