The Hockey World Reacts To Gordie Howe's Passing
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
Gordie Howe, one of the finest players to ever lace up a pair of skates, passed away at the age of 88 on Friday morning, June 10. A beloved figure in the hockey world, Howe's death has triggered a number of heartfelt responses from players, coaches and fans alike. A running compilation of tweets is below.
Thoughts and prayers to the Howe family as Gordie Howe passes away at the age of 88. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/i9KRzXRgwV
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 10, 2016
World lost one of the greatest human beings and the best all time hockey player. Thanks for many lessons and memories. RIP Gordie
— Pavel Datsyuk (@Datsyuk13) June 10, 2016
Very sad to hear about the passing of Gordie Howe. A great friend, alumnus and mentor. Thinking of the Howe family. pic.twitter.com/f2Q82emnBi
— Joe Kocur (@kocurfoundation) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers. The reason I wore #9. #9RIP..
— Mike Modano (@9modano) June 10, 2016
Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. Thank you for your impact on hockey in North America and around the world. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/gJnVPu2cGa
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) June 10, 2016
RIP Mr. Hockey. Sad to see such a legend go and will miss seeing you around the rink. #Gordie
— Danny DeKeyser (@DeKeyser5) June 10, 2016
"He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter." - Mike Ilitch #9RIP pic.twitter.com/3p5EyEQgIJ
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 10, 2016
A true legend of the game. You're contributions in life and in hockey will never be forgotten Mr. Howe. Rest in peace.
— Kyle Okposo (@bookerT2116) June 10, 2016
Very sad to hear about Gordie Howe #MrHockey#thebest9 He was one of my owners of my junior team and was a big reason I wear the number 9.
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) June 10, 2016
Unfortunately we lost the greatest hockey player ever today, but more importantly the nicest man I have ever met. (1/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) June 10, 2016
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Howe family and to the millions of hockey fans who like me loved Gordie Howe. RIP Mr. Hockey. (2/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) June 10, 2016
Sad day, thoughts and prayers to the Howe family. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/CizHqRJlgq
— Gustav Nyquist (@GNyquist) June 10, 2016
Tough to see another legend pass, RIP Mr. Hockey
— Andreas Athanasiou (@AndreasA86) June 10, 2016
Prayers to Gordie Howe and his family. #legend #9
— Riley Sheahan (@rsheahan15) June 10, 2016
Condolences to former teammate Mark and the Howe family. Knowing Gordie Howe was a Red Wing was in part what made being one so special RIP
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) June 10, 2016
Statement from Red Berenson on passing of Gordie Howe. #MrHockey pic.twitter.com/hQp8U1CJaN
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe was an inspiration to me, both on & off the ice. Thank you, Gordie, for setting the benchmark. #MrHockey pic.twitter.com/h04HgUNvFg
— Justin Abdelkader (@justinabss) June 10, 2016
Shortly after Howe's death, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement.
"All hockey fans grieve the loss of the incomparable Gordie Howe.
"A remarkable athlete whose mastery of our sport was reflected by the longevity of his career and by his nickname, 'Mr. Hockey,' Gordie's commitment to winning was matched only by his commitment to his teammates, to his friends, to the Red Wings, to the city of Detroit and – above all – to his family. His devotion to Colleen through her illness and the fact that he extended his playing days into a fifth decade so he could play with his sons are only two examples of that true priority in his life.
"Gordie's greatness travels far beyond mere statistics; it echoes in the words of veneration spoken by countless players who joined him in the Hockey Hall of Fame and considered him their hero.
"Gordie's toughness as a competitor on the ice was equaled only by his humor and humility away from it. No sport could have hoped for a greater, more-beloved ambassador.
"On behalf of the generations who were thrilled by his play and those who only know of his legend, and on behalf of all the young people and teammates he inspired, we send heartfelt wishes of condolence, comfort and strength to the Howe family and to all who mourn the passing of this treasured icon of our game."