Gordie Howe, the man they called "Mr. Hockey," is being remembered as a classy gentleman and a fierce competitor, after he passed away at the age of 88.
Howe's son, Marty, confirmed to ۴ý that his father died on Friday morning, two years after a stroke left him unable to walk and barely able to speak.
Every NHL team in the league tweeted some form of tribute to Howe, who was a star player with the Detroit Red Wings for 25 seasons. Many former players tweeted their condolences to Howe's family, or shared stories of their encounters with the legendary player.
Thoughts and prayers to the Howe family as Gordie Howe passes away at the age of 88.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings)
Some mourned Howe under the hashtag #RIP9, for Howe's No. 9 sweater, while others used #RIPGordieHowe.
Unfortunately we lost the greatest hockey player ever today, but more importantly the nicest man I have ever met. (1/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@OfficialGretzky)
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 (@OfficialGretzky)
Gordie Howe you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers. The reason I wore #9. ..
— Mike Modano (@9modano)
Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.. Getting to meet you was truly an honor
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces)
RIP Mr Hockey, Gordie Howe..
— Dave Bolland (@DaveBolland)
Hockey lost a great man today. RIP Mr. Howe. You were an icon to the game and an unbelievable ambassador!
— Steven Kampfer (@SteveKampfer47)
Very sad news about Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe today. The hockey world mourns a legend. Had the pleasure of meeting him. Amazing man! Sad day.
— Nick Foligno (@NickFoligno)
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)
Rest in peace Mr. Hockey
— Max Domi (@max_domi)
Many shared photos of Howe posing with various hockey greats who came after him, including former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, current Buffalo Sabres youngster Jack Eichel, and the "Great One" himself, Wayne Gretzky , when Gretzky was a child.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Howe family & organization.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres)
Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey.
My favorite pic of Gordie
— Jim O'Brien (@JimInTheD)
Rest well great legend
— Andrew Sykes (@ASykes_7)
It is with great sadness that the Canadiens have learned the passing of hockey legend Gordie Howe.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences to the Howe family on Twitter and during an appearance on Friday. "He was a gentleman but he was also very much a tough guy," Trudeau said in his appearance, adding that those qualities exemplified how Canadians like to think of themselves. On Twitter, Trudeau said Howe "will always be Mr. Hockey."
My condolences to the family of Gordie Howe, the Detroit Red Wings and all his fans around the world. He will always be Mr. Hockey.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)
Others also fondly remembered Howe for his gritty style of play, which inspired terms like the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" (when a player registers a goal, an assist and a fight in a single game).
Laureen & I extend our condolences to family & friends of Gordie Howe. Mr.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper)
Hockey will always be remembered as a legend of our beloved game
RESPECT THE GORDIE HOWE HE IRON SHEIK CLASS
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik)