The hockey world lost Gordie Howe on Friday. He was 88 years old.
As an incomparable pillar of hockey internationally, the remembrances poured in Friday as the news of his death came out. Here are some reactions from around the hockey world. We’ll keep this updated throughout the day. Feel free to add your own in the comments or to pass along other ones we might have missed.
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
The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than “Mr. Hockey.” He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter. He was tough, skilled, and consistently earned success at the highest level. His achievements are numerous and his accomplishments immeasurable. It is truly a blessing to have had him both in our organization and our city for so many years. He will be deeply missed.
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
He would have every right to strut around, think of himself as something special. I loved him for his simplicity. It didn’t matter if you were the parking lot attendant, the milkman, the postman or the maid, he treated everyone the same way.
Gordie Howe scored a second-period goal in his first NHL game on October 16, 1946. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/XK5z5K2jtg
— NHL (@NHL) June 10, 2016
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) 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
He was nicer, bigger and better than I could have ever imagined.
https://twitter.com/9modano/status/741282737483485184
https://twitter.com/HOFBlues16/status/741291654800281600
Gordie Howe is a true legend who not only inspired so many people by his achievements on the ice, but to all of those who interacted with him throughout his life. He represented our game with great dignity and always had time for his legions of fans… Thank you ‘Mr. Hockey’.
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
Had the privilege of meeting Gordie Howe one time. He was a fantastic man. Too many greats leaving us this year.#MrHockey #gordiehowe????trick
— John Mitchell (@mitchabov) June 10, 2016
To Mr. Hockey thanks for teaching us to be gracious and humble away from the rink. #RIP The game will miss you. pic.twitter.com/ssfXyXaU1a
— Theo Fleury (@TheoFleury14) 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
As one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL, the majority of his career being in Detroit, it was an honor to wear the same uniform, spend time with, laugh, joke and seek advice from him. Gordie’s humility and kindness left a permanent impression on me, greatly influencing how I tried to conduct myself throughout my career.
His impact on the Red Wings organization is still evident today. I travel the world and constantly hear stories from people who love the Wings and share memories of the glory days when Gordie and his teammates ruled the NHL. For all players fortunate enough to play for the Wings, we should take time to thank and honor Gordie, for he is a significant reason why Detroit is such a special place to play.
Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.. Getting to meet you was truly an honor #watchtheelbow #foreveralegend pic.twitter.com/ZlGin0rKyL
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) June 10, 2016
R.I.P pic.twitter.com/dG8qVb1o4l
— Jiri Tlusty (@J_T_19) June 10, 2016
Sad to hear the passing of Gordie Howe. My condolences to his family in this difficult time. #MrHockey #RIP
— Jason Zucker (@Jason_Zucker16) June 10, 2016
It was one of the highlights of my career to have met Gordie and spend even a few mins with him. He was a legend on and off the ice
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) June 10, 2016
To play in the NHL is a dream because of the great players that shape the game before you. Gordie Howe is one of those special people.
— Jonathan Toews (@JonathanToews) June 11, 2016
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.
RIP Mr. Hockey #9
— Tanner Pearson (@tannerjpearson) June 10, 2016
A legend in the hockey world has passed. RIP #GordieHowe
— Mike Hoffman (@MHoffy68) June 10, 2016
Gordie.. #9RIP #elbowup #mrhockey prayers go out to the Howe family and one of the greatest ever
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) June 10, 2016
RIP Mr. Hockey #GordieHowe9
— Curtis Lazar (@CurtisLazar95) June 10, 2016
We lost a legend of the game today. Mr. Howe will be missed. Condolences to the Howe Family.
Photo: Denis Brodeur Sr pic.twitter.com/Ojkf0jORkG— Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) June 10, 2016
We lost a true great in Gordie Howe. I had the fortunate pleasure to be with Gordie on a number of occasions… pic.twitter.com/9KKknnXMDA
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) June 11, 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
1- I'll always remember standing in the hallway waiting to go out for warmup before my first AHL game. Already so nervous… Then Mr. Howe
— Landon Ferraro (@LandonFerraro) June 10, 2016
2- walks around the corner and I just froze. Just the presence he brought as soon as he stepped in a room. I shook his hand quickly and had
— Landon Ferraro (@LandonFerraro) June 10, 2016
3- to go out for warmup. I couldn't even function after quickly meeting a legend. One of the coolest moments. #RIPGordieHowe
— Landon Ferraro (@LandonFerraro) June 10, 2016
Hockey lost a great man today. RIP Mr. Howe. You were an icon to the game and an unbelievable ambassador!
— Steven Kampfer (@SteveKampfer47) June 10, 2016
Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.
— Gabriel Landeskog (@GabeLandeskog92) June 10, 2016
#9RIP God Bless thoughts and prayers with the Howe family #elbowsup
— Darcy Tucker (@16DarcyTucker) June 10, 2016
RIP #9
— Jordin Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) June 10, 2016
And you're the reason I wore #9. Gordie Howe will be remembered generation to generation #GordieHoweHatTrick #9RIP https://t.co/xfiZIQPaQR
— Zach Boychuk (@ZachBoychuk) June 10, 2016
Our thoughts are with Gordie Howe's family and @DetroitRedWings nation. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/9LGpakHCla
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 10, 2016
It is with great sadness that the Canadiens have learned the passing of hockey legend Gordie Howe. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/vb5fI2druZ
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 10, 2016
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Howe family & @DetroitRedWings organization.
Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #Legend pic.twitter.com/CDqjHA17WH— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe was an incredible player and person. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family today. RIP Mr. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/YFNQZXUMjy
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 10, 2016
The hockey world lost a legend. Condolences to the family, friends and @DetroitRedWings on the passing of Gordie Howe. #9RIP
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 10, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gordie Howe. Rest in peace, #MrHockey. pic.twitter.com/YbcT9eWpzX
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe told me in 2007 "remember even mascots need to keep their elbows up" Then I got an elbow to jaw. #9RIP ???? pic.twitter.com/qRAheTHQ78
— Bailey LA Kings (@BaileyLAKings) June 10, 2016
Commissioner Bettman Statement on the Passing of Hockey Legend Gordie Howe. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/M86aHAuUjY
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 10, 2016
Catastrophic loss today with the news of Gordie Howe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family today. Sad, sad day.
— Brian Burke (@Burkie2020) June 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/BurkieNHL/status/741271250425786368
From the Hockey Canada family to the Howe family, our sincerest condolences. Forever Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/wrSSacBshS
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) 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
The Hockey Hall of Fame is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordie Howe. Mr. Hockey was a true legend. pic.twitter.com/jIWj6tKR8h
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 10, 2016
Mr. Hockey. #9RIPhttps://t.co/AP2zc6dDc9
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe, the hockey community will miss you. #9RIP #MrHockey pic.twitter.com/GXdgvTBkMa
— NWHL (@NWHL) June 10, 2016
RIP Gordie Howe
— Ice Hockey UK (@IceHockeyUK) June 10, 2016
From all the your fans at Tom Reid's, RIP Gordie Howe. Loved having you visit us. Remembered forever on our walls pic.twitter.com/7Ivl2IYhbX
— Tom Reids Hockey Pub (@TomReidsPub) June 10, 2016
Who was the greatest player of all-time?
“When it comes to who was the best hockey player ever, don’t even go there with me. There is no question that Gordie is the best of all time.” — Bobby Orr
“[Howe] is, he was, he will always be the greatest of all time.” — Wayne Gretzky
“The greatest player that ever played. He was the best out of all of them. No one better.” — Ted Lindsay
One of my earliest hockey memories was my Dad regaling me with the story of Gordie's fight with Lou Fontinato. pic.twitter.com/gyoFBXS40g
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 10, 2016
Gordie's last goal in his last game, set up by his son Mark, scored in Montreal Forum, described by Danny Gallivan:https://t.co/USg33ys4v7
— Bruce McCurdy (@BruceMcCurdy) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe loved to say one of his greatest hockey memories was playing with sons Marty (left) and Mark (right). pic.twitter.com/Dqth2zW7jt
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) June 10, 2016
How many lives did Gordie Howe touch? If you live in Canada, pretty good chance you either have his autograph or know someone who does.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) June 10, 2016
His elbows were feared but Mr Hockey was admired and respected by everyone he touched. Condolences to the Howe family.
— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) June 10, 2016
One of many cool things my Dad did was take me to see Gordie Howe (and the Hartford Whalers) play at the Montreal Forum. RIP Mr. Hockey.
— Scott Cullen (@ByScottCullen) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe was great in so many ways…on and off the ice. He will be deeply missed, but also glad he is now at peace. #9
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 10, 2016
No one embodied what it meant to be a pro hockey player, both on the ice and in the community, like Mr. Hockey. RIP. pic.twitter.com/63NzzeV9Nl
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 10, 2016
Put an ultimate composite player together, piece by piece, attribute by attribute, intangible by intangible, and that player is Gordie Howe.
— George Johnson (@GeoJohnson57) June 10, 2016
If there were a Mt. Rushmore of hockey icons Gordie Howe would be on it – & probably would carve the whole thing out with his elbows. R.I.P.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) June 10, 2016
Read more quotes about the one and only Mr. Hockey from this piece in the THW archives.
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