Hockey great Gordie Howe passed away at the age of 88 on Friday morning, leaving behind a legacy.
“Mr. Hockey” played more than 1700 games in both the NHL and WHA during his storied career that ended with his retirement in 1980. His records for goals, assists, and points lasted until Wayne Gretzky broke them.
He was also part-owner of the Vancouver Giants.
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The passing of ‘Mr. Hockey’ meant people and organizations took to Twitter to express their condolences, including Prime Minister Trudeau, Michael Bublé, and George Stromboulopoulos.
My family and are crushed to have learned of the passing of our friend Gordie Howe. Rip #9 pic.twitter.com/aTXPDDfqWb
— Michael Bublé (@michaelbuble) 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
Gordie Howe was Canada at our best. Humble but proud. Honourable but tough as nails. An ambassador for hockey, and for us all.
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) June 10, 2016
That time Gordie Howe tried to vandalize the crest of his heated rival. #ripmrhockey pic.twitter.com/uhw7yDGu4K
— Stroumboulopoulos (@strombo) June 10, 2016
The Giants join the rest of the hockey world in mourning the loss of Mr. Hockey. We’ll all miss you Gordie! https://t.co/JW9oXpTpfB #9RIP
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) June 10, 2016
The game sheets from the first “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” on October 11, 1953. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/QyYed9HESx
— #StanleyCup Final (@NHL) June 10, 2016
Unsurprisingly, Wayne Gretzky, who idolized Howe, says we’ve lost the “greatest hockey player ever.”
Unfortunately we lost the greatest hockey player ever today, but more importantly the nicest man I have ever met. (1/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@OfficialGretzky) 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 (@OfficialGretzky) June 10, 2016
Howe’s health had taken a noticeable decline in recent years after he suffered a stroke in 2014 and battled with dementia.