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 CTV News 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. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/i9KRzXRgwV
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 10, 2016
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) 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
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.. Getting to meet you was truly an honor #watchtheelbow #foreveralegend pic.twitter.com/ZlGin0rKyL
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) June 10, 2016
RIP Mr Hockey, Gordie Howe..
— Dave Bolland (@DaveBolland) 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
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) 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
Rest in peace Mr. Hockey #Legend #GordieHowe #9RIP
— Max Domi (@max_domi) June 10, 2016
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 & @DetroitRedWings organization.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 10, 2016
Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #Legend pic.twitter.com/CDqjHA17WH
My favorite pic of Gordie #9RIP pic.twitter.com/pN0m4cwpl0
— Jim O'Brien (@JimInTheD) June 10, 2016
Rest well great legend #9RIP pic.twitter.com/Xw13lG5jFk
— Andrew Sykes (@ASykes_7) 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
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) June 10, 2016
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) June 10, 2016
Hockey will always be remembered as a legend of our beloved game
RESPECT THE GORDIE HOWE HE IRON SHEIK CLASS pic.twitter.com/yBlJs9SYf7
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 10, 2016