The hockey world is in deep mourning on Friday, as word surfaced that “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe died at age 88.
People tend to throw around superlatives at times like these, yet they’re fitting in this case; there will never be another player quite like No. 9.
The “Gordie Howe hat trick” - a goal, an assist and a fight - is a testament to his unmistakable blend of courage, toughness and skill. Even so, it represents a mere sliver of the impact he made on the sport (and beyond).
Odes to “Mr. Hockey” are pouring in from all corners today. Here are some of the most touching and heartbreaking remembrances.
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
— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) 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
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
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
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
Red Kelly spoke of Howe being a Canadian hero, the country’s equivalent to John Wayne, as he told The Globe & Mail:
He’s gone now, but he’d long ago become a feature of our imaginations. Howe’s name summons up a game we’d no longer recognize and an idyllic, illusory vision of the sea-to-sea-to-sea.
What he represents now is Canada’s frontier spirit. We don’t have movie stars or galloping politicians to anchor our national mythology. We have hockey players, and none greater than Howe. He’s our John Wayne, our Theodore Roosevelt.
He is an idealized vision of ourselves – tough, decent and uncompromising.
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
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
Esposito: "I think Orr was the greatest defenseman I ever saw. Gretzky is the greatest forward I ever saw. But all around, it was Gordie."
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 10, 2016
For those of us who grew up in Saskatoon, Mr. Hockey was Mr. Everything. Gordie Howe Day. Gordie Howe Bowl. #9 #RIP
— Ben Kuzma 🇺🇦 (@benkuzma) 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
Every flag in hockey flies at half-staff for Mr. Hockey. Go in peace, Gordie. pic.twitter.com/W9eIznPJAD
— Dave Stubbs 🇨🇦 (@Dave_Stubbs) June 10, 2016
Muhammad Ali and Gordie Howe. The giants of my youth.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) June 10, 2016
Hockey legend Gordie Howe, who carried the Olympic Torch at the 2002 Salt Lake Games, has died at age 88. pic.twitter.com/IAnrUe0m8J
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 10, 2016
“He’s our Mickey Mantle & Joe DiMaggio & Babe Ruth rolled into one when it comes to hockey.” @MitchAlbom on Gordie Howe
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 10, 2016
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 10, 2016
The tone was often appropriately solemn, yet there were moments of humor and awe mixed in as well.
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
Gordie's advice to fellow players. pic.twitter.com/fovUmaWc8j
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 10, 2016
"Howe always left an impression, whether with his simple kindness or with his elbows." In Remembrance of Mr. Hockey: https://t.co/Q5XysOltlj
— Sarah Kwak (@sarahkwak_) June 10, 2016
Again, his impact reverberates beyond hockey into other sports and even pop culture:
— SimpsonsQOTD (@SimpsonsQOTD) June 10, 2016
I just remember the Gordie Howe jersey in Ferris Bueller. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/8EdPumdSox
— ★rondra✭🩺 (@geekinterrupted) June 10, 2016
Few athletes make the kind of mark that “Mr. Hockey” ended up leaving behind.
RIP, Mr. Hockey.https://t.co/wKDBOHvnDb
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 10, 2016