The NHL lost one of its most iconic players when Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe died Friday at the age of 88.
The man known as Mr. Hockey had a far-reaching influence in the hockey world and in his native country of Canada, as seen in the reaction to his death on social media. Here's a collection of some of the responses to Howe's passing.
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 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
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
Wayne, Paulina & Gordie at Northlands Coliseum in 1989 as the #Oilers hosted the NHL All-Star Game. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/PniarhXypO
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 10, 2016
A few photographs paying tribute to hockey legend, Gordie Howe. -> https://t.co/NBius7nQoy #9RIP pic.twitter.com/JQSVVVVpw1
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) 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
Many current and former NHL players expressed their condolences.
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
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
There's no Mr. Baseball or Mr. Football, but there was one Mr. Hockey. RIP Gordie. #9RIP
— Brett Hull (@HOFBlues16) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers. The reason I wore #9. #9RIP..
— Mike Modano (@9modano) 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
Sad to hear about Gordie Howe passing, a true legend of the game. I grew up wearing #9 because of him. RIP Mr. Hockey
— Anders Lee (@leeberr09) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe was an inspiration to me, both on & off the ice. Thank you, Gordie, for setting the benchmark. #MrHockey pic.twitter.com/h04HgUNvFg
— Justin Abdelkader (@justinabss) June 10, 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
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Hockey. I met Gordie and he signed a jersey for me the night I scored my first goal in Detroit
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) June 10, 2016
Very sad to hear about the passing of Gordie Howe. A great friend, alumnus and mentor. Thinking of the Howe family. pic.twitter.com/f2Q82emnBi
— Joe Kocur (@kocurfoundation) 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
RIP Mr Hockey pic.twitter.com/hMxglsK2sa
— George Parros (@GeorgeParros) 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
Condolences to former teammate Mark and the Howe family. Knowing Gordie Howe was a Red Wing was in part what made being one so special RIP
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe would come on ice with us when I was w/Whalers. He was 63 and could still knock guys off puck & rip shots w/one hand.#MrHockey
— Daryl Reaugh (@Razor5Hole) June 10, 2016
Some noted how soon Howe's death came after Muhammad Ali's.
Gordie Howe, undeniably a member of hockey's Mt. Rushmore, gone at 88. Legends lost on back to back Fridays. Rough.
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) June 10, 2016
From 1990: Muhammad Ali and Gordie Howe with Jim Brown and Rod Laver. pic.twitter.com/4px25szMxZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 10, 2016
A great player died today.He was hockey to my generation. Honored to have played against Mr. Hockey in WHA and NHL tough day for hockey
— Barry Melrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) June 10, 2016
Goal, assist, fight...
— Steve Levy (@espnSteveLevy) June 10, 2016
The Gordie Howe hat trick...#MrHockey
So sad to hear about the passing of a hockey legend Gordie Howe. My condolences to the Howe family and @DetroitRedWings #gordiehowe
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) June 10, 2016
This pic hit me hard when I first saw it earlier this year. Tenderness, respect, the passing of time..it's perfect pic.twitter.com/65i0zDJYIB
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) June 10, 2016
His death resonated in the world of pop culture, as well, especially among those from Canada, and from fans of "The Simpsons," where he was a focal point of an episode in 1992.
A precious moment; missing a friend today. #MrHockey was Mr. All-Round Greatness. #detroitredwings #NHL #Gordiehowe pic.twitter.com/HJ6HxO6dXt
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) June 10, 2016
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
.@TheSimpsons Farewell to the great Gordie Howe, a hero my whole life, or as we at the Simpsons called you "Woodrow" https://t.co/eQkLo20YQP
— Al Jean (@AlJean) June 10, 2016