The Hockey World Remembers The Legendary Gordie Howe After His Death

The hockey world learned that they’d lost a legend on Friday when news broke that Gordie Howe died at age 88. Howe had battled several health issues over the past few years — including dementia and a major stroke — but will be remembered as one of the greatest and toughest players to ever lace up the skates.

Howe retired at age 52 and had a Hall of Fame career than spanned five (FIVE!) decades, and he was revered enough as both a player and a person to be dubbed “Mr. Hockey.” That’s a nickname that’s earned, not given. Howe’s 23 All-Star selections, four Stanley Cups, and six Art Ross and Hart Memorial trophies leave no doubt that he earned that name. With that in mind, it wasn’t at all surprising that news of his death saddened a whole lot of people.

Though the staggering career numbers he put up (more than 800 goals and 1,000 assists in 1,767 career games) are enough reveal the immense impact he had on the game, the responses to his death from those around hockey are just as much a testament to his legacy. His life was celebrated and his loss mourned by countless people on Friday; here are some of the ways he was remembered by those whose lives he touched.

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

Gordie Howe once spent 45 minutes talking to my dad at a HS district soccer game at Troy Athens. Oddly, nobody else recognized him.

— Tim Goergen (@Tim_Goergen) June 10, 2016

Imagine being punched in the face by this dude. pic.twitter.com/DwnogCYytt

— Kyle (@KyleWIIM) June 10, 2016

pic.twitter.com/JOAFKDNppH

— Greg (@GJFKessler) 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

Howe was always quick to credit his wife for his success
"The key is our love for hockey, & each other -Colleen Howe pic.twitter.com/RKDz74jjcH

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) June 10, 2016

I love that Howe has the reputation as a great gentleman, but also has the "Gordie Howe Hat-trick" for pummeling ppl pic.twitter.com/9r17LAMb5a

— Chief (@BarstoolChief) June 10, 2016

This is one of my favourite hockey photos. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/B6ek3ENWrb

— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) June 10, 2016