Gordie Howe (1928-2016)

The Players' Tribune

The Voice of the Game

Jun 11, 2016

NHL legend Gordie Howe died Friday at the age of 88. Widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game, Howe played 26 seasons in the NHL and became known as “Mr. Hockey.” He spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, leading the team to four Stanley Cup titles.

Following the news of his passing, players and fans from the hockey world expressed their condolences and shared memories of the hockey legend.

Unfortunately we lost the greatest hockey player ever today, but more importantly the nicest man I have ever met. (1/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) 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 (@WayneGretzky) June 10, 2016

Catastrophic loss today with the news of Gordie Howe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family today. Sad, sad day.
— Brian Burke (@Burkie2020) June 10, 2016

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

Hockey legend Gordie Howe played 1767 @NHL games. #MrHockey dead at 88. #RIPGordieHowe pic.twitter.com/CIYzb7UIf9
— BostonAttitude (@BostonAttitude) June 10, 2016

A few of our favourite Gordie Howe photos: https://t.co/0zLzKw523l #9RIP pic.twitter.com/rnW30YIkxk
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 10, 2016

Growing up as a hockey player, meeting Gordie Howe was one of the coolest moments of my childhood.
He is a legend.
Rest in peace Gordie.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 10, 2016

The game sheets from the first "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" on October 11, 1953. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/QyYed9HESx
— NHL (@NHL) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe, Ali, Prince, Garry Shandling...... is it 2017 yet? I'm all set with this year, thanks.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) June 10, 2016

Muhammad Ali and Gordie Howe with Wilt Chamberlain and Bob Cousy in 1992. #legends https://t.co/1Lw41h9KSC pic.twitter.com/7Qt4bCmd8g
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) June 10, 2016

There will never be another one like Gordie Howe. -bm #RIPMrHockey pic.twitter.com/lgvsCmAPb3
— Oilersnation.com (@OilersNation) June 10, 2016

When I first covered #RedWings, saw Gordie Howe in locker room. Would tease "no girls allowed" Said with biggest smile & little nudge. #9RIP
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe scored 189 goals AFTER being inducted into the Hall of Fame. (1972)
— Paul Pabst (@PaulPabst) June 10, 2016

Just like nobody wears 99 in the NHL or 42 in MLB, number 9 should never be worn again in the NHL in honor of Gordie Howe.
— Paul Hamilton (@pham1717) June 10, 2016

RIP #MrHockey. In the few interactions I had with him, Gordie Howe was warm, kind and classy. My condolences to his family and @NHL nation.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 10, 2016

We will miss you, Mr. Hockey. Sad to learn of the death of Gordie Howe, a true Canadian hero. #MrHockey pic.twitter.com/6Ky6zcKhFj
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) June 10, 2016

Heard about his famous elbows all my life from Grandpa who skated against him. Gordie Howe was inspirational on & off the ice RIP Mr. Hockey
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) 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

Gordie Howe (1928-2016)

FEATURED STORIES

The Fight Unseen

“Spoelstra … He Deserve a Jersey for What He Gon’ Have to Do.”

Philly, We Are on a Mission

Where the Grass Is Greener