Hockey world reacts to passing of Montreal great Jean Béliveau

The hockey world reacts after the passing of Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau on Tuesday night at the age of 83.

Jean Béliveau, the ultimate Canadien and Canadian

The hockey world was saddened by the passing of Montreal Canadiens legend and iconic Hockey Hall of Famer Jean Béliveau on Tuesday night at the age of 83. 

The impact he'd made, both as one of the greatest players of all time and as a true role model, was reflected in the outpouring of respect and admiration on social media.

Here are some of the most noteworthy and poignant remembrances:

I met Jean Béliveau when I was 10 years old..That's when I knew I wanted to play for the @CanadiensMTL -A Hero and Hockey's Captain #RIP

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) December 3, 2014

Jean Beliveau was the classiest man.Returned every piece of fan mail with a hand written letter.nicest autograph in hockey. #ripmrbeliveau

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) December 3, 2014

Very sad to hear about Jean Béliveau! The sparkle is my grandfather's eyes when he was talking about him was always very special!

— David Perron (@DP_57) December 3, 2014

Sad to see such a legend in Jean Béliveau pass away. What a legacy he left behind, pure class

— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) December 3, 2014

My favourite interview was the one that verified a boyhood choice. Should athletes be idols? Certainly, if they can be like Jean Beliveau.

— Dave Hodge (@davehodge20) December 3, 2014

Jean Beliveau: Family man, superstar hockey player, ambassador. The Jean Beliveau hat trick.

— Mike Brophy (@HockeyBroph) December 3, 2014

It may be more accurate to say that Joe DiMaggio was a bit like Jean Beliveau

— Eric Macramalla (@EricMacramalla) December 3, 2014

Gary Betttman: "No record book can capture, no image can depict, no statue can convey the grandeur of the remarkable Jean Béliveau."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 3, 2014

Jean Beliveau was a father figure for everybody. His death sadden me a lot this morning.

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 3, 2014

In the foyer and living room, there are pictures of our two children, our granddaughter and Jean Béliveau.

— Michael Farber (@MichaelFarber3) December 3, 2014

Montreal and Canada say goodbye to a legend. Thank you, Jean Béliveau, for inspiring generations of kids to pick up the game. @CanadiensMTL

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 3, 2014

It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Jean Béliveau. He was a true legend and a class act. My thoughts are with his family.

— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) December 3, 2014

I'm saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Jean Béliveau. The sport of hockey has lost an icon, and the world a true gentleman.

— Alex Auld (@alexjauld) December 3, 2014

1. At Dorval Airport, 1971 #Habs returned from Chicago, celebrating Stanley Cup victory. Customs agent asked Beliveau "Anything to declare?"

— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) December 3, 2014

2. Beliveau replied, "Just the Stanley Cup." Customs Agent: "We will just mark 'Canadian Goods Returned' "

— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) December 3, 2014