Hockey players, teams react to death of Red Wings legend Gordie Howe

Hall of Famer Gordie Howe died on Friday morning at the age of 88, inspiring many teams and athletes to post their tributes to “Mr. Hockey” on social media.

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Hall of Famer Gordie Howe died on Friday morning at the age of 88, inspiring many teams and athletes to post their tributes to “Mr. Hockey” on social media.

Howe’s hockey career stretched over five decades, beginning in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings and concluding in 1980 with the Hartford Whalers. In his 25 years with the Red Wings, Howe won the Stanley Cup four times and the Hart Trophy six times for being the league MVP.

Howe suffered a serious stroke and nearly died in October 2014, but he underwent stem cell treatment last summer and improved so much he was able to attend a Red Wings game this March, just before his 88th birthday.

• FARBER: 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe—Red Wings legend—dead at 88

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

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

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

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. The creator of the best hat trick in hockey! You were truly a legend. #gordie

— Matt Calvert (@mattcalvert11) 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

Rest in peace Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey

— Ryan Pulock (@rpulock) 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) June 10, 2016

Been a tough past week in the professional sports world. RIP Mr. Howe. Thank you for everything you did on and off the ice #MrHockey #Gordie

— Luke Adam (@LukeJAdam) June 10, 2016

A true legend of the game. You're contributions in life and in hockey will never be forgotten Mr. Howe. Rest in peace.

— Kyle Okposo (@bookerT2116) 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

Truly one of a kind. Our hearts are with the Howe family & the @detroitredwings. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/oLEyNlSHBT

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 10, 2016

Sending out thoughts and prayers to Gordie Howe's family. Rest well Mr. Hockey. #9RIP

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with the family & friends of Gordie Howe and the @DetroitRedWings. Rest in peace Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/QjOnsJ9Yos

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family after the passing of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, today. pic.twitter.com/g02DDgjh1b

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 10, 2016

The #CBJ & Columbus hockey community are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Gordie Howe.

Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with Gordie Howe's family & friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/2wH7WJUQGs

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 10, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the family of Gordie Howe. Proud that he will always be a part of our heritage. #legend pic.twitter.com/3HMtmQs5vN

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe was an incredible player and person. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family today. RIP Mr. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/YFNQZXUMjy

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 10, 2016

There have been many greats in the game, but there was only one Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/uJJdsaNeIH

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) 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

Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Howe family & @DetroitRedWings organization.
Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #Legend pic.twitter.com/CDqjHA17WH

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 10, 2016

Our deepest condolences go out to the Howe family & @DetroitRedWings organization. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/xTOPzUVJeK

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with Gordie Howe's family and @DetroitRedWings nation. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/9LGpakHCla

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with the family of Gordie Howe. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/6nNTZ9qdCy

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 10, 2016

We are deeply saddened to hear that Gordie Howe has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family. pic.twitter.com/uQGaroqyZG

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with Gordie Howe's family and the @DetroitRedWings organization. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/AOr2ISMjLQ

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) June 10, 2016