Wayne Gretzky and hockey world pay tribute to Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe passed away at the age of 88 on Friday. Incredibly, and uniquely, Howe played professional hockey in six of the ten decades in which he lived. At 18 years of age, Howe scored the first of his many goals in his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings on October 16, 1946.

At the time of his retirement, Howe’s NHL totals of 801 goals, 1,049 assists and 1,850 points all ranked first in the record books. Wayne Gretzky, who idolized “Mr. Hockey”, and would later surpass his records (with the exception of games played and games played with one team), was one of the first to pay tribute to the legendary No. 9.

PLAYERS PAY TRIBUTE

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

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

And you're the reason I wore #9. Gordie Howe will be remembered generation to generation #GordieHoweHatTrick #9RIP https://t.co/xfiZIQPaQR

— Zach Boychuk (@ZachBoychuk) June 10, 2016

Very sad waking up to the news of Gordon Howe passing away. One of the greatest to ever play our game, but more importantly one of the best

— Brendan Gallagher (@BGALLY17) 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 sad news about Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe today. The hockey world mourns a legend. Had the pleasure of meeting him. Amazing man! Sad day.

— Nick Foligno (@NickFoligno) June 10, 2016

RIP Mr. hockey #9 pic.twitter.com/QboWGHIhc2

— Pascal Dupuis (@Duper0009) June 10, 2016

Words are not possible to say how much impact Gordie Howe made on Hockey. My Condolences to the Howe Family on his passing today. RIP GORDIE

— scott bowman (@coachwsb) June 10, 2016

HOCKEY PAYS TRIBUTE

Statement from the Howe family… Hockey Legend Gordie Howe, age 88, passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side. The Howe family would like to thank friends and fans for their love and support. Gordie had a special connection with Red Wings fans and was always touched by their commitment. We are celebrating the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. Arrangements will be announced once they are finalized. | #9RIP

A photo posted by Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club (@detroitredwings) on Jun 10, 2016 at 10:17am PDT

Today the hockey world lost a role model and legend. Thank you for your contribution to the game, Mr. Hockey.

A photo posted by Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

Our sincere condolences go out to the Howe family, the @detroitredwings and all those who knew the great Gordie Howe.

A photo posted by Boston Bruins (@nhlbruins) on Jun 10, 2016 at 8:27am PDT

Jim Robson, longtime voice of the #Canucks shares his thoughts on Mr. Hockey. Legendary NHLer Gordie Howe passed away today at age 88.

A photo posted by Vancouver Canucks (@canucks) on Jun 10, 2016 at 4:24pm PDT

The #CBJ join the rest of the hockey community in mourning the passing of the great Gordie Howe. He was a legend in our sport and a gentleman of the highest order. He once said, “You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a 100 percent effort that you gave – win or lose.” Gordie Howe always gave 100 percent on and off the ice and the impact he had on those who knew him well, met him briefly, saw him play or simply heard stories about him will never fade. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fans. Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.

A photo posted by Columbus Blue Jackets (@bluejacketsnhl) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:41am PDT

Some of our favourite Gordie Howe photos. See the full gallery in our bio. #9RIP

A photo posted by Toronto Maple Leafs (@mapleleafs) on Jun 10, 2016 at 10:30am PDT

Forever Mr. Hockey.

A photo posted by San Jose Sharks (@sanjosesharks) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Gordie Howe and the @detroitredwings. Rest in peace Mr. Hockey. #9RIP

A photo posted by New York Rangers (@nyrangers) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

RIP, Gordie Howe. #MrHockey

A photo posted by Edmonton Oilers (@edmontonoilers) on Jun 10, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family. We've lost a true legend of the game. ‪#‎MrHockey‬ ‪#‎9RIP‬

A photo posted by LA Kings (@lakings) on Jun 10, 2016 at 9:20am PDT

Gordie Howe was an incredible player and person. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family today. RIP Mr. Hockey. You will be missed. #9RIP

A photo posted by Arizona Coyotes (@arizonacoyotes) on Jun 10, 2016 at 8:29am PDT

He will forever be remembered as one of the best of all time, a legend of the game. #9RIP #MrHockey

A photo posted by Minnesota Wild (@minnesotawild) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:57am PDT

Jim Robson, longtime voice of the #Canucks shares his thoughts on Mr. Hockey. Legendary NHLer Gordie Howe passed away today at age 88.

A photo posted by Vancouver Canucks (@canucks) on Jun 10, 2016 at 4:24pm PDT

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

A photo posted by Nashville Predators (@predsnhl) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:54am PDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howe family after the passing of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, today.

A photo posted by Winnipeg Jets (@nhljets) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:12am PDT

#Legend. Gordie Howe's impact on hockey is nothing short of legendary. Rest in peace #MrHockey.

A photo posted by Buffalo Sabres (@buffalosabres) on Jun 10, 2016 at 9:51am PDT

The hockey world lost a legend. Condolences to the family, friends and @detroitredwings on the passing of Gordie Howe. #9RIP

A photo posted by Anaheim Ducks (@anaheimducks) on Jun 10, 2016 at 9:47am PDT

Our thoughts are with Gordie Howe's family and @detroitredwings nation. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP

A photo posted by Washington Capitals (@capitals) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:36am PDT

Our thoughts are with Gordie Howie's family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey. #9RIP

A photo posted by Calgary Flames (@nhlflames) on Jun 10, 2016 at 7:25am PDT