The hockey community mourns the passing of Gordie Howe

The tributes are pouring in for Mr. Hockey.

Updated Jun 10, 2016, 3:53 PM UTC

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The hockey and sports world lost another legend today, as Gordie Howe passed away at 88. This comes just days after the passing of Muhammad Ali, another sports icon known as much for his presence outside the sport as inside it.

So, as expected, tributes for and memories of the man known as “Mr. Hockey” are already pouring out on social media from all corners of the hockeysphere. We’ve compiled the best stories, photos and retrospectives from players, fans and media alike right here, as the world mourns Howe’s passing. Check back here throughout the day as they roll in.

Players

There's no Mr. Baseball or Mr. Football, but there was one Mr. Hockey. RIP Gordie. #9RIP
— Brett Hull (@HOFBlues16) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers. The reason I wore #9. #9RIP..
— Mike Modano (@9modano) 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

Rest in peace Mr. Hockey.. Getting to meet you was truly an honor #watchtheelbow #foreveralegend pic.twitter.com/ZlGin0rKyL
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) June 10, 2016

Playing Junior hockey close to Detroit I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Hockey a few times and something I will always cherish #RIPMrHockey
— Tom Sestito (@TomSestito23) June 10, 2016

Had the privilege of meeting Gordie Howe one time. He was a fantastic man. Too many greats leaving us this year.#MrHockey #gordiehowe trick
— John Mitchell (@mitchabov) 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_9) 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

Bettman statement on Gordie Howe’s passing: ""All hockey fans grieve the loss of the incomparable Gordie Howe." pic.twitter.com/Lt0HNUbF5H
— Travis Hughes (@TravisSBN) June 10, 2016

Memories and Notable Quotes

This story about Gordie Howe, written on @wingingitmotown back in 2010, will make you smile: https://t.co/q1T04P9p7T
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay having a pillow fight. pic.twitter.com/vI6xoVfLle
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 10, 2016

The night Gretzky broke a Gordie Howe record in storybook fashion (via @CopperandBlue): https://t.co/1ujdmMB8YG pic.twitter.com/azijv8drKt
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) June 10, 2016

Gordie's advice to fellow players. pic.twitter.com/fovUmaWc8j
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 10, 2016

Gordie always got even pic.twitter.com/6rTYdsQkV1
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 10, 2016

On how Gordie got Mark to sign with the Aeros. pic.twitter.com/RXMYdRLBlk
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 10, 2016

Fans and Media

Dear Mr. Howe: A Reflection on a Detroit Legend https://t.co/i9qpvaAC26 pic.twitter.com/20z1PCUYt2
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) June 10, 2016

I once went for a walk with Mr. Hockey and his son as they talked about heaven. From my @Sportsnet mag story. pic.twitter.com/9UyG0Nro5x
— Dan Robson (@RobsonDan) June 10, 2016

One of the highlights of my childhood was Gordie Howe asking my father if his barber "charged by the acre."
— Patrick Burke (@BurkieNHL) June 10, 2016

One of my earliest hockey memories was my Dad regaling me with the story of Gordie's fight with Lou Fontinato.pic.twitter.com/gyoFBXS40g
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 10, 2016

Esposito recalled Bobby Hull warned him to "watch that old prick." Howe elbowed Esposito in faceoff = six stitcheshttps://t.co/3Amt1xaOVs
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 10, 2016

Gordie Howe was a modest man & never spoke about his hockey accomplishments. I remember he'd always go out of his way to make a child smile.
— Cam Connor (@CamConnorNHL) June 10, 2016

Mr. Hockey with Montreal fans in the 1950s. Like Mr. Béliveau, Gordie always had time for youngsters pic.twitter.com/nhEK6vB1fV
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) June 10, 2016