Bettman mourns loss of 'incomparable' Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe's impact has touched everybody in the hockey community.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman weighed in on the loss of Howe, issuing a touching statement about Mr. Hockey on Friday:

"All hockey fans grieve the loss of the incomparable Gordie Howe.

"A remarkable athlete whose mastery of our sport was reflected by the longevity of his career and by his nickname, ‘Mr. Hockey,’ Gordie’s commitment to winning was matched only by his commitment to his teammates, to his friends, to the Red Wings, to the city of Detroit, and - above all - to his family. His devotion to Colleen through her illness and the fact that he extended his playing days into a fifth decade so he could play with his sons are only two examples of that true priority in his life.

"Gordie’s greatness travels far beyond mere statistics; it echoes in the words of veneration spoken by countless players who joined him in the Hockey Hall of Fame and considered him their hero.

"Gordie’s toughness as a competitor on the ice was equaled only by his humor and humility away from it. No sport could have hoped for a greater, more-beloved ambassador."

NHLPA executive director Don Fehr also offered condolences Friday.

“With the passing of Gordie Howe, the game of hockey has lost an icon," Fehr said in a statement.

"Gordie, or ‘Mr. Hockey’ as he was known to legions of fans, was a true legend who had an immense impact on the game, the players who followed him, and the fans who revered him. On behalf of the players and staff of the NHLPA, we join Howe's family, friends, and fans on mourning his loss.”