Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch understands what Gordie Howe meant to the organization and the league as a whole.
"Today is a sad day for the Detroit Red Wings and the entire hockey world as together we mourn the loss of one of the greatest hockey players of all time," Ilitch said in a statement Friday.
Howe died Friday morning at the age of 88.
"The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than 'Mr. Hockey,'" Ilitch said.
"He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter. He was tough, skilled, and consistently earned success at the highest level. His achievements are numerous and his accomplishments immeasurable. It is truly a blessing to have had him both in our organization and our city for so many years. He will be deeply missed."
Howe played 25 seasons with the Red Wings, setting countless records. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
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"People that aren't even associated with the National Hockey League understand how important Gordie is to our country," Red Wings general manager and fellow Canadian Ken Holland said.
Howe played three seasons with the New England/Hartford Whalers in the WHA and NHL toward the end of his career from 1977-80.
"Gordie Howe was a true legend in every sense of the word, and we are proud that he and his sons are a part of our organization's history," Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement.
"I was lucky to have the opportunity to take the ice with him during my time in Hartford, and his impact on our sport is immeasurable. The Carolina Hurricanes organization sends its deepest condolences to the Howe family and everyone affected by his loss."
