From the prime minister to country music star Garth Brooks, people are paying tribute to Mr. Hockey. Gordie Howe passed away on Friday at the age of 88.
Howe was born in Floral, Sask., and called Saskatoon his hometown. A statue of the player stands outside of SaskTel Centre.
READ MORE: Gordie Howe’s life in Saskatoon: The early years of Mr. Hockey
Brooks is in Saskatoon this week playing six concerts at the arena.
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In honour of the late NHL hockey legend, Brooks donned Howe’s signature Detroit Red Wings jersey on Friday.
One attendee, Brayden Schneider, told Global News that Brooks arrived on stage sporting the jersey.
“He is still wearing it. I don’t think he plans on taking it off.”
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Brooks’ unprecedented tour stop in Saskatoon continues with shows at 7 p.m. CT and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and concludes Sunday with a 7:30 p.m. concert.
“Throughout his five-decade long career, Gordie Howe won six Hart Trophies as the National Hockey League’s most valuable player, six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer, and four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings,” said a statement from Justin Trudeau.
“Gordie Howe was awarded the Order of Canada in 1971, and was inducted into 11 different halls of fame. His records, accomplishments, and accolades are without parallel in the history of hockey. He was truly one of a kind.”
At Saskatoon city hall, all flags at civic facilities are at half-mast in memory of Howe. Flags will remain lowered until the Hall of Famer’s funeral.