The death of Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch was felt throughout hockey circles Friday evening, as well wishes came from far and wide.
"'Mr. I' stands as one of America's greatest sports team owners, to have been able to work with him for more than 30 years and be a part of turning a struggling franchise into a champion again was an experience of a lifetime," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement.
"His commitment to his team and (to) our fans is the reason we all feel a part of 'Hockeytown'," Holland added. "He will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him and call him a friend."
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman echoed those sentiments and pointed out Ilitch's wide-reaching impact.
"With the passing of Mike Ilitch, the Red Wings have lost the consummate owner, the National Hockey League has lost a cherished friend and passionate builder, Detroit sports has lost a legend and the city of Detroit has lost not only a devoted native son but a visionary and driving force in the rebirth of downtown," Bettman wrote in a statement of his own.
"Mike's commitment to excellence and to winning were unparalleled and his commitment to the community was unrivaled - as was his boundless support of youth hockey," the commissioner added. "He was a prolific philanthropist, and, above all, a devoted partner and husband to his wife of 62 years, Marian.
"At this moment of heartbreaking sorrow, we send deepest condolences to the entire Ilitch family and to all who were privileged to know him, play for him or work for him."
The Red Wings initially offered a simple but poignant tribute to their longtime chairman.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 11, 2017
Current and former Red Wings players chimed in as well.
Really sad to learn the news of Mr I's passing. He meant everything to the Wings, Tigers & Detroit. Best owner in sports. #RIPMrIlitch
— Dylan Larkin (@Dylanlarkin39) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr.Ilitch. He was a pleasure to play for and his will to win was second to none. #MrI #Wings #Tigers
— Danny DeKeyser (@DeKeyser5) February 11, 2017
It was an honor to play for Mr. I. My thoughts are with his family. #RedWings https://t.co/O7liBu0TTQ
— RealPatrickEaves (@Patrick_Eaves) February 11, 2017
Condolences to the Ilitch Family @DetroitRedWings @tigers for the passing of the great Mike Ilitch 🙏🙏#RIP #Detroit #Legend
— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) February 10, 2017
Other NHL teams passed along their condolences.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 11, 2017
The #CBJ & Columbus family join the hockey community in mourning the passing of @DetroitRedWings owner Mike Ilitch.
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 11, 2017
Our condolences to the @detroitredwings and the Ilitch family on the passing of Mike Ilitch. ❤️
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 11, 2017
@DetroitRedWings Our thoughts are with the entire Red Wings organization, their fans and the city of Detroit. #HockeyFamily
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 11, 2017
#NYR are saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Ilitch. Our deepest condolences to the the Ilitch family and the @DetroitRedWings.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 11, 2017
LA Kings President, Business Operations and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille on the passing of Mike Ilitch: pic.twitter.com/hTVK2EGPPY
— LAKingsPR (@LAKingsPR) February 11, 2017
#Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz's statement on the passing of Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch: pic.twitter.com/l6pCTOXAv7
— Tracey Myers (@TramyersCSN) February 11, 2017
Our condolences to the @DetroitRedWings and the Ilitch family. Hockeytown won't be the same without you, Mike.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 11, 2017
Several members of the media shared their thoughts.
Sad news to hear of the passing of Mike Illitch. His dedication to the Wings, Tigers and the city of Detroit was pretty amazing #RIP
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) February 10, 2017
I cannot think of an owner in pro sports who cared more or did more for his community than Mike Ilitch did for Detroit. What a legacy.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) February 10, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the Ilitch family, the Red Wings family and, frankly, the Detroit sports family on the passing of Mike Ilitch.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 11, 2017
There was an NCAA game at Joe Louis Arena on Friday night, and the appropriate gesture was conducted before puck drop.
Moment of silence for Mike Ilitch before UM/MSU hockey game at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/hmuXh3rvb7
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) February 11, 2017
Scotty Bowman, who led the Red Wings to three of their four Stanley Cup championships under Ilitch's ownership, also chimed in.
Just spoke to Scotty Bowman, who said Ilitch was "a visionary."
— George Sipple (@GeorgeSipple) February 11, 2017
"He was always backing us, making resources available." @DetroitRedWings
As did a former president.
Former President, former baseball team owner George W Bush on the passing of Mike Ilitch today. @tigers pic.twitter.com/DasrcxKIgp
— Don Gonyea NPR (@DonGonyea) February 11, 2017
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