Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk has died at the age of 57 after a battle with cancer, his son, Eric, confirmed Tuesday.
The NHL legend had rung the bell in April to signify the completion of his treatments, but his cancer reappeared in late July.
Hawerchuk stepped down as head coach of the OHL's Barrie Colts in September due to his original diagnosis. He'd served behind the bench with the team since 2010.
The longtime forward was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. He enjoyed a stellar career primarily with the original Winnipeg Jets franchise and the Buffalo Sabres, producing 1,409 points in 1,188 games.
Tributes poured in from around the hockey world following the news of his death:
The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, our players, our alumni, and our fans will miss Dale Hawerchuk dearly, and we will forever be inspired by his passion for the game, his commitment to his team, and his love for our community. #RememberingDucky #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/Vgj78TsSco
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 18, 2020
You will be greatly missed, Dale. #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/dQbsWBlbcp
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) August 18, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our head coach and friend, Dale Hawerchuk.
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) August 18, 2020
On behalf of the entire Barrie Colts organization and our fans, our condolences and thoughts are with the Hawerchuk family. pic.twitter.com/nmEiGaGxXj
So sad😢 what a incredible human being ❤️I’m thankful that Ducky was my friend and I had a chance to talked with him yesterday and say goodbye🙏this world is not same place without him,Eric you can be so proud of your dad🙏❤️Thoughts love and prayers for all your family❤️RIP DALE https://t.co/SKVHfxSFkB
— Teemu Selanne (@TeemuSel8nne) August 18, 2020
Keeping Coach Hawerchuk's family in my thoughts and prayers. You're always in my heart ♥️ pic.twitter.com/CAHr6GkuQo
— Andrei Svechnikov (@ASvechnikov_37) August 18, 2020
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