The hockey family lost a good one on Wednesday as Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk died after his battle with stomach cancer. The Hockey of Hall Famer was 57.
The news broke in a tweet by Hawerchuk’s son Eric.
After an incredibly brave and difficult battle with cancer, our dad has passed away. My family is so proud of him and the way he fought. #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/xZ1xcaqAOv
— Eric Hawerchuk (@EricHawerchuk) August 18, 2020
Hawerchuk was the Jets first overall pick in 1981. In his rookie season, Hawerchuk broke 100 points with 45 goals and 58 assists while going on to win the Calder Trophy. He broke 100 points six times in nine seasons with the Jets.
In 1990 Hawerchuk was traded to the Buffalo Sabres along with a first-round draft pick for Phil Housley Scott Arniel, Jeff Parker and a first-round pick that turned into Keith Tkachuk.
Both the Jets and Sabres released heartfelt statements on Wednesday.
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
Hawerchuk held the Jets/Coyotes franchise records in goals (379) and points (929) until Shane Doan surpassed both marks during the 2015-16 season. Doan did it as a member of the Arizona Coyotes after the franchise moved from Winnipeg in 1996.
He was indicted into the Coyotes ring of honor in 2007.
Finishing his career with stints in St. Louis and Philadelphia, Hawerchuk and the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1997 where they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.
Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001, Hawerchuk finished his career with 518 goals and 891 assists in 1188 career games.
In a statement released Wednesday, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman called Hawerchuk “an instant and enduring star who captured the hearts of two hockey-loving cities, represented his country with class and distinction, and is one of the most decorated players in our game’s history.…
The outpouring support shown towards Hawerchuk and his family Wednesday says a lot about the type of person Hawerchuk was, and what he meant to the hockey community.
"I got fortunate, I played with him at the end. His last year was in Philadelphia when we played together on the same line,… said Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. “So playing against him, he was just a great player. I always, it's funny, you play a game with a lot of teammates. You very rarely remember how they played. It's always about what kind of people they were.…
So sad😢 what a incredible human being â¤ï¸I’m thankful that Ducky was my friend and I had a chance to talked with him yesterday and say goodbyeðŸ™this world is not same place without him,Eric you can be so proud of your dadðŸ™â¤ï¸Thoughts love and prayers for all your familyâ¤ï¸RIP DALE https://t.co/SKVHfxSFkB
— Teemu Selanne (@TeemuSel8nne) August 18, 2020
“I want to offer my condolences first of all to Dale's family. He’s great for the game and a sad day for hockey. A quality person, a quality player and way too young to pass away,… said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “Goalie Bob [Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa] has lots of great stories about Dale, so, certainly know of him but never crossed paths with him. But again, a sad day and again, our thoughts go out to Dale’s family.…
Following his retirement, Hawerchuk later became the head coach and director of hockey operations of the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. Hawerchuk held his position with Barrie until taking a leave of absence for health reasons in September of 2019.