Saskatoon Blades president hopes young players follow Gordie Howe's example

The president of the Saskatoon Blades says he hopes up-and-coming hockey stars will follow the example of Gordie Howe by being good citizens beyond the hockey rink.

Steve Hogle said he was moved by the celebration of Howe's life that had taken place since his death at age 88 on Friday.

Speaking to reporters near a statue of the Saskatoon-raised hockey legend at the SaskTel Centre, Hogle said Friday's tributes had been "pretty special."

"To see that his sister came out, must have been early this morning, to the statue and placed flowers it was pretty moving," he said. "To realize what kind of an impact he had with people in the city and the province and the hockey world."

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Although he did not know Howe personally, the Blades president was impressed by his community involvement and the way he treated people in his home province. 

"Everything you read about him and hear about him was just so much more than just the game, and everything he did in the community," Hogle said.

"When he came to Saskatoon and came home, he never looked down at people and was always there to help out and just talk to people.

"He never seemed to think of himself as one of the best hockey players ever."

Hogle hopes the hockey stars of tomorrow will take note of Howe's community-minded approach.

"I hope those young stars that we have coming up through the system see that and just see the way they should carry themselves in life, not just at a hockey rink," he said.  

The Blades president said Howe's presence could be felt in hockey rinks and tributes across Saskatchewan.

He believes his influence on the NHL can already be seen. 

"You look at these players and stars of today, and they really are mature. And there are so many out there that I think have learned those lessons and that are really, really good at the way they carry themselves and set an example for others to follow," Hogle said.