Barrie Colts and Alumni React to Dale Hawerchuk Passing Over Social Media. #HawerchukStrong #ThankYouDucky

(CHL Images)

With the passing of Dale Hawerchuk, the hockey world has come together to share stories of how he impacted the game. From his incredible time in junior hockey, through Hall of Fame NHL career and as a beloved and respected coach, Dale left an impact everywhere he went.

Dale had the respect of fans and players who he coached while here in Barrie. We wanted to share some of the comments of former players, from guys like Lucas Chiodo to Andrei Svechnikov.

We are still scanning through social media and as we come across more former players, we will be sure to update them and let you know when that happens. We are also working hard on some ideas to honour Dale Hawerchuk here on Very Barrie Colts. Be sure to keep your eyes open for those because we are excited to share them with you.

Also, please remember to continue to support the Hawerchuk Strong campaign by clicking here.

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

❤️ pic.twitter.com/icvcyZ7WZw

— Tyler Tucker (@TylerTukr19) August 18, 2020

Sad sad day. Since I met Dale he has been nothing less then outstanding to me and my family. One of the best hockey minds and players in the game. He taught me something every day and has had a huge impact on my development as a hockey player and as a person. R.I.P Coach ❤️❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/3lc7B3GIJv

— Nathan Allensen (@nathanallensen) August 18, 2020

Words can’t express the sorrow I feel. Dale was an incredible man. He taught me so much and helped develop me to the person I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. #HawerchuckStrong https://t.co/ctEbmf6AvJ

— Kevin Labanc (@Str8ToTheBanc) August 18, 2020

RIP Coach❤️ pic.twitter.com/ygpdzEKa7p

— Jason Willms (@jasonwillms88) August 18, 2020 

❤️ pic.twitter.com/FHczxnkTI5

— Aidan (@aidanbrownn23) August 18, 2020

Rest In Peace Dale, was an honour to play for you.

— Rasmus Andersson (@RAndersson19) August 18, 2020

Rip Daler ❤️🙏🏼 #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/2dMVvkwDcI

— luke (@lucas_chiodo18) August 19, 2020

Without Dale, I have no idea where I’d be in this hockey world. He believed in me and gave me chances when no one else did. My thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family. He will always be an inspiration and role model to me. Rest In Peace Dale. #HawerchuckStrong

— Andrew Mangiapane (@andrewmange13) August 19, 2020

@OHLBarrieColts pic.twitter.com/S87o5ZRaRr

— Justin Scott (@justinscott95) August 20, 2020

Truly saddened to learn of the passing of Dale Hawerchuk.Classy, genuine, personable and down to earth.Dale truly cared about his players and wanted to help develop them to be the best man possible both on and off the ice. Dale will always be my favourite coach. #HawerchukStrong

— Anthony Stefano (@AnthonyStefano) August 18, 2020

Dale was one of the best mentors I’ve ever had on and off the ice. He was a great coach and even better person. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for Barrie Colts Dale, you will never be forgotten❤️. #HawerchukStrong

— Matej Pekar (@mpekar10) August 19, 2020

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Reflecting of my time spent with Dale. He was an outstanding coach and mentor who helped my career take off. I am saddened that kids in junior will no longer have that same opportunity to learn under his guidance. Dale was an absolutely amazing person, and I am privileged to have spent time with him. God Bless Dale and his family.

A post shared by Mark Scheifele (@mscheif) on Aug 20, 2020 at 4:24am PDT

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Today the hockey world lost an incredible man, a loving husband, a role model father, and a coach that would do anything for his players. I had the pleasure of being traded to Dale’s Barrie Colts at the beginning of 2014. Soon after, I caught a scary career threatening virus. Dale mentored me through it, and acted as a father figure for me, constantly telling me I would recover from it. He believed in me at a time when I didn’t even believe in myself. After many hard, deep conversations we developed a close relationship to the point that I felt comfortable enough to ask if I could wear his number 10. Again, Dale gave me his backing, and honoured me with his number and captaincy shortly after. I’m not sure I can find enough words to describe the effect this coach had on my life not only as a player but also how to carry myself as a person. I wish I had known a month ago in your backyard it was going to be goodbye I would have said more . Thank you for the Legacy you left behind. R.I.P Dale Hawerchuk 1963-2020

A post shared by Joseph Blandisi (@joeblandisi) on Aug 18, 2020 at 2:57pm PDT

 

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Very saddened to hear of the passing of one of my mentors and one of hockey’s greats. He had one of the most intelligent hockey minds ever and I had the pleasure learning from him every day while I was in Barrie. Couldn’t thank him enough for helping me achieve my goals. He was a great man on and off the ice. My condolences are with the Hawerchuk family. RIP Dale.

A post shared by Tanner Pearson (@tannerjpearson) on Aug 18, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

My heart goes out to the entire Hawerchuk family.

I had the privilege of playing for Dale for my last two seasons in Barrie. He was one of the most brilliant hockey minded people I’ve ever been around and his love and passion for the game was unparalleled. RIP Dale https://t.co/xD4k1nUF5E

— Mitch Theoret (@MitchellTheoret) August 18, 2020