Hockey world reacts to passing of Beliveau

The passing of Montreal Canadiens great Jean Beliveau on Tuesday at the age of 83 was met with reaction from throughout the sport.

Here is a sampling of sentiments expressed on Twitter:

I met Jean Béliveau when I was 10 years old..That's when I knew I wanted to play for the @CanadiensMTL -A Hero and Hockey's Captain #RIP

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) December 3, 2014

Rest in peace Jean Béliveau. One of the greatest players to ever play and even better person. #rolemodel pic.twitter.com/dytRZq0ZgM

— Anthony Duclair (@aduclair10) December 3, 2014

Such sad times for the hockey world. Mr Beliveau was one of the classiest men on and off the ice. The world just lost one of the good ones..

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) December 3, 2014

A true legend has passed away. Honoured to say I wore the same colours as the man.. Condolences to the Beliveau family

— Brandon Prust (@BrandonPrust8) December 3, 2014

Sad to see such a legend in Jean Béliveau pass away. What a legacy he left behind, pure class

— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) December 3, 2014

Very sad to hear about Jean Béliveau! The sparkle is my grandfather's eyes when he was talking about him was always very special!

— David Perron (@DP_57) December 3, 2014

Jean Beliveau was the classiest man.Returned every piece of fan mail with a hand written letter.nicest autograph in hockey. #ripmrbeliveau

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) December 3, 2014

Growing up as a kid in Nepean I dreamed of winning a Stanley Cup. Just 1. Beliveau has name on Cup 17 x. And even better person. RIP #4

— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) December 3, 2014

He wrote his autograph perfectly, respected his peers and the game with such grace, yet so competitively. The ideal hockey hero. #4

— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) December 3, 2014

Very saddened to hear the passing of Jean Béliveau. A TRUE gentleman and pioneer of our game. #RIP… http://t.co/nnRVf3KgG7

— Erik Gudbranson (@Guddy44) December 3, 2014

Rip jean Beliveau an inspiration to fans and hockey players everywhere!

— jason demers (@jasondemers5) December 3, 2014

Jean Beliveau's grace and class can never be replaced. A gentleman in every sense of the word.

— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) December 3, 2014

All hockey fans mourn the loss of the great Jean Beliveau at age 83. He broke Bruins' fans hearts but was the ultimate sportsman. RIP.

— Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) December 3, 2014

Speechless with sadness. Beliveau was class personified.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 3, 2014

Marc Bergevin on if he wants his players to play for Jean Béliveau tonight: "Yes."

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 3, 2014

Mike Yeo begins media availability by mentioning #Canadiens great Jean Beliveau's passing last night. "A legend." #mnwild

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 3, 2014

We're sad to learn of the passing of the great Jean Beliveau. Our heartfelt condolences go his family and the Canadiens organization.

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) December 3, 2014

Never met a man who carried himself with the dignity and class of Jean Beliveau. He was royalty without birthright.

— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) December 3, 2014

The staff & players of the NHLPA join in grieving the loss of Jean Beliveau. His impact on the hockey world will never be forgotten.

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) December 3, 2014

Sad to hear about the passing of Mr Béliveau. One of the classiest man I've had a chance to meet and chat with. Great player and great man!

— Mathieu Darche (@matdarche52) December 3, 2014

All you need to know about Beliveau: His name was on Cup 17 times. His number was in rafters. His name and number were in phone book.

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 3, 2014

Gorges on Jean Beliveau: Hockey lost a legend. He was an icon, all class. Had a chance to meet him, was down to earth. Didn't have to be.

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 3, 2014