Stars mourn death of Kobe Bryant before game against Lightning

The team played a pregame photo montage on the American Airlines Center video board and held a moment of silence for Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who were both killed Sunday along with seven others in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles.

Tweet from @NHLonNBCSports: A moment of silence for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the 7 others lost yesterday. ������ pic.twitter.com/S8e8C3Sirf

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star in 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, was 41.

Tweet from @DallasStars: Saluting a sports legend. #TBLvsDAL | #GoStars pic.twitter.com/9HVG54ctQn

The NHL released a statement in response to Bryant's death Sunday:

"The National Hockey League offers its condolences to the family of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, and to the families and friends of all those who tragically perished today."

In addition to the Stars organization, which donated proceeds from the night's 50/50 Raffle to the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, several other hockey greats mourned the loss of the sports icon, including Wayne Gretzky and Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar.

Tweet from @WayneGretzky: Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. 🙏

Tweet from @AnzeKopitar: Rest In Peace legend!!! Thoughts and prayers are with Bryant family🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/dmXtYq0hcz

Tweet from @ovi8: I���m so heartbroken. cant believe...Blessed to have chance to meet you. RIP Legend. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/TlpRZdVpu7

Tweet from @91Tavares: Kobe didn���t just inspire basketball players, but all athletes including myself. His passion for the game, desire for competition and pursuit of greatness was very inspiring. Never take any moment for granted. #RIPMambaAndGianna Condolences to all families involved.

Tweet from @PKSubban1: Shocked and in complete disbelief... A father, husband, legend, and idol gone way too soon. Thank you for the time, the lessons, and 20 years of greatness. #ripmamba🐍 pic.twitter.com/oqAtpaMlz8

Tweet from @MartinBrodeur: Sad to hear of the passing of Kobe Bryant. A champion on and off the court. My condolences to the Bryant Family and those effected by today���s events. #Kobe pic.twitter.com/wr2PW768Mv

The Dallas Mavericks also saluted Bryant, who ranks fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list and will be posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame later this year, during their game Monday at Oklahoma City.

Tweet from @dallasmavs: 💔🙏 #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/Ke2SwDlM8R

Don't miss your chance to see the Stars take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at American Airlines Center on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Get your tickets now!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Jeff Odom is the manager of DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @jeffodom.