A touching tribute to Dale Hawerchuk

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The Winnipeg Jets on Saturday unveiled a bronze statue of legendary Dale Hawerchuk, recognized as one of the organization's greatest players. 

In 2020, the Ontarian died of stomach cancer after a long battle with the disease. He was only 57.

Several important figures in his life spoke at the unveiling of the statue, which sits on the corner of Honorary Dale Hawerchuk Road and Hargrave Street.

The greatest Jet that ever played in this city.

Immortalized, forever. pic.twitter.com/w9oDUC1mTM

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) October 1, 2022

“This statue is a testament to the generous life he led. Now he is at home, here again in Winnipeg,” said the widow of the former hockey player, Crystal Hawerchuk, to the crowd, according to NHL.com.

“It was very emotional. I was prepared for it, but to see its grandeur and attention to detail is hard to put into words, said Eric Hawerchuk, his son, of the statue. I'm really proud of him and to see that here and to see all these people. I'm impressed every time I see her.”

The Hall of Famer in 2001 was the first overall pick in the 1981 draft. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Jets, succeeding in passing six campaigns of more than 100 points.

“He was not only our captain, he was one of yours, mentioned the vice-president of hockey operations of the Jets Kris King, a former teammate of Hawerchuk. He enjoyed playing for the Winnipeg Jets and he was proud to say he was from Winnipeg.”

His career ended with 1,409 points in 1,188 games, having also played for Buffalo Sabers, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers.