Players across the Ontario Hockey League took to social media on Sunday and Monday, expressing their condolences following the loss of one of the greatest athletes of our generation, one who was a childhood hero to many.
Kobe Bryant passed away tragically in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Los Angeles along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. The 41-year-old played 20 seasons with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers from 1996-2016, inspiring a generation of sports fans along the way.
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020
Bryant was a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star who scored 33,643 points over the course of his career, the fourth-highest total in NBA history.
Players expressed their thoughts and condolences in the wake of the tragedy:
Keeping teammates close this week as the world says goodbye to legend Kobe Bryant and the others lost… @Storm_City boys putting mental health first. Today let’s do our part as @winmarguelph is donating $0.05 for every tweet/RT including @WinmarGuelph, @McFaddensMvmnt and #MM27 pic.twitter.com/b06pZ6RvZB
— Cam Hillis (@cam_hillis) January 27, 2020
RIP to a legend 🙏🏻 @kobebryant
— Connor McMichael (@con91mcmichael) January 26, 2020
The 🐐 you changed the game and changed peoples lives. You are a role model to every athlete and every person in this world. Thank you for everything you have done. Mamba Mentality R.I.P. 🐍 #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/I6a8mjmpkw
— Ivan Lodnia (@ivan_lodnia) January 26, 2020
— Hunter Jones (@ShutoutsJones) January 27, 2020
What a sad day. Forever a legend! RIP 24 pic.twitter.com/6ehexeMW48
— Arthur Kaliyev (@Arthur_Kaliyev) January 27, 2020
We join the rest of the sports/global world in mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, Kobe was one of the greatest champions of all time, both on and off the court. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family, friends and the entire @NBA community.
— Windsor Spitfires (@SpitsHockey) January 26, 2020
