Trebek, 'Jeopardy!' host, dies at 80, mourned by hockey community

Alex Trebek, the host of "Jeopardy!" for 36 years, died of stage 4 pancreatic cancer Sunday. He was 80.

"Alex was a passionate fan of our game and a true friend of our League," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "He always said yes when hockey called. We will miss him and send our condolences to his family and millions of friends and fans."
A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek grew up a Detroit Red Wings fan because of Gordie Howe until switching allegiances to the Montreal Canadiens after Howe retired. He helped the Ottawa Senators
announce Mannheim center
Tim Stuetzle
as the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. He also presented the Hart Trophy at the 2019 NHL Awards, where he earned a standing ovation.
"The Ottawa Senators organization is saddened by the passing of Alex Trebek," Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement. "Alex was a true and much beloved Canadian icon, and a very special member of the Ottawa Senators family. We will always be grateful to Alex for the special role he played in announcing the Senators' first draft choice this year. For his legions of fans, Alex's class and professionalism will endure as will his love for our game. Thank you, Alex, for your legacy. The Senators family and the entire Capital Region will miss you."

The Senators memorialized Trebek outside Canadian Tire Centre and inside on their JumboTron and shared each on their Twitter feed.

The NHL and NHL Alumni Association shared their condolences, the League calling Trebek "a true friend of the game and part of the NHL family" who "will be dearly missed," and the Alumni Association tweeting it was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Jeopardy! host and proud Canadian hockey fan, Alex Trebek. Our condolences to Alex's family, friends and fans across the nation."

New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban shared a video of himself with Trebek, and New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jimmy Vesey were among other members of the hockey community who paid tribute. Vesey tweeted "RIP Alex Trebek" with the goat emoji, referencing the popular game show host as the greatest of all time.

Tweet from @TonyDee07: RIP Alex Trebek 🙏
Wearing a Canadiens jersey, Trebek
predicted the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs
.
"We're saddened to learn of the passing of Canadian legend and noted hockey fan Alex Trebek," the Canadiens tweeted. "Rest in peace Mr. Trebek."

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers each tweeted about the time they were clues on "Jeopardy!"
"Forever one of our coolest moments right here," the Lightning said. "RIP Mr. Trebek."

'Jeopardy!' is filmed in Culver City, California, just a short distance from the home of the Los Angeles Kings, who also expressed their sadness and gratitude for a television legend.

USA Hockey also shared a photo of Trebek wearing an NHL jersey, and Hockey Canada sent its condolences as well.