Wayne Gretzky's statement on the passing of Dave Semenko

Oilers great Wayne Gretzky had a statement on Thursday regarding the passing of Dave Semenko:
One of the first Oilers I met in 1978, I didn't know at the time the impact he would have in my life and my career. He was the toughest player I knew and yet the biggest Teddy Bear you would ever know. A beloved Oiler that will be missed dearly because of his kind heart and funny sense of humour. He made us all better people. RIP # 27, thanks for your friendship

• Oilers Entertainment Group statement on the passing of Dave Semenko
• Mark Messier's statement on the passing of Dave Semenko