Gretzky, Bowman, Yzerman lead mourners at Gordie Howe's visitation

Joe Louis Arena in Detroit will be open all day for Red Wings fans, and the entire hockey community, to pay their respects to "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe.

It's not by accident that the doors of @JoeLouisArena opened 9AM & will close at 9PM. https://t.co/xniqvy8yIu #9RIP pic.twitter.com/NyLARhzsf4

- NHL (@NHL) June 14, 2016

Groups lined up around the corner long before the arena doors opened, but it wasn't just fans who arrived early. Wayne Gretzky, Scotty Bowman, Steve Yzerman, Ken Holland, Jeff Blashill, and Al Kaline were among some of the first to file through the receiving line, and to impart condolences on Mark, Marty, and the entire Howe family.

(Photo courtesy: Getty)

Inside the building, Howe's No. 9, and the four championship banners he helped the Red Wings win hung over Mr. Hockey's closed casket.

NHL.com historian Dave Stubbs described the scene as breathtaking, calling it every bit the equal of memorial services for Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Jean Beliveau.

Guests lined up inside are receiving this visitation program:

#GordieHowe visitation program inside cover pic.twitter.com/mNdS4rpwQp

- Larry Lage (@LarryLage) June 14, 2016

Back cover of #GordieHowe visitation program pic.twitter.com/GayHWUrmpC

- Larry Lage (@LarryLage) June 14, 2016

Outside hangs a tribute poster for fans to sign, and express sentiment for Howe.

A #RedWings fan signs a tribute poster outside of JLA, where Gordie Howe's visitation is taking place today. pic.twitter.com/1q1ESJG0QF

- The Wheel Deal (@Bill_Roose) June 14, 2016

The doors will remain open until 9 p.m. ET, and likely well beyond.

Mark Howe said he told JLA people, "if there are still people here at 9 pm, we're not closing it. Dad wouldn't have." Visitation for #9RIP

- Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 14, 2016

Howe's funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET at the Cathedral of Most Blessed Sacrement in Detroit.

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