“I think Herb’s spirit will continue to live and benefit hockey in this country. I think that’s what he’d want. He’s a passionate, patriotic American and proud of our hockey players, and showed it when he led them to victory in Lake Placid and in Salt Lake.” – Lou Vairo, an assistant under Brooks at the 2002 Olympics and currently USA Hockey’s director of special projects.

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“This is a huge loss for everybody in the game, especially those of us from the United States. He was a great ambassador for the game and he will be sorely missed.” – Dallas Stars forward Bill Guerin, who played for Brooks on the 2002 U.S. Olympic team and the 1992-93 New Jersey Devils.

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“Herb was never one to wax nostalgic. I never saw him exult in this or brag about it, and there was very little emotion shown by Herb. In the early years, he thought it was just part of his job – being a coach – and he approached how they won that game almost like an analyst. But the last couple of times I saw him, you could see that he was beginning to gain a greater appreciation for what happened.” – Broadcaster Al Michaels, whose call at the end of the United States’ win over the Soviet Union in 1980 has become one of the most famous in sports history.

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“I am in shock. It’s a sad day for his family and friends. He was a unique individual – innovative. He had a passion for the game. For people in the game, you had to respect that.” – New Jersey Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, a friend of Brooks for 40 years.

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“It’s a real tough day. On a very sad note, we lose not only a great coach and an innovator of the game, but a real good friend.” – Mark Johnson, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and currently the University of Wisconsin’s women’s hockey coach.

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-“I knew him for 30 years – we played together, we coached together, we worked together. Herbie lived the game and he loved the game.” – Pittsburgh Penguins GM Craig Patrick, Brooks’ assistant on the 1980 Olympic team. Patrick also was Brooks’ boss the past eight years, when Brooks served as a scout, interim coach and then director of player development for the Penguins.

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-“Today’s a sad day for hockey. It’s a monumental loss for the University of Minnesota.” – University of Minnesota coach Don Lucia.

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-“It’s a great loss for USA hockey. He was a master motivator, a great thinker,” – Bob Allen, who operated the Olympic Center during the 1980 Winter Games.

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-“What he did with that team basically made Lake Placid what it is today.” – Sandy Caligiore of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority, which operates the Olympic Center where Mike Eruzione scored his game-winning goal against the Soviets.

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-“As head coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team, Coach Brooks helped craft one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history. He cared deeply about the sport of hockey and devoted much of his life to developing the game, both nationally and internationally.” – The United States Olympic Committee.

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“It’s a real tough day. On a very sad note, we lose not only a great coach and an innovator of the game, but a real good friend.” – Mark Johnson, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and currently the University of Wisconsin’s head women’s hockey coach.

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-“This is a great loss for the Penguins and for the entire hockey world.” – Pittsburgh Penguins owner and captain Mario Lemieux.

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-“Herb was a great teacher and a hometown hero who never forgot where he came from. He was my friend and I will miss him dearly.” – U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

AP-ES-08-11-03 2220EDT