It has been a season of sad but touching tributes in hockey. From Detroit's get well salute to Gordie Howe to Vancouver's 'Danny Boy' for Pat Quinn, to Montreal's saying goodbye to Jean Beliveau. 

We unfortunately have another, for J.P. Parise who died Thursday after a battle with lung cancer. It's unfortunate because we're seeing too many legendary players pass on in such a short timespan.

The video from before Minnesota's game against the Chicago Blackhawks is below. J.P.'s son Zach plays for the Wild:

This is a statement from the Wild on Parise's passing:

The Minnesota Wild joins the hockey community in mourning the passing of J. P. Parise and sends its thoughts and prayers to Donna, Jordan, Zach and the entire Parise family during this difficult time. From the Minneapolis Bruins and Minnesota North Stars to Shattuck-St. Mary’s and now the Wild, the Parise family has been an inspiring and enduring presence in the State of Hockey for more than a half century. We’ve shared in the joy of goals and victories, and today we mourn with them and come together as a hockey family.

Even though J.P. never played for the Wild, he clearly left an indellible mark on hockey in the 'State of Hockey.'

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