MONTREAL — The hockey community, especially in and around Montreal, on Wednesday mourned the loss of Jean Beliveau, who had pneumonia earlier this year and suffered a stroke in 2012.

Beliveau, known throughout the hockey world as not only a symbol of the Montreal Canadiens, who won 10 Stanley Cup championships during his heyday, but one of the sport’s most dignified ambassadors, died Tuesday night at 83.

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Jean Beliveau, who died Tuesday at age 83, won 10 Stanley Cups while playing with the Canadiens for 20 years. He retired in 1971 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in ’72. The Associated Press

Tributes poured in from fans who idolized the playmaking center to current and former players and coaches to political leaders.

“Like millions of hockey fans who followed the life and the career of Jean Beliveau,” Canadiens president Geoff Molson said, “the Canadiens mourn the passing of a man whose contribution to the development of our sport and our society was unmeasurable.”

Beliveau’s body will lay in wake at Bell Centre Sunday and Monday. His No. 4 jersey hangs in the rafters at Bell Centre, where his legacy will be honored Tuesday before the Canadiens’ next home game.

The funeral is next Wednesday at Montreal’s Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

Bealiveau concluded his 20-year career with 507 goals and 1,219 points, and was a team vice president until 1993, then continued as an adviser and regular at charity fundraisers.

“Beyond being one of the greatest players in NHL history, Jean Beliveau was class personified,” said Mario Lemieux, the former Penguins star and current owner. “He was a hero to generations of his fellow French Canadians and hockey fans everywhere. He will be missed.”

Along with his ease at conversation and willingness to mentor young players, Beliveau had stature and presence.

“When people see Bobby Hull, they say: ‘Hi, Bobby,’ ” the late Gilles Tremblay, a former teammate, once recalled. “When they meet Big Jean, it’s always: ‘Hi, Mr. Beliveau.’ He commands respect.”

KINGS: Los Angeles agreed to a six-year, $24 million contract extension with Alec Martinez, the defenseman who scored two series-ending overtime playoff goals last June.

Ducks: Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov agreed to a pro tryout contract with Anaheim.

PENGUINS: Forward Robert Bortuzzo was suspended two games by the NHL for an illegal hit on New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr on Tuesday night.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

WILD 2, CANADIENS 1: Jason Zucker and Jason Pominville scored goals to lift Minnesota at home.

All Canadiens players wore Beliveau’s No. 4 on their helmets.

BLACKHAWKS 4, BLUES 1: Kris Versteeg scored 59 seconds into the third period, Patrick Kane added two more goals, and Chicago won at home.

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