Photo: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
It’s a devastating day in the hockey world. Edmonton Oilers’ center Colby Cave passed away Saturday morning after suffering a brain bleed earlier this week. He was 25-years-old.
His wife, Emily released a statement this morning confirming the news:
It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning. I (Emily) and both our families are in shock but know our Colby was loved dearly by us, his family and friends, the entire hockey community, and many more. We thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Emily said, “I never dreamed of being a widow before our first wedding anniversary. Although every cell in my body is lost without you, I promise to continue to make you proud.”
Oilers’ general manager Ken Holland and chairman Bob Nicholson said in a joint statement that Colby was a “terrific teammate with great character” who was “admired and liked everywhere he played.”
Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired & liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family & friends at this very difficult time.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2020
From @Condors Coach Jay Woodcroft:
Colby was just such a phenomenal person to be around. He was the epitome of what a professional hockey player should be: caring, driven, focused & serious. Our thoughts & prayers continue to remain with Emily & the entire Cave family.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2020
Colby’s sister, Taylor tweeted her grievances and called their sibling bond “special”:
The bond between a brother and sister is a special one. It remains unchanged by time and distance and is the purest form of friendship I’ve ever had. You will now, and forever, be my special angel Colb💙 pic.twitter.com/WsbmDrP2BD
— Taylor Cave (@tcave9) April 11, 2020
An outpouring of support from players and teams across the NHL have expressed their condolences. Cave’s former team, the Boston Bruins released statements as well.
Boston Bruins Remember Colby Cave: https://t.co/1RJWUb3QFz pic.twitter.com/D5iwRCMK2A
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 11, 2020
On Tuesday, Cave was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after suffering a brain bleed overnight. He was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmann expressed his sympathies calling Colby an “earnest and hardworking player”.
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the passing of Colby Cave. https://t.co/Uk56BzS7qk pic.twitter.com/06V3AFQPra
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 11, 2020
The Washington Capitals released a statement a short time ago:
The Washington Capitals are devastated by this news.
The hockey world grieves with you.
The Cave family and the entire Oilers organization will be in our thoughts and prayers. 💙🧡❤️
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 11, 2020
Cave was signed by the Bruins in April 2015 but played out the rest of the 2014-15 season with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate. He picked up 97 points (37 goals) in Providence. His NHL debut came in the final year of his rookie contract in December 2017. Cave scored his first NHL goal on December 17, 2018. He collected 5 points that season with Boston before being placed on waivers.
Colby Cave’s first NHL goal. We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/Ff0uB5SmYf
— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2020
The Oilers claimed Colby Cave on January 15, 2019. He posted 4 points with Edmonton and 23 points (11 goals) with their AHL team, Bakersfield Condors.
We’ll never forget Colby’s last @NHL goal as he displayed some tremendous skill to help the #Oilers capture a big road victory in Pittsburgh this season.
🧡💙🧡💙pic.twitter.com/A5uZNmPZMl
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2020
Rest in peace, Colby Cave. pic.twitter.com/Yd3WXxC6ys
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) April 11, 2020
On behalf of everyone at NoVa Caps, rest in peace, Colby.
By Della Young
The NHL mourns the passing of @EdmontonOilers forward Colby Cave. https://t.co/oJH0WO7lBq pic.twitter.com/Pbq6wV67Ep
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 11, 2020
Truly worst part of this situation is he fails to reach minimum amount of games needed to qualify for pension. Not sure if league or team insurance policies would support his wife. Maybe league or players association could ask teams to give up 10% of team salary for last remaining part of schedule. God knows he wasn’t @ top end of salary scale but would be nice to see support for his family.