We Miss You, Colby: Bruins, Oilers Celebrate the Life of Late Colby Cave

Photo: Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

Thursday night at TD Garden was more than a game between the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers. It was a time to remember and celebrate the life of the late Colby Cave.

Prior to the start of the game, a video was shown encapsulating Colby’s time with both the Bruins and Oilers.

We miss you, Colby. 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/puZBYDaQe6

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 12, 2021

Emily Cave took part in a ceremonial pregame puck drop in her late husband’s memory. Bruins and Oilers players gave Emily hugs in love and support.

For Colby. 💛🖤

Thank you to Emily Cave for being here tonight to help us remember and honor our friend and teammate. pic.twitter.com/DlXYJzAbSP

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 12, 2021

The Boston Bruins Foundation auctioned off game-used sticks from both teams with the proceeds benefitting the Colby Cave Memorial Fund, dedicated to initiatives in Boston and Providence. The Boston Bruins Foundation 50/50 Raffle also benefited the Colby Cave Memorial Fund.

Emily tweeted a photo with captains Patrice Bergeron and Connor McDavid to thank them.

The two best teams. The two best captains. Love you guys. 💛🖤🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/wINlZOAqNX

— Emily Cave (@emilyljcave) November 12, 2021

Bruins’ head coach Bruce Cassidy called Colby “one of the most genuine kids I’ve ever coached” in his pregame presser:

“Colby was one of the most genuine kids I’ve ever coached.” — Bruce Cassidy remembers Colby Cave 💛 🖤 pic.twitter.com/g0zric6cks

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 11, 2021

Overnight on April 7, 2020, Colby was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after suffering a brain bleed. He was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.

Emily released a statement on the morning of April 11 confirming the news of his passing:

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.

An outpouring of support from players and teams across the NHL expressed their condolences. Colby 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.

Providence announced on Thursday evening the team will wear special “Caver” helmet stickers for the rest of the season, and hold “Colby Cave Night” on April 9.

Starting tomorrow night, the #AHLBruins will wear these helmet stickers for the remainder of the season in memory of Colby Cave.

On April 9, we will celebrate the life of Colby with “Colby Cave Night” when we face the Bridgeport Islanders at Dunkin’ Donuts Center at 7:05 PM 💛 pic.twitter.com/d8CZhGTnR7

— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) November 12, 2021

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, before the Oilers claimed him off of waivers on January 15, 2019.

Thursday’s game was the first time the Bruins and Oilers played each other since Colby’s passing. Emily called it a “bittersweet” but “special” moment:

I would’ve never imagined doing this years later but I’m even more proud of him and his legacy.”@emilyljcave joined @GenePrincipe to talk about the impact Colby Cave had on his @NHLBruins and @EdmontonOilers teammates and how she’s continuing his legacy. pic.twitter.com/A7gkJ7Cfzm

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 12, 2021