NHL Twitter mourns the passing of Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave
By Simon Vacca
Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave has passed away at the age of 25. The hockey world mourns his stunning death.
On Saturday morning, tragedy struck the hockey world, as Edmonton Oilers centre Colby Cave passed away at the age of 25.
The young forward had undergone emergency surgery following a brain bleed suffered overnight between Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7. Cave died early on April 11 at Sunybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario.
In a statement provided by the Oilers, Cave’s wife, Emily, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of her husband.
"“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.”"
Cave’s path to the NHL saw the player bring his expansive talents to an array of organizations. He played for the Battleford Stars (SMHL), the Battleford North Stars (SJHL), the Swift Current Broncos (WHL), the Providence Bruins (AHL) and the Bakersfield Condors (AHL).
At hockey’s highest level, Cave enjoyed time with both the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers. He had dressed in 11 games for the latter organization in the 2019-20 campaign, scoring one goal.
Edmonton general manager Ken Holland and Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson also released a joint statement on the matter:
"“On behalf of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and the Bakersfield Condors, we wanted to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends after the passing of our teammate Colby Cave earlier this morning. Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired and liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family and friends at this very difficult time.”"
Hockey Twitter continues to mourn Cave’s death during this trying time. Below are expressions of sorrow from some of the game’s wide-ranging facets.
https://twitter.com/WayneGretzky/status/1249002803047120897?s=20
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
https://twitter.com/phildanault/status/1248995299810566144
So many things in our world don’t make sense right now. RIP Colby Cave. @EdmontonOilers
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 11, 2020
I don’t understand any of it. What I do know is that Colby will be deeply missed. A great person with a great attitude who brought a smile to the rink every day. Deepest condolences to his family. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Caver.
— Sam Gagner (@89SGagner) April 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1248985998597505024
RIP Colby Cave,
— Jake Virtanen (@Jake_Virtanen) April 11, 2020
Condolences to Emily and Colby’s family.
Hard to understand.
https://twitter.com/BColes25/status/1248993409643294725
One staff member recalls that every time Cave was recalled from the AHL he would come to the rink and head straight to the staff offices to give everyone a hug. Only player they can recall doing that. "A truly decent and loving person."
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) April 11, 2020
Truly sad news to hear about the passing of @EdmontonOilers player Colby Cave. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. #RIPColby
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) April 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Roenick/status/1248991011734302725
Our thoughts are with Cave’s family, friends and fans at this most difficult hour.
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