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
https://twitter.com/phildanault/status/1248995299810566144
https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1248985998597505024
https://twitter.com/BColes25/status/1248993409643294725
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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