Colby Cave
NHL star Colby Cave, who played for the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins, has died aged 25. Cave was rushed to hospital last Monday after suffering a brain bleed. He had emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst and had been in a medically induced coma. His wife Emily confirmed he passed away Saturday morning.
“It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning,” she said. “I and both our families are in shock but we 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 agent, Jason Davidson, said there did not appear to be a link to coronavirus.
NHL tweeted: “Today we mourn the passing of @
EdmontonOilers forward,
Colby Cave.” Boston
Bruins said: “Colby was, and will always be, a
Bruin.”
NHL Commissioner
Gary Bettman said Cave’s life and hockey career, though too short, were “inspiringly emblematic of the best of our game.”
“Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was relentless in the pursuit of his hockey dream,” he added.
Cave scored once in 11 appearances with Edmonton this season. He had 11 goals and 23 points in 44 games with the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors.
He played five seasons with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos before joining the Bruins for the 2014-15 season after going undrafted. The Oilers claimed Cave off waivers on Jan. 15, 2019. Cave played 15 more games with Boston in 2018 before the Oilers claimed him.
Fans offered their condolences and shared their reactions on social media. @t_whitey15 said: “Heartbreaking to see all the news on the passing of Colby Cave. Life is precious. Let the important people in your life know that you love them every day.”
@ToriLawrence72 tweeted: “This is some seriously sad news! A way too young former Bruins player (but always family!) has left us.” @Pooks_rutherfor said: “Heartbreaking. RIP Colby Cave. My prayers go out to his wife & family. This world is so unfair right now.”