‘Undrafted but undaunted’: Oilers’ Cave dies at age of 25
“The National Hockey League family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Colby Cave, whose life and hockey career, though too short, were inspiringly emblematic of the best of our game.” — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement about the death of Colby Cave
Oilers forward Colby Cave died Saturday morning at the age of 25, days after he had been placed in a medically induced coma to treat a cyst.
“It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning. I (Emily), Colby Cave’s wife, 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 family said in a press release from the Oilers.
Cave had been in a medically induced coma since Thursday after he had been transported to Toronto on Tuesday to have a colloid cyst removed from his brain. He died from brain bleed from the cyst.
Cave, an undrafted NHL player, was first called up to the NHL by the Bruins during the 2017-18 season. He split the 2018-19 season with the Bruins and their AHL affiliate before he was claimed on waivers by the Oilers.
There, he split the 2019-20 season between the NHL club and the Bakersfield Condors. He scored one goal in 11 games this season with the Oilers.
“The National Hockey League family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Colby Cave, whose life and hockey career, though too short, were inspiringly emblematic of the best of our game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in the Oilers’ statement. “Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was relentless in the pursuit of his hockey dream with both the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins organizations.
“An earnest and hardworking player, he was admired by his teammates and coaches. More important, he was a warm and generous person who was well-liked by all those fortunate enough to know him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Emily, their families and Colby’s countless friends throughout the hockey world.”
Organizations and players across the league took to social media to share their condolences.
“So sad to hear about Colby Cave,” Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo wrote on Twitter. “Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. RIP”
The Swift Current Broncos, a Western Hockey League team with which Cave spent five seasons, issued a statement about the devastating news of their former captain.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time,” the post read. “Rest In Peace, Caver.”
The Penguins issued a statement joining “the hockey world in mourning the loss of Colby Cave.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, teammates, and the Oilers organization,” the post continued.
Retired NHL player Jeremy Roenick called news of Cave’s passing “horrible.”
“Rest in peace, Colby,” he said in a tweet.