Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave died on Saturday after suffering a brain bleed over night on Monday. He was 25-years-old.
Rest in peace, Colby Cave. 🖤 https://t.co/oHBUdNAGII
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2020
Colby Caves Passes at 25
Colby Cave was placed in a medically induced coma on Tuesday at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital. He was airlifted to Sunnybrook from Barrie, Ontario on Monday. Cave underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a colloid cyst that caused pressure on his brain. He was placed in a medically induced coma.
Cave’s wife, Emily Cave, announced his death in a message.
“It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning,” said Cave. “I 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 sister Taylor, honoured her brother on social media.
The bond between a brother and sister is a special one. It remains unchanged by time and distance and is the purest form of friendship I’ve ever had. You will now, and forever, be my special angel Colb💙 pic.twitter.com/WsbmDrP2BD
— Taylor Cave- Tuffs (@tcave9) April 11, 2020
Oilers, NHL and Bruins release statements
Edmonton Oilers president Bob Nicholson and general manager Ken Holland released a statement about Cave’s death.
“We want to express our deepest condolences to the family & friends after the passing of our teammate Colby Cave earlier this morning. Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired & liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family & friends at this very difficult time.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement.
“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. Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was relentless in the pursuit of his hockey dream with both the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins organizations. He earned the admiration of his teammates and coaches for his hard work. Cave 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.”
Cave also played for the Boston Bruins. Many members of the organization like Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, general manager Don Sweeney, president Cam Neely, head coach Bruce Cassidy and Cave’s teammate with Boston and in junior hockey, Jake DeBrusk, made statements. Here is what DeBrusk said.
“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear this horrible news. It’s hard to put my feelings into words. I was lucky to play junior hockey with Colby. He was our captain and leader. It was an unforgettable moment when we again played together in the NHL for the Boston Bruins. He was an amazing person, player and friend. Sending my deepest condolences to Emily and the Cave family. Rest in peace Colby.”
Colby Cave’s Career
Colby Cave was a young player trying to prove himself as a regular NHL player. The North Battleford Saskatchewan native started his professional career with the Providence Bruins, the AHL team for the Boston Bruins. Cave played three and a half seasons in Providence, scoring roughly 30 points a year. He played 23 games with Boston during that time and scored five points.
Cave got claimed by the Edmonton Oilers in Jan. 2019. He played 33 games with the Oilers that season, scoring two goals and three points. He spent the 2019-2020 season split between Edmonton and their AHL team in Bakersfield, California. In Edmonton, Cave played 11 games and scored one goal. In Bakersfield, he played 44 games and scored 23 points.
He played his junior hockey with the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League for four seasons. In 287 games as a Bronco, Cave scored 202 points.
Here is arguably Cave’s nicest goal in the NHL.
Outpouring of Condolences
Many NHL teams, players and public figures have offered their condolences.
Janet and I are so sad to hear of Colby’s passing. He was a wonderful hockey player with a bright future, but an even better person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Emily and his entire family. 🙏
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) April 11, 2020
Rest In Peace Colby. You were a great teammate and an even better person. We will miss you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dSzhwSC3fM
— Brandon DeFazio (@DeFabio24) 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
The Swift Current Broncos are devastated to hear of the passing of our former captain, Colby Cave. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.
Rest In Peace, Caver. pic.twitter.com/iaj4M3KnFU
— Swift Current Broncos (@SCBroncos) April 11, 2020
Sending our thoughts to Colby’s family, friends and the entire Oilers organization during this difficult time. ❤️
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 11, 2020
We are truly heartbroken to hear of the passing of Colby Cave.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cave family, friends and the entire @EdmontonOilers organization. 💙 https://t.co/fslX4TPTSc
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/TonyDee07/status/1247592578263941120
My prayers go out to Colby Cave, his family and friends. Such horrible news. Rest In Peace, Colby🙏🏻
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) April 11, 2020
So many things in our world don’t make sense right now. RIP Colby Cave. @EdmontonOilers
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 11, 2020
