The hockey world was dealt a terrible blow on Saturday morning, as the Edmonton Oilers announced former Bruin Colby Cave passed away after suffering a brain bleed earlier this week.
Cave was just 25 years old.
“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. “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.”
Cave had been in a medically induced coma since Tuesday after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain. The Battleford, Saskatchewan native was initially rushed to a Toronto hospital overnight on Monday after suffering the brain bleed.
On Saturday, Cave’s wife, Emily, posted a heartbreaking tribute to Colby on Instagram. They married this past July.
(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bruins
Former Bruin Colby Cave remembered as a 'driven and committed' player that was easy to root for
“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear this horrible news,”
Jake DeBrusk,
Cave’s former teammate with the Swift Current Broncos down in the WHL, said in a statement. “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.”
During his four years in Boston’s organization, Cave put in the work to develop from a defensive-minded forward into a viable top-six weapon and later captain with the Baby B’s — drawing the attention of then Providence head coach
Bruce Cassidy
for his tireless efforts to hone his craft out on the ice.
“He was one of the guys I really enjoyed working with. Good kid. Came in as a free agent. Kind of a defensive-minded guy,” Cassidy said of Cave back in November 2018. “Was a good leader right away even as a young guy who practiced well. Some of the habits you have to teach young guys, he had them right away. … All those guys that come up and do well, you’re always rooting for them.”
Cave’s efforts down in the AHL were rewarded with a number of call-ups with Boston throughout his tenure, headlined by a memorable first career goal tallied against
Carey Price
and the Canadiens back on December 17, 2018.
Cave was eventually claimed by the Oilers in January 2019 — with Cassidy wishing his former player well in a new role that brought the opportunity of even more reps up at the NHL level. He ultimately appeared in 44 games with the Oilers over the last two seasons.
Don Sweeney
Patrice
Bergeron
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