Oilers forward Colby Cave dies at age 25
Posted Apr 11, 2020 9:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO — Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave died Saturday after suffering a brain bleed earlier this week.
He was 25.
The Oilers confirmed Cave’s death with a statement from his family.
“I (Emily, 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,” the statement said.
The native of Battleford, Sask., was placed in a medically-induced coma on Tuesday at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
He was airlifted to Toronto after being admitted to a hospital in Barrie, Ont., on Monday.
Cave underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday with doctors removing a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.
On Wednesday, Emily posted an emotional update about her husband’s situation.
“The nurse has tied his wedding band to his ankle. I am dreaming of being able to touch you, hear your voice, squeeze your hand (3 times), and kiss you again. I love you so much, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces without my best friend.”
Cave’s agent, Jason Davidson, said Tuesday that the situation didn’t appear to be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 this season.
The Oilers posted Cave’s goal — an impressive rush down the right wing that saw him beat a Pittsburgh defender and stuff the puck past Penguins netminder Matt Murray — on Twitter earlier this week.
“Colby is an awesome person who scored an awesome goal for us this season,” the team said.
Cave played five seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, where he saw time as captain, before joining the Boston Bruins’ organization for the 2014-15 season after going undrafted. The Oilers claimed Cave off waivers on Jan. 15, 2019.
Cave had four goals and five assists over 67 NHL games with Boston and Edmonton.
Cave played 15 more games with Boston in 2018 before the Oilers claimed him on waivers.
