Former Boston Bruins F Colby Cave Passes Away

Heartbreak struck the hockey community this morning. Edmonton Oilers forward, and former Boston Bruins prospect, Colby Cave passed away. Cave was just 25-years-old. The native of Battleford, Saskatchewan had been in a medically-induced coma since April 7th. He suffered a brain bleed overnight on April 6th. He was put into the coma after having emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.

“On behalf of the entire Bruins organization I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Colby’s family,” Bruins President Cam Neely said in a team statement. “He was, and will always be a Bruin, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Cave’s wife, Emily, released a statement confirming the news on Saturday morning.

“It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away this morning,” Emily Cave said. “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.”

Earlier in the week, Bruins Head Coach had some of Cave’s former teammates with the Bruins create audio messages for Cave’s wife to leave in Cave’s room playing since no one was allowed in because of COVID19 restrictions. In the same email of statements released by the Bruins, Cassidy expressed his sadness over Cave’s passing.

“Colby was a solid player, beloved teammate, but more importantly a truly special person,” Cassidy said. “He will be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Emily, her family, and the Cave family.

Cave played junior hockey for the Swift Current Broncos, alongside Jake DeBrusk. It was with DeBrusk that he made his NHL debut with the Bruins during the 2017-18 season.

Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney raved about Cave’s leadership and more so about Cave the person.

“I was saddened to hear the news that Colby was unable to awaken from his coma and has passed,” Sweeney said in a press release. “My heart aches for Emily and the entire Cave family. Colby was a special person! He signed with the Bruins as an undrafted player but his accomplishments in the WHL told a different story. His leadership qualities were beyond his years! When he arrived at development camp and in Providence for the 2015-16 season, he exhibited Patrice Bergeron-like characteristics, on and off the ice!

Driven and committed to be an NHL player, Colby was also uniquely unselfish with his own NHL dream, helping his teammates and his coaches, game-by-game, and day-by-day! Colby’s red hair underneath that “Peaky Blinders” brimmed hat during the teams’ march into Notre Dame Stadium for the Winter Classic is a special memory… not because the Bruins won that day but because I know Colby cherished the opportunity to play in that game. The Hockey World lost a great person who was beloved by his teammates and everyone that was fortunate enough to spend time with Colby Cave.”

Bergeron shared the same sentiments and was thankful to have known the Battleford, Saskatchewan native.

“I’m very saddened by the news of Colby’s passing this morning,” the Bruins alternate captain said in a press statement. “He was a tremendous young man with passion, dedication and, respect for the game of hockey. Beyond that, he was genuine, respectful and always full of life. I’m glad our paths crossed, and I had the chance to get to know him. He will be dearly missed by all. On behalf of myself, my wife Stephanie, and our three kids, we send our most sincere condolences to his wife Emily and his whole family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and sending you strength and love during this unimaginable time.”

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara expressed his sorrow and condolences as well.

“To Colby’s wife Emily, his parents, and both of their families, I am so saddened and sorry for your loss,” Chara said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times. We will all cherish our memories and be grateful for the time we had with such a special person as Colby. He was a great teammate and a friend. He will be deeply missed. On behalf of myself and the rest of the players on the Boston Bruins, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.”