Players, media share memories of Oilers forward Colby Cave

Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave died Saturday morning. He was 25. Cave's family released a statement announcing the news.

"It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning. I (Emily, Colby'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."

 

 

 

 

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To my best friend & love of my life, Colby 🤍 My heart is shattered. The amount of physical, mental, and emotional pain I am in when I think about never seeing, touching, or holding you again is unbearable. You are and will always be my person, my hero, the greatest thing to happen to me. I never dreamed of being a widow before our first wedding anniversary. Although, every cell in my body is lost without you, I promise to continue to make you proud. You were the best friend, husband, doggy daddy, and oh how I wished to see you as a baby daddy. I’ll see you again soon, Colb. You’ll be in heaven meeting me with a warm wet kiss. You’ll be with me every step of the way. I don’t want to stop writing just like I didn’t want to stop holding you this morning at the hospital. You are my everything. You always will be. Thank you for now being the best Guardian Angel. Just as you ended your vows, I am going to end with one word, AGAPE. ✨

A post shared by Emily Cave (@em.cave) on Apr 11, 2020 at 8:42am PDT

The Oilers released a statement reading, "We want to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends after the passing of our teammate Colby Cave earlier this morning. Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired and liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family and friends at this very difficult time."

Once an Oiler, always an Oiler.

🧡💙🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/1fuTDp2idz

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2020

Boston Bruins released statements from president Cam Neely, general manager Don Sweeney, head coach Bruce Cassidy, captains Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron and forward Jake DeBrusk.

pic.twitter.com/LcSdCo8qQi

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 11, 2020

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on the passing of Cave.

Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the passing of Colby Cave. https://t.co/Uk56BzS7qk pic.twitter.com/06V3AFQPra

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 11, 2020

Remembrances flooded social media as the hockey world reacted to the news of Cave's death.

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 (@tcave9) April 11, 2020

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

Heavy heart today. You were an amazing person and always brought so much energy and positivity into the room and peoples lives. You will be deeply missed Caver. Sending all my love to Emily and the entire Cave family through this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/tcIgfbZRbo

— Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) 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

Rest In Peace caver, always enjoyed our time together. Was a pleasure and honor to play with you. You always had a positive mindset and could light a room with your smile and laugh. Praying for your family

— Austin Czarnik (@ACzarnik7) April 11, 2020

One of the best guys you’ll ever meet. Proud to call you a friend. From a fellow sasky boy, you will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace Caver. ❤️

— Damon Severson (@dseves7) April 11, 2020

I’ll always love you brother. #RIP Colby pic.twitter.com/Gb9qTpcdA0

— Anton Blidh (@bliddan) April 11, 2020

Rest In Peace Caver ! Heartbreaking news I was Lucky enough to be your friend and teammate , you always had positive attitude with that smile of yours and I’ll always remember you..

— davidpastrnak (@pastrnak96) April 11, 2020

I will always miss our days together in providence. Best roommate you could ever ask for always picking up after @ACzarnik7 and I love you buddy RIP Caver

— Frank Vatrano (@Frank_Vatrano) April 11, 2020

Rest In Peace, Colby. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/oCT9CBUBb8

— Torey Krug (@ToreyKrug) April 11, 2020

Blessed to call you a teammate and close friend. I know you’ll be always be watching over us. So grateful for the time we got to spend together. Rest In Peace Caver https://t.co/9C0z3AGaxO

— Ryan Donato (@DonatoRyan) April 11, 2020

RIP brother, you will always be in our hearts #Caveman pic.twitter.com/2zr7a8up67

— Malcolm Subban (@Subbz3r0) April 11, 2020

Devastating news today. Going to miss that infectious smile of yours Caver. Thankful I got to live with you in Providence and see firsthand your hard work & dedication to hockey. You taught me more than you know, but the best part was you were an even better person. RIP Colby ❤️

— Matthew Grzelcyk (@Matt_Grzelcyk5) April 11, 2020

RIP Colby. Here’s a photo I took the day the Bruins visited the Great Wall of China. He was wearing a Humboldt Broncos hat and a permanent grin. pic.twitter.com/RBqdbSIuIU

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) April 11, 2020

Colby not only brightened up the hockey world but every person he graced with his presence. We love you Caver, and the entire Cave family we are here with you. We are so sorry for your loss. R.I.P Caver, I’ll meet you at the pearly gates,I’ll bring the beers, I’ll bring the beers https://t.co/MyzB0pI6tv

— joseph gambardella (@DJgamz5) April 11, 2020

Gone from us way too early. Was lucky enough to sit next to you all year in the dressing room always bringing a positive attitude and big smile to the rink. You were a warrior on the ice and a gentleman off it. Thanks for being a great teammate and friend. Rest In Peace Caver https://t.co/xeeXWL7WRZ

— Tyler Benson (@TylerBenson_17) April 11, 2020

The best guy around would always show up with a smile and make his surroundings better. Can’t believe this happened. Prayers and thoughts to Emily, and the family. RIP caver, you will always be missed. https://t.co/ai20Nba0Tc

— Patrick Russell (@PRussell63) April 11, 2020

Colby Cave's 1st NHL Goal vs. @CanadiensMTL . Pure joy.#RIP Colby. Prayers to his entire family... just awful news pic.twitter.com/ShYZkou95X

— Alex Kraemer (@Alex_Kraemer3) April 11, 2020

No words to describe how I feel u were not only a great hockey player but also a great person,had the chance to get to know you during 6 years playing against each other in WHL/AHL my deepest thoughts and condolences to his wife Emily and his entire family Rest In Peace Colby 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/y4YPZH121N

— Tim Bozon (@timbozon94) April 11, 2020

I remember once talking with Colby before the Winter Classic and apologizing to him, I joked that if Butch yelled at him extra it was probably my fault from my years with Butch before him. That interaction feels like yesterday. I'll never forget it. RIP CC Thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/pNB25DR7IU

— Colby Cohen (@ColbyCohen36) April 11, 2020

RIP Colby Cave... heartbreaking to hear the news this morning, he was always a player that competed hard and played the right way in my time playing against him. Thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this time 🙏🏼

— Blake Coleman (@BColes25) April 11, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire hockey community and the family of former Boston @NHLBruins player Colby Cave. So sad to learn of his passing.https://t.co/PvMKni6UKv

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 11, 2020