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 25-year-old 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.
“We need a miracle,” she wrote on Instagram. “Colby's parents and myself, got to see him through a window and talk to him with a walkie talkie last night. We are no longer allowed to be in the hospital because Covid-19 rules. We have no idea when we will be allowed to see him again.
“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.
"Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired and liked everywhere he played," the team said in a statement Saturday morning.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
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.
The six-foot-one, 200-pound Cave made his NHL debut with Boston on Dec. 21, 2017 after getting called up from Providence of the AHL. He played three games with Boston that season.
Cave played 15 more games with Boston in 2018 before the Oilers claimed him on waivers.
Cave's death comes just over two years after another tragedy for Saskatchewan hockey.
Sixteen people died when the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team's bus crashed on April 6, 2018.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2020
