The hockey community lost a beautiful soul on Saturday. Edmonton Oilers center Colby Cave died at the age of 25 after suffering a brain bleed earlier in the week.
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Cave was a member of the Bruins organization from 2014-19, spending a majority of his time with Boston's AHL affiliate in Providence, but he made an impression on everyone he met.
In statements released by the team, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and Cave's ex-teammates offered condolences
Sweeney:
I was saddened to hear the news that Colby was unable to awaken from his coma and has passed. 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.
Team captain Zdeno Chara:
To Colby's wife Emily, his parents, and both of their families, I am so saddened and sorry for your loss. 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.
While Patrice Bergeron and Cam Neely also had statements released by the team, many of Cave's former B's teammates took to various social media platforms to share their condolences:
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Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk was also a former junior hockey teammate of Cave's in the WHL and a teammate in Providence. His statement released by the B's:
I'm so shocked and saddened to hear this horrible news. 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.
A few former Bruins, who also spent time in Boston/Providence with Cave also shared their condolences:
