Friends and family remember Colby Cave

Earlier this morning, Colby Cave’s wife, Emily, announced the horrible news that the 25 year old had passed away after a battling a brain bleed in a Toronto hospital. In the moments after, current and former teammates turned to social media to pay tribute to a man that was known for being as generous and kind as he was hardworking and determined.

Since we fans rarely get to see the human side of the professional athletes we watch on a nightly basis, I thought it was important to remember Colby Cave for not only what he did on the ice but who he was as a person. With that in mind, I wanted to put together a little something from his friends, family, and teammates to show how incredible of a human being he was and how we lost far more than just a hockey player. As you’ll see, Colby Cave was the type of man that touched the hearts of everyone he came into contact with and he will be sorely missed.

 

“Colby’s a guy who is so well-liked in our dressing room. I’m sure he’s been well-liked in any room he’s been in. He’s such a good guy.” -Connor McDavid, on Thursday’s conference call

“Just doesn’t make any sense … Heavy heavy heart today as I try to wrap my head around this. You were an amazing person and always brought so much energy and positivity into the room and in peoples lives. You will be deeply missed Caver. Sending all my love to Emily and the entire Cave family through this difficult time.” -Connor McDavid, this afternoon on Instagram

“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

“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

“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.” -Tyler Benson

“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.” -Joseph Gambardella

“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.” -Patrick Russell

“Phenomenal teammate. Somebody who oozed character, determination and sportsmanship. The absolute epitome of what a professional hockey player should be: caring, driven, focused and serious.” -Jay Woodcroft

“This just tears your heart. He was excited for every minute he was in the National Hockey League. He wasn’t drafted but I knew as a coach, he would find a way somehow to get to the NHL.” -Mark Lamb

“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear this horrible news,” DeBrusk said. “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.” -Jake DeBrusk

“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.” -Zdeno Chara

“I’m very saddened by the news of Colby’s passing this morning. 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.” -Patrice Bergeron

“Rest in Peace, Caver! Heartbreaking news. I was lucky enough to be your friend and teammate, you always had a positive attitude with that smile of yours and I’ll always remember you.” -David Pastrnak

“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! 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.” -Don Sweeney, Bruins GM

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

“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 Cernak

“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

“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

“I will always miss our days together in providence. Best roommate you could ever ask for always picking up after Austin Cernak and I love you buddy RIP Caver.” -Frank Vatrano

“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.” -Tim Bozon

“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.” -Colby Cohen

If you’re interested and able to help out, a GoFundMe account has been set up to provide some relief for Colby Cave’s family. Obviously, there is nothing money can due to bring back the loss of this incredible person, but perhaps a donation would give the family one less thing to worry about during this difficult time. If you’re unable to donate, maybe sharing the link on your own social feeds might be something you could do to help out.