Former Boston Bruin Colby Cave Dies At 25

BOSTON — Former Boston Bruin and recent Edmonton Oiler Colby Cave died Saturday. He had been placed in a medically induced coma earlier this week in Canada to treat a cyst near his brain. He was 25.

"It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away this morning," Cave's family said in a statement Saturday. "I [Emily, his 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."

Cave's wife shared on Instagram that his family couldn't be with him in the hospital because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Cave played about two dozen games with the Bruins in the 2017-2018 season.

"On behalf of the entire Bruins organization I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Colby's family," Boston Bruins President Cam Neely said in a statement. "As an undrafted free agent from Saskatchewan, Colby chose the Bruins and once he came to our organization, he seized the opportunity and showed on and off the ice that he was a special hockey player and person. He was, and will always be a Bruin, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him."

Cave, a forward, was traded to the Oilers in the middle of last season.

"The National Hockey League family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Colby Cave, whose life and hockey career, though too short, were inspiringly emblematic of the best of our game," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was relentless in the pursuit of his hockey dream with both the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins organizations. An earnest and hardworking player, he was admired by his teammates and coaches. More important, he was a warm and generous person who was well-liked by all those fortunate enough to know him."