Colby Cave and Emily’s romance began with a bold prediction in 2013 when he saw her on Instagram and declared, “I’m going to marry this girl.” Their bond, rooted in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, carried them to the NHL’s stage—where Colby, an undrafted free agent signed with Boston over three seasons and then with the Oilers. But his impact, far beyond stats, was in the warmth he spread. Five years after his death, Boston still cherishes him, with tributes pouring across.
Today on 11th April, Colby Cave’s widow Emily Cave‘s words resonated most with the fans as she took to her X handle. “5 years without you,” she wrote on X. Adding, “I will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you.” As Emily shared on her site, their love grew fast, grounded in a shared belief: “Be somebody that makes everybody feel like a somebody.” They married, dreaming of a long life together, but fate had other plans. In April 2020, Colby suffered a colloid cyst that triggered a brain bleed. Airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital, he underwent emergency surgery. COVID rules kept Emily apart, forcing her to pour her heart out via walkie-talkie, his wedding band tied to his ankle by a nurse. He passed away in the ICU, leaving Emily to carry their love forward.
Colby Cave’s life cherished by family and friends
Undrafted but relentless, Colby cave signed with the Bruins in 2015, grinding through Providence’s AHL rinks to earn his NHL shot in 2017. Over 23 games with Boston and 44 with Edmonton, he scored nine points, but his real mark was off the ice. Fans on X still share clips of his first goal against Montreal in 2018, his grin lighting up the ice. Teammates like Patrice Bergeron called him “genuine, respectful, and always full of life.”
Emily shared their love story publicly, noting how Colby pursued her across provinces before they met. They built a life rooted in kindness, with a mantra: “Be somebody that makes everybody feel like a somebody.” Emily channeled her grief into the Colby Cave Memorial Fund, supporting mental health and community programs. With the Bruins, it funds psychiatric care at Hasbro Children’s Hospital; with the Oilers, it backs Colby’s Kids for underprivileged youth. Tributes endure—a 2021 game where Emily dropped the puck, hugged by Connor McDavid and Bergeron, or posts from Providence fans calling him their “forever favorite.” Colby’s 67 NHL games were brief, but his impact was timeless.
Five years later, Emily’s vow on X says it all: she lives for Colby, proving love outlasts loss. From small-town Saskatchewan to TD Garden, Colby Cave’s legacy thrives in every act of kindness inspired by his name. Today, we salute Cave—a teammate, dreamer, and forever a Bruin.
Fans grieve and show support for Late Bruins Star Colby Cave
Five years after the tragic passing of Colby Cave, fans of the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers continue to honor the late NHL player’s memory with heartfelt tributes, reflecting his lasting impact both on and off the ice. Cave, who died in April 2020, left behind a legacy of grit, kindness, and dedication. His wife, Emily, remains at the heart of fans’ condolences and support, as seen in emotional reactions shared across social media.
The sentiment of one fan “Once a Bruin always a Bruin” captures Cave’s enduring connection to Boston, where he began his NHL journey. Undrafted but relentless, Cave grinded through five years in the Bruins’ farm system before debuting on December 21, 2017. He played 23 games for Boston, earning admiration for his work ethic and team-first mentality. Fans’ use of this phrase underscores how Cave embodied the Bruins’ spirit, leaving a mark that persists years later.
Similarly, Edmonton fans expressed, “Just know you’re still in the hearts of Oil Country ,” reflecting Cave’s impact after being claimed off waivers by the Oilers in January 2019. Over two seasons, he played 44 games, bringing the same tenacity and warmth that made him a beloved teammate. This tribute highlights how Cave’s presence resonated deeply in Edmonton, where his jersey and photo still hang in the Oilers’ dressing room as a reminder of his spirit.
One fan wrote, “I can’t believe it’s been five years! I’m very sorry for your loss. Hey. @EdmontonOilers! Not only we can clinch a playoff spot tonight, but also win this game for Colby!” This post ties Cave’s memory to the team’s ongoing fight, echoing his own determination. Cave’s career was defined by perseverance—whether battling for NHL minutes or recovering from injuries—making the idea of dedicating a playoff-clinching victory to him especially poignant.
The grief remains raw for many, as seen in comments like “hard to believe it’s been 5 years although I’m sure it’s not the same for you ” and “My heart still breaks for you Emily! Dammit!!” These reactions convey empathy for Emily, who announced Colby’s passing and has since championed his legacy through the Colby Cave Foundation. Fans recognize the unique pain she carries, with the latter comment’s frustration hinting at the injustice of Cave’s untimely death, a sentiment amplified by his youth and potential.
Cave’s life was marked by more than hockey. Known for his generosity, he brightened every room, as teammates like Zdeno Chara and Patrick Russell noted in tributes. From his roots in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to his NHL, Cave’s journey inspired fans who saw him as a symbol of hard work and humility. These reactions—spanning pride, sorrow, and solidarity—reflect a collective commitment to keeping his memory alive, for Emily and for the hockey community he touched.
The post “Very Sorry for Your Loss”: Boston Hockey World Mourns for Late Bruins Star Colby Cave’s on 5th Death Anniversary appeared first on EssentiallySports.
