Some moments in life just hit deeper than the scoreboard, and right now, it’s one of those moments for Mark Scheifele. Just hours before lacing up for Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, he got hit with the kind of heartbreak that no game clock can prepare you for. His dad, Brad, passed away suddenly overnight, and yeah… it rattled everybody. Jets coach Scott Arniel didn’t sugarcoat it; he straight-up said the news shook the whole crew. “On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets family, our condolences to Mark and his family. It rocked us all this morning when we found out. Mark will be playing tonight. As he said, that’d be the wishes of his dad. He would have wanted him to play.” But Mark? He’s still suiting up, heart heavy and all, because deep down, he knows his dad would’ve wanted him out there, skating through the storm.
By the time puck drop got closer, Mark showed up, shoulder to shoulder with Josh Morrissey, walking through that arena like a warrior in the quiet before battle. Everyone could feel the shift. It wasn’t just another playoff game. This was bigger, deeper, way more layered. And in a twist that turned the tough into the tender, Dallas fans, usually all-in on the rivalry chaos, showed mad love. They gifted Mark something heartfelt; a moment that made the rivalry take a back seat for a sec.
Lia Assimakopoulos, the voice behind all things Dallas Stars, SMU, and college sports magic for @DallasNews, hopped on X on May 17th and dropped a gem that straight-up gave us chills in the best way. Like, if you’ve ever doubted the heart behind hockey fans, especially the Dallas crew, this’ll change your tune real quick.
She posted, “I’m always blown away by the charitable efforts of Stars fans, and today is no different. Dallas fans have been making $55 donations for Jets No. 55 Mark Scheifele following his father’s passing last night to a few charities Mark supports. Bigger than hockey.” Even with playoff fire in the air, these Stars fans pressed pause on the rivalry and led with kindness instead. Throwing up $55 donations, one for each number Scheifele rocks on his jersey, not just to honor him, but to send some love straight to the charities he holds close. Indeed, bigger than the sport.
I’m always blown away by the charitable efforts of Stars fans, and today is no different.
Dallas fans have been making $55 donations for Jets No. 55 Mark Scheifele following his father’s passing last night to a few charities Mark supports.
Bigger than hockey
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) May 17, 2025
This story is developing…
The post Dallas Ignores Playoffs Rivalry as Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele Receives Heartwarming Gift After Father’s Passing appeared first on EssentiallySports.
