Colby Cave quickly became a fan-favourite in the Edmonton community for his play on the ice, and his community work off of it. (Facebook/Edmonton Oilers)

By Martin Martinson

An Emotional Evening

Oilers pay tribute to Colby Cave with special ceremony as hockey returns

Jul 29, 2020 | 3:44 PM

It was an emotional tribute for all in attendance at Edmonton’s Rogers Arena, as well as all those watching on television across the nation.

The Edmonton Oilers played their first game in over four months Tuesday night, as the team suited up for their lone exhibition game ahead of the NHL’s play-in round this summer.

However in the Battlefords in particular, it was the Oilers’ pregame tribute to local, Colby Cave ahead of the night’s action that truly made it a special night to remember.

Cave passed away at the age of 25 earlier this year, following a brain bleed.

BDO Debt Solutions

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Bank: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Holiday

11h ago

strong reputation

North Battleford wins gold in provincial volleyball championship

12h ago

POSTAL STRIKE IMPACT

Chamber reaction: Postal strike in rural Sask. sparks concerns for businesses and holiday shipping

13h ago

Since then, countless people from both the hockey and Battlefords’ community and beyond, have been pouring out their support for the Cave family and offering various tributes in honour of the hometown role model.

Mark Lamb, who coached Cave for four years with Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League, said the tribute was a powerful display that just goes to show the lasting effect Cave had on those around him.

“Colby has had such an impact on so many people’s lives, and especially within a team environment, where he was such a respected teammate,” Lamb said. “Watching the tribute, you get so proud of the person you know, but then on the other hand, it’s just so sad what happened, he passed so young. Everything he’s getting is so well deserved.”

“You can see the eyes of all the players on the Oilers’ bench, but you also see all the players on the Calgary bench as well [showing emotion],” Lamb continued. “When something like that happens in the hockey community, it’s just one big team and I think it was great to see what a classy organization Edmonton is; not only [with the tribute] but the Colby Cave Foundation. It’s a really family-oriented organization.”

The Oilers topped the special night with a convincing 4-1 victory over the rival Calgary Flames. Edmonton will play Game 1 of their best-of-five play-in series against the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday (Aug. 1) at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1