Oilers mourn centre Colby Cave, dead at 25

Edmonton Oilers centre Colby Cave has died aged just 25 after suffering bleeding in his brain, his family and the NHL team said on Saturday.

Cave had been placed into a medically-induced coma at a Toronto hospital on Thursday after doctors removed a colloid cyst which was causing the bleed.

"It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning," his family said in a statement on the Oilers' website.

"We thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time."

His wife Emily had said on Thursday that because of coronavirus restrictions, the family had not been able to visit Cave in hospital.

"Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired and liked everywhere he played," said Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson.

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky wrote on Twitter: "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."

In four NHL seasons with the Oilers and Boston Bruins, Canadian Cave scored four goals and made five assists in 67 games.

© 2020 AFP