‘One of the best kids I’ve ever coached’: Colby Cave remembered by Mark Lamb

Colby Cave’s ‘infectious’ smile could light up a room according to his former coach Mark Lamb.

The Edmonton Oiler passed away at the age of 25 on Saturday after being placed in a medically induced coma following surgery for a brain bleed.

“He was a generous type of person. A fun-loving guy who treated everyone with the ultimate respect. People really gravitated towards this guy,” said Lamb who is now the head coach and general manager of the Prince George Cougars.

The Battleford, Saskatchewan centre played under Lamb for four years with the Swift Current Broncos and served as captain for two of them.

Lamb details how Cave started as a fourth-liner, before working his way up to become, in Lamb’s opinion, one of the best players in the league.

“He’s one of the best examples, one of the best kids that I’ve ever coached by far,” commented Lamb.

Following a blockbuster trade with the Kootenay Ice involving Cody Eakin in 2011, Cave went on to make his WHL debut with the Broncos on February 25.

Cave laced up for 302 total WHL Games, including 287 regular-season games and 15 playoff matchups.

“One of the best times was in the playoffs. He scored an overtime goal in a series against Calgary,” remembers Lamb.

“He was so happy! Our team was so happy. I remember those good things like that.”

The Saskatchewan hockey community has been through a lot, says Lamb.

Cave’s death comes just over two years after the April 6, 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

“Colby’s NHL career was just starting for him, he just got married, it’s just heartbreaking, another young man gone way too early.”

Emily Cave posted a photo of the two in a tribute to her husband on Instagram.

“My heart is shattered. The amount of physical, mental, and emotional pain I am in when I think about never seeing, touching, or holding you again is unbearable,” reads one section of the post. “You are and will always be my person, my hero, the greatest thing to happen to me.”

“I never dreamed of being a widow before our first wedding anniversary. Although every cell in my body is lost without you, I promise to continue to make you proud. I’ll see you again, Colb.”

Cave collected 210 points in his WHL career before making his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins on December 21, 2017, despite going undrafted in his final two WHL seasons.

He was then acquired by the Edmonton Oilers during the 2018-19 season, playing 11 games.

In total, he skated in 67 NHL games between the Bruins and Oilers, registering nine points (4G-5A).

 

View this post on Instagram

 

To my best friend & love of my life, Colby My heart is shattered. The amount of physical, mental, and emotional pain I am in when I think about never seeing, touching, or holding you again is unbearable. You are and will always be my person, my hero, the greatest thing to happen to me. I never dreamed of being a widow before our first wedding anniversary. Although, every cell in my body is lost without you, I promise to continue to make you proud. You were the best friend, husband, doggy daddy, and oh how I wished to see you as a baby daddy. I’ll see you again soon, Colb. You’ll be in heaven meeting me with a warm wet kiss. You’ll be with me every step of the way. I don’t want to stop writing just like I didn’t want to stop holding you this morning at the hospital. You are my everything. You always will be. Thank you for now being the best Guardian Angel. Just as you ended your vows, I am going to end with one word, AGAPE.

A post shared by Emily Cave (@em.cave) on Apr 11, 2020 at 8:42am PDT

Colby Cave’s first NHL goal. We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/Ff0uB5SmYf

— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2020