The Providence Bruins have announced the creation of the Colby Cave Memorial Award, which will be presented each season to a Bruins player for their dedication to community and charitable organizations.
Cave, whose premature death at the age of 25 in April from a brain bleed sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world, played parts of five seasons in Providence, the AHL affiliate for the Boston Bruins.
“The Colby Cave Memorial Award is a special way to honour and remember Colby for his leadership qualities and humanitarian efforts,” Don Sweeney, general manager of the Bruins, said in a press release. “Driven and committed to be an NHL player, Colby was also uniquely unselfish with teammates and anyone that needed help!
“Emily, the Cave Family and the entire hockey world lost a great person who was beloved by everyone that was fortunate enough to spend time with Colby Cave.”
Throughout his tenure, Cave served as an assistant captain for the team and was remembered by teammates, coaches and the community for his kindness, compassion and dedication as much as he was for his on-ice performance.
In 239 games for Providence, Cave scored 43 goals and added 72 assists. He went on to appear in 23 games with Boston over two seasons, scoring his first NHL goal in a 4-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
“From the first day he stepped into the Dunkin’ Donuts Center to the day he left for the NHL, Colby Cave inspired each and every one of us with his diligence, selflessness and compassion,” Jay Leach, Providence’s head coach, said in a press release. “Always the first to help, both with his teammates, and throughout our community, Colby set the precedent that we aspire to uphold.”