Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave remains in a medically induced coma after having emergency surgery on Tuesday to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.
“Colby is still in a medically-induced coma. This is giving his brain time to heal and rest from all he’s been through,” Cave’s family said in a statement on Thursday. “We would like to thank the Oilers organization, the entire hockey community, all of our friends, and family, and everyone who has shown us love and support.”
“We would like to send a big thank-you to Colby’s critical care team, neurosurgeons and nurses at Sunnybrook Hospital. We appreciate all that you are doing for our Colby.”
After complaining of headaches, the 25-year-old was transported to a hospital in Barrie, Ont., on Monday evening. From Barrie, Cave was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, where he was admitted into intensive care.
Cave’s wife, Emily, posted an update on Instagram on Wednesday night.
"We need a miracle," she wrote. "Colby’s parents and myself, got to see him through a window and talk to him with a walkie-talkie last night. We are no longer allowed to be in the hospital because Covid-19 rules. We have no idea when we will be allowed to see him again.
"The nurse has tied his wedding band to his ankle. I am dreaming of being able to touch you, hear your voice, squeeze your hand (3 times), and kiss you again. I love you so much, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces without my best friend."
In a Zoom conference call with media Thursday, Oilers captain Connor McDavid called the news about his teammate “devastating,” but was pulling for Cave.
“I just think Colby is such a strong guy, he’s a good Saskatchewan boy, he’s as tough as they come — if anyone is going to get through it, it’s going to be Colby Cave,” McDavid said.
“I think that all the fans out there, everyone just needs to keep Colby, Emily — his wife — and the entire family in their thoughts and prayers and just sending out good vibes for them. Because, I mean, that’s all we can do — we’re all stuck inside.”
–With files from the Canadian Press
