The Winnipeg Jets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dallas Stars after a dramatic overtime finish in Game 6, but seeing how the community rallied around Mark Scheifele in the face of tragedy was a stark reminder that hockey is bigger than just a battle on the ice.
Scheifele learned of his father Brad's sudden passing on Saturday morning, just hours before puck drop in Dallas. Coach Scott Arniel said that he never had a doubt about suiting up for Game 6.
"As he said, that would be the wishes of his dad — that he would want him to play," Arniel told reporters ahead of the matchup.
In a moving gesture, Stars fans came together to support Scheifele in the wake of his loss. Fans across social media shared that they were donating to charity in honor of Brad Scheifele — $55 for 55, a nod to Mark's jersey number.
The career Jet is a vocal supporter of the True North Foundation as well as KidSport Canada, which are both nonprofits that center around helping youth in the local community.
There wasn't a dry eye to be found when Scheifele scored the opening goal of Game 6 after beating Jake Oettinger through the five-hole. It was apparent how meaningful that moment was from both the celebration on the ice and the smiles on the bench.
The Jets battled hard from the get-go. Winnipeg recorded 54 hits in Game 6, more than double the amount from the Stars and the eighth-most by any team this playoffs. Scheifele led all skaters with nine hits — only eight more players have had more in a single game this postseason.
Unfortunately, it was a penalty by Scheifele that led to the power play which Dallas scored on to clinch the victory and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
The heartbreak was palpable as he remained in the penalty box, hanging his head while a stream of teammates skated up to offer their support. Scheifele was visibly devastated and spent a moment getting consolation from each of his teammates, including a long and emotional hug with goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
The ultimate show of respect took place in the handshake line. After battling hard against Stars captain Jamie Benn throughout the series, including a controversial punch that led to Benn being fined, the two shared a heartfelt moment together.
That was the first of many hugs and condolences from the Stars. Each player took the time to share some words with Scheifele, and coach Pete DeBoer offered his sympathy while speaking to reporters after the game.
"It's just courageous what he did tonight," DeBoer said in the postgame press conference. "I'm sure that his dad would've been really proud of him and what he did. I'm sure his dad would've wanted him there, so tough night for him and anybody in the hockey world that has been in a situation like that. Hats off to him. Courageous young man."
Despite the outcome on the ice, the show of support for Scheifele on Saturday was beautiful. It's a bittersweet reminder that at the end of the day, hockey is just a game — one that can and should bring us together rather than divide us.
Jets captain Adam Lowry shared some fond memories of Brad Scheifele, including his "infectious laugh."
"Spending my whole career here, numerous fathers’ trips, just the energy that he had was unmatched," Lowry told Sportsnet. "Just his joy and excitement for life. I think his positivity, his outlook on life, just a genuinely happy person… It's a terrible loss. It's tough to put into words how gutted we all feel for Mark and his family."
If you'd like to make a donation in Brad's memory, you can do so online atTrue North Foundation or KidSport Canada.
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