EDMONTON, AB - The family of Oilers forward Colby Cave released the following statement on Thursday, thanking friends, family and the hockey community for their support during this difficult time.

There are no words to comfort a grieving family with a loss such as this. Yet, our community, our friends, and our family, found a way to wrap themselves around us, without saying a word.

People that impacted Colb's life seemed to stand out like beacons... teachers, hockey coaches, babysitters, buddies, and his family. We are so sad, and so broken for all of you too.

Colb's competitive nature always fuelled a drive to want to be better, and do better, in every aspect of his life; certainly what we are most proud of. To know that others recognized and admired those same qualities in Colby, makes us even more proud.

On Tuesday, the Cave family and the Oilers announced the creation of the Colby Cave Memorial Fund to help carry on Colby's memory and legacy.

Proceeds from the fund will go toward community programs with an emphasis on mental health initiatives and providing access to sports for underprivileged children.

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