It’s been an emotional few weeks for Keaton Ellerby.

Ellerby’s uncle Alvin Liknes, his wife, Kathryn, and their five-year-old grandson Nathan O’Brien, are still missing in Alberta and presumed dead — though no bodies have been discovered — after the mysterious disappearance of the trio on June 30.

Douglas Garland has been arrested by Calgary police and faces three counts of murder.

“There’s not really any words that you can put to it,” said Ellerby, who was re-signed to a one-year, two-way deal by the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “You watch that stuff on TV and you never think it would happen to your immediate family. It’s still going on. My dad’s side of the family is definitely shaken up about it. It’s not an easy thing to go through.

“You’ve got to stay strong as a family and just hope and pray it comes to an end and you get a little bit of closure.”

Ellerby and his family have been overwhelmed by the support from the hockey community and folks in Manitoba as well.

“There’s been a lot of support from guys that I know and even from people in the city of Winnipeg. I’ve gotten a lot of messages and stuff like that, saying ‘we’re thinking of you and praying for your family,’” said Ellerby. “It’s definitely been a nice little support system there. I’m very thankful to those people who have reached out.”