HIGHLIGHTS
- Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele is uncertain for Game 6 vs. Dallas after the sudden passing of his father
- Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed the news, while Coach Scott Arniel is with Scheifele
- Read below for more on this heartbreaking situation as the Jets face a must-win playoff game
Mark Scheifele’s status for Game 6 against the Dallas Stars remains up in the air after the sudden passing of his father, Brad Scheifele.
The devastating news broke early Saturday morning, casting a dark cloud over the Winnipeg Jets as they gear up for a do-or-die playoff game at American Airlines Center.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed the gut-wrenching news before the team’s morning skate.
“Mark’s father, Brad, passed away overnight. It’s too early to say if Mark will play tonight. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected,” Cheveldayoff said.
Head coach Scott Arniel bolted from the ice to be with Scheifele at the team hotel, showing just how committed the team is to supporting their player through this crushing loss.
The Jets are down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, making tonight’s game a must-win.
Scheifele, 32, set a career-high with 87 points for Winnipeg during the regular season. He’s been clutch in the playoffs too, with 10 points in 10 games. His presence on the ice would be massive for the Jets’ chances to push this series to seven.
This kind of news puts hockey in perspective real quick. Mark just lost his dad, and honestly, the game doesn’t matter compared to that.
Everyone handles grief differently. Some players channel their pain into their performance, like Brett Favre’s legendary game after his father’s death. Others need time away.
Whatever Mark decides, it should be what brings him peace. The Jets organization has made it clear they’ve got his back either way.
It’s a brutal situation to be in – facing playoff elimination while dealing with such a personal tragedy.
Jets’ captain Adam Lowry described Brad Scheifele as a man with “an infectious laugh and unmatched energy.” The loss cuts deep not just for Mark but for the whole Jets family.
Coach Arniel skipping out on morning skate to be with Mark – tells you everything about the guy, doesn’t it? Beneath all the x’s and o’s and analytics, hockey’s still a family at the end of the day. The Jets locker room is rallying hard for their teammate through what’s gotta be the toughest days of his life.
We’ll find out later about Scheifele’s availability, but one thing’s for sure: family always takes priority. We’re thinking of Mark and sending our best during this tough time.
