The Winnipeg Jets are extending their support to forward Mark Scheifele following the unexpected death of his father, Brad Scheifele. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff addressed the media on Saturday at the American Airlines Center, where he expressed the organization’s condolences and emphasized the need to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.
In his statement, Cheveldayoff conveyed, “We wish to give (Mark's) family our most sincere condolences and obviously ask that everybody respect his and their privacy at this time.” The Jets were set to compete against the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of their second-round NHL playoff series later that evening, but it remained uncertain whether Scheifele would take part in the game.
Jets captain Adam Lowry reflected on the tragic news, saying, “It’s a terrible loss. It’s tough to put into words how gutted we all feel for Mark and his family.” The team learned of the news prior to their optional skate, which set a somber tone for the day’s proceedings.
Head coach Scott Arniel, who later returned to the team hotel to provide support for Scheifele, was expected to address the media in the late afternoon. As the Jets prepared for their critical matchup, they needed a victory to extend the playoff series and force a deciding game on Monday at Canada Life Centre.
Mark Scheifele, a key player for the Jets and a top-line centre, had an impressive season, scoring 87 points (39 goals and 48 assists) over 82 games. This postseason, he has contributed with 10 points, including 4 goals and 6 assists in 10 games. The loss of his father, whose cause of death has not been disclosed, comes as a profound shock to him and his family.
Addressing the emotional toll on Scheifele and the team, Lowry elaborated on the impact of Brad Scheifele’s passing. “That’s such a big loss; that’s your mentor, that’s the person you looked up to growing up,” he said. Lowry emphasized the importance of supporting Mark during this difficult time, stating, “There’s just a lot of little things that you’ve got to do to really make sure Mark feels supported today and moving forward.”
Lowry also fondly remembered Brad Scheifele’s infectious laughter and unparalleled energy, describing him as a person whose joy and excitement for life greatly influenced Mark. “I think his positivity, his outlook on life; he was just a genuinely happy person, and it’s a terrible loss obviously,” he added. The heartfelt sentiments from teammates and management reflect the tight-knit nature of the Jets organization and their commitment to supporting one another in times of tragedy.
As the Jets prepare for Saturday's pivotal playoff game, the mental and emotional well-being of Scheifele remains a priority for the team. With the stakes high and the atmosphere charged with both competition and grief, the Jets stand united not just as players on the ice but as a family standing behind one of their own during an incredibly challenging time.
