Tragic news emerged Saturday morning involving Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele. His father, Brad Scheifele, unexpectedly passed away on Friday night. The devastating news was confirmed by Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who addressed reporters in Dallas ahead of Game 6 against the Dallas Stars.

Head coach Scott Arniel left the team’s morning skate to return to the hotel and support Scheifele, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Jets organization. The entire team is reportedly shaken by the loss, with players and staff offering their full support to Mark and his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Jets captain Adam Lowry spoke with raw emotion when reflecting on Brad Scheifele’s presence around the team. “Spending my whole career here, numerous father-son trips — just the energy he had was unmatched,” Lowry said. “His joy and excitement for life… he really passed that down onto Mark. I think his positivity, his outlook on life, is that of a genuinely happy person. A terrible loss.”

Lowry said the team was informed on their way to the morning skate and that Arniel addressed the group upon arrival. While he hadn’t spoken directly to Scheifele at that point, Lowry shared that he planned to check in on his teammate when he returned to the hotel.

“Our condolences go out to Mary Lou, Janelle, Kyle, and the whole Scheifele family,” Lowry added. “It’s a terrible loss, and it’s tough to put into words how gutted we all feel for Mark and his family.”

Cheveldayoff stated it’s too early to determine whether Scheifele will be in the lineup for Game 6. Arniel is expected to provide an update later today at 4:30 p.m. CT.

Everyone here at Jets Nation, along with the entire hockey world, sends our deepest condolences to the Scheifele family during this heartbreaking time.