Fans and individuals throughout the hockey community have united to show support for Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele. The Winnipeg Jets` charitable foundation has received more than $30,000 in donations made in honor of Scheifele`s father, Brad Scheifele, who passed away unexpectedly the night before the Jets` second-round playoff game against the Dallas Stars.
Despite the profound shock of his father`s death, Mark Scheifele took to the ice for Saturday`s Game 6 as the Jets faced elimination. He scored his team`s only goal in a game where they were eventually knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Stars in overtime, with a final score of 2-1. Players from both the Jets and the Stars extended their full support to Scheifele during the post-game handshake line. Many others opted to make donations of $55 – matching Scheifele`s jersey number – to the True North Youth Foundation.
In an email sent to Sportsnet, Krista Sinaisky, a spokesperson for True North Sports + Entertainment, confirmed that over $30,000 had been successfully raised specifically through these $55 donations.
“A wonderful outpouring of support from the hockey community on a very tough day for the Jets family,” Sinaisky stated. “Our True North Youth Foundation is extremely grateful.”
Beyond the True North Youth Foundation, contributions have also been directed to KidSport Canada, another charity that Scheifele is known to support. The wave of generosity included not only fans of the Jets but also supporters of the Stars, showcasing goodwill towards their opponent given the circumstances and acknowledging Scheifele`s remarkable courage.
Stars coach Peter DeBoer offered praise for Scheifele after the game, remarking:
“Just courageous what he did tonight. I`m sure his dad would`ve been really proud of him and what he did, and I`m sure his dad would`ve wanted him there.” He added, “Tough night for him and anybody in the hockey world that has been in a situation like that. Hats off to him. A courageous young man.”
With the Jets` season now concluded, team general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff affirmed that the organization is providing Mark Scheifele with every possible measure of support.
