Jets 'gutted' after unexpected death by Mark Scheifele's father

Dallas – no matter how big the game is, there are always bigger things.

General Manager of Winnipeg Jets, Kevin Cheveldayoff, told reporters on Saturday morning that the Veteran Center Mark Scheifele's father Brad died overnight.

While other Jets players drove against the Dallas Stars before game 6 tonight, which Winnipeg has to win to extend his National Hockey League season, head coach Scott Arniel returned to the team of the team to support Scheifele.

“As an organization, we do everything we can to support him, said Cheveldayoff.” We wish, give his family our most sincerely condolences and obviously ask that everyone respects their and their privacy at that time.

“It was certainly unexpected this morning. I don't have a lot of other details or the like. So you certainly appreciate that today it is an understanding for everyone that it is another day for everyone. But we know that we are a family and we will do everything we can to support our family.”

Cheveldayoff's voice caught emotions when he said: “From our family, only the deepest, deepest sympathy and condolences.”

Scheifele, 32, is the longest reigning jets player, who was designed by Winnipeg in 2011 and an NHL rookie in 2013.

His father took part in several “father's trips” with the jets, including one last season.

“Such a contagious laugh,” said Winnipeg captain Adam Lowry after the morning skate. “I spent all my career here, numerous fathers travel, only the energy he had.

Lowry, a friend of Teammate from Scheifele, said that he found out about Brad on Saturday morning, and Arniel spoke to the team before leaving American Airlines Center to support Mark.

“If you have such a narrow space, closely connected to everyone, it is only the support,” said Lowry about priorities. “If he wants to open up about it, be there to listen.

“But it is important that we are there for him. Be how.”

Scheifele had an excellent game for the jets on Thursday evening, scored a goal and set another game when Winnipeg won 4-0 to reduce his deficit in the second round playoff series to 3: 2.

He was important that Dallas captain Jamie Benn tried to physically engage Scheifele in the third half, and a fine of $ 5,000 from the NHL earned for the sucker of the jet, while his arms were kept by a line man.

Scheifele admitted before the jets flew to Dallas on Friday that “my face hurts”. Today's pain in his heart will be deeply acute and more permanent.

Arniel Scheifele's game status is expected when he addresses the media at 4:30 p.m. Dallas time, about 2½ hours before the opening interview.

If necessary, game 7 Monday takes place in Winnipeg.