While the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets prepare for Game 6 on Saturday, Stars fans are supporting the Jets during a tough time.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff told reporters that center Mark Scheifele lost his father, Brad, early Saturday morning.
With a critical Game 6 matchup coming up, and a chance for Dallas to eliminate Winnipeg on home ice, the Stars fans offered a helping hand and supported their opposition.
They’ve been making donations to the True North Foundation and KidSport Canada, charities that are supported by Scheifele himself. Both charities share the mission to support youth and their families.
Many have specifically donated $55 to either or both foundations, resembling Scheifele’s jersey No. 55.
Cheveldayoff added that the team offered their condolences to the Scheifele family and that Jets coach Scott Arniel visited Scheifele at their hotel to support him.
“As an organization, we’re doing everything we can to support him and give his family our most sincere condolences,” Cheveldayoff told reporters earlier on Saturday. “We're a family, and we're going to do everything we can to support our family."
Winnipeg captain, Adam Lowry, also spoke to the media on behalf of the team and shared memories he had about Brad Scheifele from the team’s father-son trips and other interactions.
“His energy was unmatched. His positivity, his outlook on life, just a genuinely happy person," Lowry told reporters. “Our condolences go out to Mary Lou, Janelle, Kyle, and the whole Scheifele family."
Coach Arniel spoke to the media ahead of Saturday night's game and confirmed that Scheifele will be playing in Game 6 against Dallas.
"Mark will be playing tonight," Arniel told reporters. "As he said that would be his wishes of his dad, and he would want him to play."
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