Mark Scheifele still showed up, shoulder to shoulder with Josh Morrissey, walking into the arena more like a warrior in the quiet before battle. Everyone could feel the shift. This wasn’t just another playoff game. Just hours before lacing up for Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, he got hit with the kind of heartbreak that no game clock can prepare you for. This was bigger, deeper, way more layered. His dad, Brad, passed away in a sudden turn of events, and it rattled everybody. Jets coach Scott Arniel didn’t sugarcoat it; he straight-up broke the news to the whole crew, leaving them in shock.

“On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets family, our condolences to Mark and his family. It rocked us all this morning when we found out. Mark will be playing tonight. As he said, that’d be the wishes of his dad. He would have wanted him to play.” But Mark? He’s still suiting up, albeit with a heavy heart, because deep down, he knows his dad would’ve wanted him out there, skating through the storm.

By the time puck drop got closer, even the crowd served up a twist, a gesture that upturned even the tough-to-tender. Dallas fans, usually all-in on the rivalry chaos, showed mad love and respect. They gave Mark something heartfelt; a moment that brushed aside all the rivalry.

Lia Assimakopoulos, the voice behind all things Dallas Stars, SMU, and college sports magic for @DallasNews, took to X on May 17th with a post that read, “I’m always blown away by the charitable efforts of Stars fans, and today is no different. Dallas fans have been making $55 donations for Jets No. 55 Mark Scheifele following his father’s passing last night to a few charities Mark supports. Bigger than hockey.”

Even with the turmoil that are playoffs, kindness transcended hockey for once. This is more than just money. This is a gesture, one for each number Scheifele rocks on his jersey, not just to honor him, but to send some love straight to the charities he holds close. Indeed, bigger than the sport. And speaking of big moments, Game 5?

Oh, it was a complete statement. Connor Hellebuyck turned into a stone wall, making 22 rock-solid saves, while Nikolaj Ehlers lit up the third with two goals to seal that 4-0 shutout. Now, with emotions riding high and Game 6 looming, the team’s got more than just playoffs on their mind, it’s heart, grit, and something deeply personal fueling this run.

Mark Scheifele’s biggest cheerleader: his dad, and the team knows it!

After dropping the Stars 4-0 like it was nothing but light work, the Jets still got their backs to the wall, trailing 3-2 in the second-round dance and needing to pull out some Saturday night magic in Game 6 to even things up and drag this series back to Winnipeg for a do-or-die Game 7. And while the stakes were already sky-high. But things hit even deeper when the team learned about the heartbreaking loss of Brad Scheifele, Mark’s dad and a familiar face on those legendary Jets “fathers’ trips” since his rookie days back in 2013. He was there just weeks ago, watching his son shine in that battle with the Blues. Now, this series has turned into something way more personal.

Coach Arniel, who’s no stranger to grief after losing his own father a few years ago, shared some real words: “It kind of puts in perspective that this is just a game… Mark doesn’t want those guys to, you know, hang their heads or be down. He wants a win. And that’s what they’re all talking about: ‘We want to get a win for Mr. Scheifele… get a chance to get ourselves back home to play Game 7.’” The boys rallied around their brother, hugging it out at the pre-game meal, trying to be that quiet storm of strength he needs right now. And as for Mark? Oh, he suited up with that same fire, delivering a top-tier Game 5 performance like his dad was watching from the best seat in the house.

Captain Adam Lowry, who’s been side by side with Scheifele for 11 years, felt that loss just as deep, calling Brad’s energy “unmatched” and his laugh unforgettable. “It’s important that we’re there for Mark… to be whatever he needs us to be,” he shared, holding back the weight of emotion that’s dampened the locker room. With Dallas just one game away from another conference final run, Mark Scheifele reminded everyone before Game 5 why they play: “That’s what we love to do — is go play in these big games and big moments… But at the end of the day, you’ve just got to go play a hockey game.” And now? They’re playing for something way beyond the NHL scoreboard.