In 2016, Mark Scheifele’s father, Brad Scheifele, sat down for a chat with The Canadian Press. During the interview, Brad Scheifele recalled his son’s passion for sports. The Winnipeg Jets alternate captain would sit in front of the TV, watching sports for hours. Mr. Scheifele soon figured out that his son gravitated more to goaltending than anything else. And so he nurtured that passion.

“If it came between playing with toys or playing with puzzles or anything like that, he would sooner want to be the goalie and we would have to shoot tennis balls at him. And, of course, he’d say, ‘Another hundred shots, dad,’” his father said almost a decade ago. While he ultimately became a hockey center, Brad Scheifele’s support for his son remained intact.

Mark Scheifele scored his first NHL career hat trick a week before that interview. Brad Scheifele’s pride for his sone became even more apparent with what he said about that moment. “We were jumping up and down. Even the dog was barking at the television. It was so exciting, and it brings tears to your eyes, too,” added the NHL star’s father. Unfortunately, that energy won’t be seen in the Jets’ “Fathers Trips” anymore as the Jets learned that Brad passed away just hours ahead of Game 6 against Dallas.

“It rocked us all this morning when we found out,” said Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel. The Jets ‘ Western Round 2 series hung in the balance, with Dallas having the upper hand with their 3-2 lead, despite the Jets winning Game 5. So, at a time when Mark Scheifele wanted his sole focus to be the game, the Jets’ star got the worst news of his life.

Naturally, the Kitchener, Canada, native was in no condition to talk to the press,, but the Winnipeg Jets had his back. Head Coach Scott Arniel said their alternate captain spoke to his family and got back to the team meal, where everyone hugged him. “We’re one big family,” added Arniel.

And maybe that’s exactly why, despite the crushing tragedy of losing his father so suddenly, Mark Scheifele didn’t abandon his family. Coach Arniel told the media that the 32-year-old wouldn’t leave his teammates high and dry. Later, FOX 4 News anchor Jeff Kolb confirmed it. As the Winnipeg Jets players walked into the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Mark Scheifele walked alongside them. Needless to say, the fans were in awe just as much as they were in shock

Winnipeg fans rallied around Mark Scheifele

“Absolutely gutted for him,” commented one fan watching the Jets make their way to the locker room. None of the players talked, and no one even looked at the cameras as the team entered the building in silence. Still, the 32-year-old didn’t miss a beat during the pre-game warm-up. B/R Open Ice posted a clip from the warm-up that showed the Jets star sticking to his habits. “Mark Scheifele was the last one off the ice, as usual,” the hockey page posted in the caption.

As heartbreaking as the situation was, Mark Scheifele thought it was best to be on the ice. So it’s no surprise that Winnipeg fans felt inspired by their alternate captain’s actions. “His pops will be with him for this one,” commented another fan. The netizen probably didn’t know just how close he got with his comment. Coach Arniel revealed what the Jets forward told him about his decision to play a moment like this.

“As he said, that would be the wishes of his dad, that he would have wanted him to play,” said Scott Arniel, who has had to stay strong through a similar tragic situation before. Back in 2014, Scott Arniel was the New York Rangers’ associate coach when then-forward Martin St. Louis’s father passed away.

The Rangers confirmed the passing of St. Louis’ mother, France, on May 9, 2014, just ahead of their Game 5 clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was also the second-round series. Yet, despite the tragedy, Louis played, and the NYR eventually won the Stanley Cup.

“Much love to him and his family, devastating,” commented another fan. So it’s nothing short of poetic that the man to put the Winnipeg Jets on the board was none other than their alternate captain. “Mark Scheifele! Playing with the heaviest of hearts, scores the opening goal!” said the announcer as the 32-year-old put the Jets in the lead.

No wonder, one fan had commented, “Dude is incredible,” on Jeff Kolb’s post. What’s even better is that the goal was a team effort. Both Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi helped set up Scheifele, who put the puck in the back of the net. It was the perfect tribute to the man who didn’t just love his son but every member of his team.

Captain Adam Lowry, who has played 11 seasons alongside the NHL forward, spoke about Brad Scheifele. Lowry admitted that the late Mr. Scheifele had an “infectious laugh” and “unmatched” energy, which he passed down to his son. The Jets’ star’s father was as involved as a parent could be with his son’s team. Lowry added that Mr. Scheifele became a regular fixture of the team’s fathers’ trips over the years, and everyone was better off for it.

Meanwhile, Mark Scheifele’s dedication to his team even turned the haters into supporters. “I hate the Jets, but I’m cheering for them now, that’s a hell of a thing to go through on game day. Hope they win it for him,” commented one hockey fan. Yet, it was not to be. While the alternate captain gave his team the lead, Dallas answered back. While the Jets managed to force overtime, Thomas Harley scored the winning goal for Dallas. But the defeat takes nothing away from Scheifele.