“We’re a family. Just to let him know that we’re there for him. It’s just an awful day for him,” Adam Lowry said, heart heavy, as the Jets wrapped their arms around Mark Scheifele, literally and emotionally. Just a day after losing his father, Brad, Mark still laced up, took the ice, and gave it his all like the warrior he is. The moment he stepped out of the penalty box, his boys were there; no hesitation, just hugs and raw support. And when the final buzzer ended Winnipeg’s playoff hopes, Scheifele clung to Connor Hellebuyck like a brother in arms. Coach Arniel didn’t hold back either: “His dad and his family would be very proud of him.”

And honestly? So was everyone else in that building. Scheifele wanted to play for his dad, and now, the Jets, proud of his resilience and commitment, are going the extra mile for Mark, helping carry the weight he shouldn’t have to lift alone. Even after a heartbreaking OT loss that knocked them out of the playoffs, the Jets haven’t headed for the offseason yet. They stuck around for something way bigger than hockey. They’re making sure Mark doesn’t walk through his grief alone.

Murat Ates, the go-to guy for all things #NHLJets over at @TheAthleticNHL, shared a heartfelt update on X that had fans tipping their hats in respect. On May 20, he shared, “I’m told the #NHLJets are chartering several players and staff to Kitchener later this week so that they can attend Brad Scheifele’s funeral. This is the sort of thing that the Winnipeg Jets always get right.” Honestly? That’s the kinda quiet class you don’t always see, but the Jets? They just move different.

“Yeah, did everything we could to give words of encouragement…” and that wasn’t just locker room talk. Neal Pionk’s words hit like a hug on ice as he watched Mark Scheifele lace up and light up the rink. The guy didn’t just show up; he scored first, landed hit after hit, crushed face-offs, and stood tall with 18:51 of raw, emotional gameplay. “Flat out, one of the most courageous things I’ve ever seen,” Pionk added, and honestly? No lies there. That goal? It was for Brad Scheifele, and the way Mark’s teammates huddled around him was like watching one big, broken-hearted family finding joy in a tiny, golden moment.

Sam Steel admitted it straight: “I’m not sure I could do what he did tonight.” Even ESPN made sure the world felt Brad Scheifele’s spirit echoing through the game.

Mark Scheifele gets love from all around

It was one of those soul-shaking hockey nights where the game clock ticked loudly, but real life hit louder. It was Game 6, do-or-die, everything on the line, and Mark Scheifele? He scored, snapping in the Jets’ only goal of the night, but it wasn’t enough. The hockey world felt it. Yes. It was not just his teammates who embraced him one by one. The opponents of the day also stuck around to offer him their condolences. Perhaps the longest embrace came from the Stars’ captain Jamie Benn, who had incurred a fine of $5000 for punching Scheifele in Game 5. Words of admiration, respect, wonder came from outside the ice as well.

ESPN lit their broadcast with praise, and fans poured love like rain. The NHL on ESPN host asked what everyone was thinking– how did he even find the strength to play? “Imagine losing your father and showing up to the rink.” But he didn’t just show up. “That’s a true testament to his leadership… the letter on his jersey is not there for decoration.” The Jets’ alternate captain played for his dad. He played for his brothers on ice. And in doing that? He taught a few million people what strength really looks like. “The whole world was watching today… some life lessons.”

Behind all that toughness was a bond that ran deep; Mark and his dad Brad weren’t just tight, they were best buds, road-trip buddies, and heartbeats of the Jets fam. Brad Scheifele wasn’t just clapping from the crowd; he was vibing with the team since 2011, becoming part of the furniture. “The thing about Mr. Scheifele is he’s part of our family,” said coach Scott Arniel. And even after the loss, Mark stood tall: 11 points in 11 playoff games, 87 in the regular season. So indeed it was a son’s tribute. A moment that’ll stick forever.