Mark Scheifele Plays with Courage After the Loss of His Father, But Jets Are Eliminated
In an encounter marked by emotion and tragedy, Mark Scheifele, center for the Winnipeg Jets, scored a goal in the crucial Game 6 of the playoff series against Dallas on Saturday night. Hours before the game, Scheifele suffered the unexpected loss of his father.
Despite his effort, Scheifele was penalized, which allowed the Stars to score a goal in overtime and secure the 2-1 victory, eliminating the Jets, who were the top-ranked team.
Jets captain Adam Lowry expressed his support for Scheifele after the game.
We are a family. We wanted to let him know that we are here for him. It was a horrible day for him. We wanted to give him strength, we wanted to prevent that goal, but we couldn’t do it.
Adam Lowry
During the final salute, Scheifele received support from the Stars players, in an emotional moment of solidarity.
Scheifele scored his fifth playoff goal early in the second period, putting the Jets ahead 1-0. Defenseman Neal Pionk highlighted Scheifele’s bravery.
We did everything we could to encourage him, and for him to play tonight, and to play the way he did, is one of the bravest things we’ve seen.
Neal Pionk
The game was tied when Sam Steel scored for Dallas. Scheifele, in a desperate attempt, committed a penalty that resulted in the game-winning goal in overtime by Thomas Harley.
Jets coach Scott Arniel lamented the news of Scheifele’s father’s death and extended his condolences to the family. Arniel also reported that Scheifele would play, fulfilling his father’s wish.
Scheifele led the team in the pre-game ceremony and was the last to leave the ice after warm-up.
Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff assured that the organization is providing all the necessary support to Scheifele. The cause of Brad Scheifele’s death was not reported.
Mark Scheifele, 32, had 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 11 of the Jets’ 13 playoff games this postseason.
In Game 5 against the Stars, Scheifele was assaulted by Stars captain Jamie Benn, who received a penalty and a fine, but avoided suspension.
In the regular season, Scheifele recorded 87 points (39 goals and 48 assists) in 82 games.
