Hockey Tragedy Hits Home

As if 2020 was not difficult enough, the hockey world was recently dealt another blow with the news that Colby Cave and Shane Goodrunning had both passed away. Cave, a forward from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, who was most recently playing for the Edmonton Oilers passed away on April 11, 2020. On that same day it was announced that Shane Goodrunning, age 28 from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, who played for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the MJHL for three seasons, had also passed away after he had been missing for nearly a week. It is during these tough times that the tight-knit hockey community grows tighter. “Regrettably, last week the hockey community across the nation got a little closer with Goodrunning and Cave both passing,” said Brett Pinkerton who played two seasons with Goodrunning with the Wolverines. “In these unfortunate times, we throw our arms out for extra support for those friends and family suffering from these tragedies. It’s pretty amazing how tight-knit we are.” Pinkerton shared that he will remember all of the good times spent with his former linemate. “He had one of the most contagious laughs known to man, and usually could not finish his sentences before he was would start hysterically laughing with no control, with us to follow. He was a great leader on and off the ice. He brought out respect and fear in all of us because you didn’t know if you were getting the “nod” of approval or a slap across the head.” Pinkerton also notes that Goodrunning was a one-of-a-kind type of player. “Crawler (Goodrunning) was arguably the most feared player in the league. He could hit, fight, shoot and score at a high level. You know his name was on the opponents’ game plan sheets. Not to mention how irritating it must have been for other teams to come to our barn and consistently hear “Wayway goal, scored by number 22, SHANE GOODRUNNING!” Over and over.” Although it’s difficult to see any good during this dark time, Pinkerton adds that he was lucky to have known Goodrunning. “I would just like to say how lucky I am to have met Shane and to have shared two years of my life with such a character.” He adds that although they did not stay in touch as regularly as he would have liked, he misses him all the same. As time moves on, Pinkerton is already looking forward to seeing his linemate once again. “Until next time, buddy.”