Sudden death strikes Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele moments before Game 6 Saturday

According to reports from the Winnipeg Jets organization, Brad Scheifele, father of Jets forward Mark, has passed away.

He died on Friday night, and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would update the reporters in Dallas regarding the situation today.

Per Chicago Hockey Radio:

It's unfortunate for Mark that he's suffered a massive loss such as this. Head Coach Scott Arniel went back to the Jets hotel to speak with Scheifele and offer any support possible.

After this tragedy, it's uncertain what Scheifele's status will be tonight.

The Winnipeg Jets trail the Dallas Stars in a best-of-seven series, as tonight will be Game 6 for the teams.

The Jets are the 1st in the Central Division, and have been one of the best team's in the NHL this season, as a complete surprise to everyone.

Given the magnitude of Scheifele's loss, and the situation the team is in, it's difficult to circumnavigate given the weight of it all.

Scheifele's been one of the Jets' key forwards, scoring 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 10 playoff games for the Jets this season.

Now, he'll have to decide whether he'll take himself out of the lineup or not. The Jets need all the help they can get, but now is the time for the next-man-up in Winnipeg.

We here at Hawks Insider send our deepest condolences to the Scheifele family and friends for this devastating loss.