The Winnipeg Jets entered the American Airlines Center for their must-win Game 6 against the Stars on Saturday with two goals– Push for a deciding Game 7 at home– and – “Play hard for Mark (Scheifele).” For the latter, there was just one goal– play, because “That’s what he (his father) would have wanted.” Just hours before lacing up for the blue ahead of the optional morning skate, the star center and the team learned that his father, Brad, had passed away overnight on Friday at the age of 68 due to an undisclosed illness. As the veteran first arrived at the visitors’ dressing room, he was surrounded by teammates and the days’ loss was evident in his sullen expression. He still showed up, shoulder to shoulder with Josh Morrissey, walking into the arena more like a warrior in the quiet before battle. And that’s exactly what he did.

Scheifele dragged the Jets out of their disjointed start, finishing off the game-opening goal. Just then, everyone could feel the shift. This wasn’t just another playoff game. Mark was battling emotions, yes, but he was also suited up to go against Dallas for his father who was not just a fixture on the Jets’ “fathers’ trips” since he was a rookie but, as their HC Scott Arniel put it, “Part of the Jets family. He goes back to 2011 when Mark was first drafted here” and has rooted for the team through the years. Although the Jets couldn’t push past the Stars after a 2-1 overtime decider, the entire team stood with Mark in the tough times. But the game of hockey is much bigger than just the game of hockey. And that’s what Mark found in his opponents on the weekend.

Before the game, Arniel updated the media, “On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets family, our condolences to Mark and his family. It rocked us all this morning when we found out. Mark will be playing tonight. As he said, that’d be the wishes of his dad. He would have wanted him to play.” In turn, Dallas came with wide arms to support the grieving opponent who showed a steel of heart with a courage to still play because that’s what his father wanted and that’s what his team needed.

Lia Assimakopoulos, the voice behind all things Dallas Stars, SMU, and college sports magic for @DallasNews, tweeted on May 17th, “I’m always blown away by the charitable efforts of Stars fans, and today is no different. Dallas fans have been making $55 donations for Jets No. 55 Mark Scheifele following his father’s passing last night to a few charities Mark supports. Bigger than hockey.”

Dallas fans, usually all-in on the rivalry chaos, showed their love and respect. They gave Mark something heartfelt; a moment that brushed aside all the rivalry. As per reports, after hearing the news of Mark’s father’s demise, the Stars fans donated $55 which is his jersey to charities including True North Foundation and/ or KidSport Canada, both on a mission to support youth and their families. 

True North Sports + Entertainment spokesperson Krista Sinaisky reported that over $30,000 have been donated for True North Foundation. In an email to Sportsnet, she showed her appreciation writing, “A wonderful outpouring of support from the hockey community on a very tough day for the Jets family, our True North Youth Foundation is extremely grateful.”

Even with the turmoil that are playoffs, kindness transcended hockey for once. This is more than just money. This is a gesture, one for each number Scheifele rocks on his jersey, not just to honor him, but to send some love straight to the charities he holds close. Indeed, bigger than the sport. Now, with emotions riding high, it was heart, grit, and something deeply personal fueling this run.

Mark Scheifele’s biggest cheerleader: his dad, and the team knows it!

After dropping the Stars 4-0 in Game 5 like it was nothing but light work, the Jets still had their backs against the wall, trailing 3-2 in the second-round dance and needing to pull out some Saturday night magic in Game 6 to even things up and drag this series back to Winnipeg for a do-or-die Game 7. The stakes were already sky-high. But things hit even deeper when the team learned about the heartbreaking loss of Brad Scheifele. He was there just weeks ago, watching his son shine in that battle with the Blues against St. Louis. Now, this series had turned into something way more personal.

Coach Arniel, who’s no stranger to grief after losing his own father a three years ago, shared some real words: “It kind of puts in perspective that this is just a game… Mark doesn’t want those guys to, you know, hang their heads or be down. He wants a win. And that’s what they’re all talking about: ‘We want to get a win for Mr. Scheifele… get a chance to get ourselves back home to play Game 7.’”

The boys rallied around their brother, hugging it out at the pre-game meal, trying to be that quiet storm of strength he needs right now. And as for Mark? Oh, he suited up with that same fire, delivering a top-tier Game 5 performance like his dad was watching from the best seat in the house.

Captain Adam Lowry, who’s been side by side with Scheifele for 11 years, felt that loss just as deep, calling Brad’s energy “unmatched” and his laugh unforgettable. “It’s important that we’re there for Mark… to be whatever he needs us to be,” he shared, holding back the weight of emotion that’s dampened the locker room.

With Dallas just one game away from another conference final run, Mark Scheifele reminded everyone before Game 5 why they play: “That’s what we love to do — is go play in these big games and big moments… But at the end of the day, you’ve just got to go play a hockey game.” In Game 6, they were playing for something way beyond the NHL scoreboard as proven by Dallas.