On Saturday, Capgeek.com suddenly announced that it would permanently cease all operations due an unspecified issue regarding founder Matthew Wuest’s health.
For what Capgeek set out to do, provide trustworthy contract information on every team in the league, the site was as close to perfect of a resource as you could find. It will be missed by the hockey community and the circumstances that led to it being pulled make it hit harder. Whatever his health problems are, there are many out there that wish him the best, myself included.
Perhaps the best way to illustrate just how profound a legacy Capgeek has had is to highlight some of the reactions to its departure. The following is a comparatively small selection as writers from seemingly every hockey market reacted to the news:
Hockey writers everywhere weep MT @mirtle Cap Geek has permanently ceased operations: http://t.co/CTT6F24Sk1
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) January 4, 2015
@capgeek Awful news about your health - that's all that really matters. Get well soon .
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 4, 2015
Prayers for @capgeek as the most game-changing site in recent memory shuts down http://t.co/Lf9c4Gm1JB
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 4, 2015
@capgeek very sorry to hear of your health problems. your work was tremendous. wishing you the best.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) January 4, 2015
Get well, @capgeek founder/director Matthew Wuest. Invaluable website
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) January 4, 2015
IMO, @capgeek was the most valuable online resource for covering the NHL. A massive loss, but health & family always come first. Get well.
— Steve Lloyd (@TSNSteveLloyd) January 4, 2015
Matthew Wuest's http://t.co/I04VDxaSSd was the bible for hockey in this salary-cap age. Hate to hear his health forces him to shut it down
— Dave Stubbs 🇨🇦 (@Dave_Stubbs) January 4, 2015
All the best to @capgeek founder Matthew Wuest. His incredible site was a hockey reporter's dream. Now he needs our thoughts and prayers.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) January 4, 2015
Sending our best wishes to Matthew at @capgeek.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 4, 2015
Thank you for playing a big role in making the internet a great place for hockey fans.
Thoughts go out to Matthew Wuest (@capgeek) as Cap Geek ceases operations. The hockey industry owes you a huge thanks.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 4, 2015
Seconded. -- @cotsonika: Best to @capgeek. Thank you for all the help you've given all of us. Be well.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) January 4, 2015
“@capgeek: http://t.co/TrseKNoSIy has permanently ceased operations. http://t.co/y0vMu7cT9P” Sad on every level. Above all, take care, Matt.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 4, 2015
You can click here for an interview Matthew Wuest did with Greg Wyshynski in 2009.