High school ice hockey player dies after losing consciousness during game
A New York high school ice hockey player died Saturday night after losing consciousness midway through a game.
Nassau County Police said in a news release that officers responded to an incident on Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage, New York.
"According to detectives, Nassau County Police medics and officers responded to the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center located at 1001 Stewart Avenue for a 17-year-old male who had lost consciousness on the ice during an intermission of a hockey game," police said. "Civilians at scene began CPR which was continued upon ambulance and police arrival. The male was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased by hospital staff."
According to a Dec. 1 letter from Massapequa High School administrators, the 17-year-old was Connor Kasin, a senior at the Long Island school. Administrators said Connor died following a "sudden medical event."
"Connor experienced a sudden medical event during a varsity ice hockey game last night and was transported to the hospital by ambulance," the letter from Massapequa High School Principal Barbara Lowell read in part. "It is heartbreaking to report that Connor did not survive. His passing is devastating to the Massapequa community, and we offer our deepest condolences to Connor's family and friends."
Connor was remembered by Massapequa Public Schools Superintendent William Brennan as a "cherished member" of the school community.
"Connor was a cherished member of our school community, known for his kindness, positivity, enthusiasm, and big smile. He had a way of bringing light and joy to those around him, and his absence will be felt deeply by all of us," Brennan wrote in a message shared with Massapequa students and families.
The coaches of the Massapequa varsity ice hockey team said in a joint statement that Connor's unexpected death had left their community "completely heartbroken."
"Connor was and always will remain one of the most hardworking, dedicated, and spirited players we've had the privilege of coaching and knowing on and off the ice," the coaches said. "There are no words to express how devastating this loss is to our Massapequa hockey family. Our bench will feel empty without Connor."
In addition to playing hockey for his high school, Connor was also a left defenseman for the Long Island Sharks U-18 travel hockey team.
Jeff Tempone, head coach of the Sharks team, told "GMA" what stood out to him about Connor was his work ethic and described him as a "high-character kid," who "always had a smile and a laugh" on his face.
“He was a hard-nosed, hard-working defenseman. He was a lot of fun," Tempone said. "He was a great teammate. He had the respect of all of his teammates, both past and present.”
"It's a huge loss. Hockey lost another one way too early,” Tempone added.
Massapequa High School and Massapequa Public Schools said grief counseling would be made available all week for students and families.
Nassau County Police said "no criminality" is suspected in Kasin's death and an investigation is ongoing.
