A New York high school student player recently died following what has been described as a “sudden medical event” during a charity hockey game over the weekend. The Massapequa, Long Island community is still in shock after 17-year-old Connor Kasin suddenly died on Saturday night while competing on the ice in his favorite sport.
Massapequa High School wrote a letter to students and families about Kasin’s death. “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,” the letter read, as reported by News 12 Long Island.
According to reports from Nassau police “medics and officers responded to the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center…for a 17-year-old male who had lost consciousness on the ice during an intermission of a hockey game.” Kasin’s death drew responses from a variety of community members including elected leaders.
“So sad to learn of the passing of Connor Kasin, a 12th grade student from Massapequa who tragically passed away while playing in a charity hockey game,” Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., wrote on X. “My thoughts and prayers are with Connor’s family & the entire Massapequa community as they mourn this terrible loss.”
“Big strong kid… he was healthy as could be… this absolutely shocking and and absolute tragedy,” Sharks Elite Youth Hockey coach Jeff Tempone said, speaking about Kasin. “Connor was a great kid… he was a coach’s dream,” the coach added. “If you told him to do something, he did it, he worked hard, always good with his teammates, always had a smile on his face. He never really had a bad word to say about anybody. He was just a kind kid, and he’s going to be sorely missed for sure.”
The Sharks Elite Youth Hockey team shared on Facebook, “It is with a heavy heart the Sharks share the sudden passing of 18U defenseman, Connor Kasin. Please keep the Kasin family in your thoughts and prayers.
“So tragic. Young people dying at an alarming rate and never any discussion of what or why. So disturbing. Prayers of peace for the family,” one person commented. Similarly, another person said, “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Connor. Sending prayers to the Kasin family and the Sharks community and all those touched by this devastating loss.”
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Another user posted, “He was surely welcomed into paradise in a heavenly light! Be a peace sweet soul! May your family and friends be surrounded with loving and comforting support!” Sending more support, one person commented, “We are so sorry to hear this sad news. May the global hockey family lift you up in prayer, support and love. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless.”
The hockey match was hosted to commemorate Syosset graduate, Sabrina Navaretta, who tragically died in a car crash last year. Navaretta’s parents, John and Mara, released a statement on Kasin’s death, which stated, “There are no words to convey our heartbreak that we feel as last night was supposed to be a fun night. The community came together to celebrate Sabrina’s life and our family’s commitment to help with scholarship, dog rescue and assisting grieving parents.”