Sports News

What we know after a Connecticut high school student tragically died from a hockey injury

"St. Luke’s singular focus at this moment is to care for our devastated community.”

January 8, 2022

A hockey player in Connecticut died following a collision during a game, according to several reports.

Teddy Balkind, a sophomore on the junior varsity team at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, reportedly fell to the ice during a game against Brunswick School in Greenwich.

According to CNN, the Brunswick player was near him and unable to stop. The two players collided, and Balkind’s neck was cut by a skate. He was rushed to Greenwich Hospital, where he later died.

“Yesterday, we lost a precious young man in a tragic accident,” a statement from St. Luke’s read. “Both St. Luke’s School and Brunswick School are in shock as we work to support our students and families. St. Luke’s singular focus at this moment is to care for our devastated community.”

The hockey community has expressed its condolences.

The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Teddy Balkind.

Our hearts are with Teddy’s family, friends, teammates and the entire Connecticut hockey community.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 8, 2022

The NHL mourns the passing of Teddy Balkind. #sticksoutforTeddy pic.twitter.com/qXQp6yQxZc
— NHL (@NHL) January 8, 2022

For us all, beyond comprehension & understanding.
For teammate & opponent, beyond confusing, guilt & fear.
For family, a heartache beyond repair.
The only desperate turn is to try and clutch faith and love. At all times, for all involved. May The Balkind’s at least feel our love. pic.twitter.com/1imZcaCpl1
— House of Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) January 8, 2022

We join the hockey community in mourning the tragic loss of our teammate Teddy Balkind. Our hearts are with Teddy’s family and friends. #SticksOutForTeddy pic.twitter.com/bWdaVR6L4h
— BAUER Hockey (@BauerHockey) January 8, 2022

I’m heartbroken for the Balkind family and everyone who knew and loved Teddy. We’re sending our love to the St. Luke’s and Brunswick communities. A horrible tragedy playing the game we all love #sticksoutforteddy pic.twitter.com/SkvoZhiFqY
— Cam Atkinson (@CamAtkinson89) January 7, 2022

The hockey world is hurting over the tragic loss of Teddy Balkind yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young players from St. Luke’s and Brunswick and especially the Balkind family. Rest In Peace Teddy #sticksoutforTeddy pic.twitter.com/OmtRUH4diQ
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) January 8, 2022

A tragedy hit our local community last night when a son, a brother, and most of all a kind warm hearted young man lost his life in a hockey game. Teams take a moment as a hockey family to honor TB. Our hockey world is there for his family and each other. #tightlaces pic.twitter.com/7rcbETmViD
— Ken Gammill (@kmg5boys) January 7, 2022

The UConn Hockey program sends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Teddy Balkind and the St. Luke’s and Brunswick communities. We join the rest of the hockey community in mourning the tragic passing of Teddy. #sticksoutforTeddy
— UConn Men's Hockey (@UConnMHOC) January 8, 2022

The New Jersey Devils extend condolences to the family and friends of Teddy Balkind. Losing a young player in the game of hockey is unimaginable. We are saddened to learn of this very tragic event. #sticksoutforTeddy https://t.co/plAHLNfs1K
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 8, 2022

Very heavy hearts in our Southern CT hockey community. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Teddy Balkind. #sticksoutforTeddy https://t.co/9oiYjmSchm
— Meghan Duggan (@mduggan10) January 8, 2022