A Connecticut teen and 10th grader at the St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Teddy Balkind tragically passed away after a fatal incident during a hockey game.
In the midst of the game, Balkind fell onto the ice before another player collided with him. Although the other player attempted to avoid the collision, the skates made contact with Balkind’s neck. He was rushed to Greenwich Hospital and passed away due to injuries.
“Yesterday, we lost a precious young man in a tragic accident,” St. Luke’s School wrote in a statement addressed to their students. “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 Brunswick School, the opposing school St. Luke was challenging, shared their own sentiments in relation to Teddy’s shocking passing. Addressing their own student body, the Brunswick School wrote, “Tragedies such as this are hard to process and impossible to understand. We will do all we can in the coming days and weeks to help and support those in our community and in the St. Luke’s community.”
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The town’s local hockey organization additionally addressed the tragedy on social media. “We woke up this morning with the heaviest hearts after hearing of the tragic loss of one of New Canaan’s own,” said New Canaan Hockey. “Teddy was a wonderful young man, always smiling, a terrific teammate. No words are adequate for the grief we are all feeling. Our prayers are with Teddy and his family.”
National Hockey League gives condolonces to the Balkind family.
Given the devastating nature of the circumstances, many of those. involved in the world of hockey have outwardly expressed their grief for Balkind. The NHL went as far as creating a movement known as #SticksOutForTeddy which encouraged fellow NHL players to promote his memory.
“The NHL mourns the passing of Teddy Balkind. #sticksoutforTeddy,” the league wrote on Twitter. This prompted many teams and notable players to share their grief and pictures of their hockey sticks.
Kevin Shattenkirk of the Anaheim Ducks relayed, “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.”
The New Jersey Devils team also shared, “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.”
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