Teen hockey player dies during charity game remembering student

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A Long Island teenager tragically lost his life after collapsing during a charity hockey game held to commemorate another student who died in a car accident last year.

The incident occurred when Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old Massapequa High School senior, experienced an unexpected medical emergency and collapsed during a game break at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage around 9 p.m. Saturday.

Hockey player dies during charity game in honor of dead student

‘Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old senior at Massapequa High School in Long Island, passed out on the ice during the intermission of a charity match held at Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center…’ https://t.co/dZTyjCU2Td

— Heather Russell (@Russell4Heather) December 2, 2024

Bystanders immediately sprang into action, performing CPR on Kasin until emergency services arrived, according to Nassau County Police Department officials.

Despite these efforts, Kasin was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The exact cause of his medical emergency remains undetermined.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, though they’ve indicated no foul play is suspected.

At the time of the incident, Kasin was playing with the Sharks Elite Youth Hockey team. The school informed the community of his passing through a letter, stating: “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 charity event was organized to honor Syosset graduate Sabrina Navarett, who lost her life in a car accident the previous year. The foundation established in her name aims to provide scholarships and support to bereaved parents.

Navarett’s parents, John and Mara, expressed their grief in a statement: “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. We would like the Kasin family to know our commitment to you. Connor was there to play for Sabrina and our family is here for you. Please take the time to grieve and be kind to yourself as the waves of grief can knock you over. John and I are here for you when you are ready.”

That's not normal.

Connor Kasin, 17, was playing in a charity game on Saturday night when he had a sudden medical event, collapsing and dying. https://t.co/A3QoJ1USjG

— Spicy 🌶 (@cpelchat1) December 1, 2024

Jeff Tempone, Kasin’s coach at Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, remembered him fondly, saying: “He was a coach’s dream. You coach him and he loved the game. It’s missing someone. It’s missing someone very special. Probably in the best shape on the team, as far as being physical, and was just a great kid, highly coachable kid, always encouraging his teammates on the bench. It was devastating. It’s a 17-year-old kid — has his whole life ahead of him.”

The New York Islanders joined in mourning Kasin’s loss, posting on Instagram: “The New York Islanders extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Connor Kasin, a beloved member of the Massapequa and Long Island Hockey community. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”