Connecticut hockey player dies after injury sustained in game

The incident occurred Thursday evening at Brunswick School, officials said. (Photo by Getty Images)

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.

A St. Luke’s School hockey player died on Thursday as a result of an injury sustained on the ice during a game against Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn.

St. Luke’s, a private, co-ed prep school in New Canaan, Conn., was playing a 5 p.m. junior varsity game at Brunswick’s Hartong Rink when the tragedy occurred.

According to a statement from Greenwich Police, the injury came as a result of a collision when the player fell to the ice during the normal course of the game.

“Another player who was near the downed player was unable to stop and collided with the player who fell,” Capt. Mark Zuccerella said.

Game play was halted and 911 was called. The injured player was transported to Greenwich Hospital, where he “died as a result of the injury,” Zuccerella said.

St. Luke’s identified the player as 10th-grader Teddy Balkind on Friday.

“Our community is mourning,” St. Luke’s head of school Mark Davis said in a statement.

“Yesterday, we lost a precious young man in a tragic accident. 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.”

Brunswick head of school Thomas Philip issued the following statement:

“We are saddened beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the boy, the players and coaches on both teams, the entirety of the St. Luke’s School community, and our own students and families. 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. We ask that everyone say a prayer for the boy, his family, and all those impacted by this horrible accident.”

As it so often does in times like these, the local hockey community was quick to show support, with many residents leaving sticks outside of houses and sharing photos/messages on social media in tribute.

We woke up this morning with the heaviest hearts after hearing of the tragic loss of one of New Canaan’s own. 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

— New Canaan Hockey (@NCPuck) January 7, 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

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

Sticks out for Teddy. ???? pic.twitter.com/sRoTA5B2oZ

— Martin St.Louis (@mstlouis_26) 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

One shift. One period. One game at a time. It’s the hockey way. The way our team can honor the life of Teddy Balkind. We hold the Balkind family and St. Luke’s in our thoughts. As we remember Teddy, we’ll always strive to do our best. One shift. One period. One game at a time.

— Brunswick Hockey (@WickPuck) January 8, 2022

Both schools were closed on Friday due to snow.