The hockey community mourns the loss of a high school hockey player who died Thursday in Greenwich

On Friday, the hockey community in New Canaan, Greenwich and beyond mourned the loss of St. Luke’s Grade 10 student Teddy Balkind. The 15-year-old died Thursday after sustaining an injury during a JV hockey game at Brunswick School’s Hartong rink in Greenwich.

During the game, the teenager fell on the ice and his neck was cut when a Brunswick player collided with him.

After the incident, gambling was stopped, 911 was called, and the Balkind was taken to Greenwich Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

In a sort of hockey tradition, families in the hockey community have placed hockey sticks outside their front doors in honor of the Balkinds.

The Greenwich Skating Cub issued a statement which read in part: “Hockey in our region is a tight-knit community and many players from both teams have played in our organizations over the years and will need support as well. Although we may not begin to understand the pain and suffering of immediate family and close friends and family, we are all in pain and send our love, thoughts and prayers to all affected.

“Teddy skated for the New Canaan Winter Club throughout his career as a young hockey player and was known to everyone as an amazing young man, son and brother,” New Canaan Police said in a Facebook post. “The men and women of the New Canaan Police Department extend our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Balkind family and all those affected by this tragic incident.”

New Canaan Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi said in an email to the school community that many New Canaan students are friends with the boy and his family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the entire St. Luke community,” Luizzi said in the email. “May you find strength and peace during this difficult time. “

The NHL shared a post on Twitter Friday night with the hashtag #sticksoutforTeddy

Professional hockey player Cam Atkinson, from Greenwich, posted on Twitter on Friday with a photo of a hockey stick outside a front door.

Greenwich High School Hockey, New Canaan High School Hockey and Brunswick Hockey all paid tribute to Balkind on Twitter on Friday.

Original story:

Tragic accident at Brunswick hockey game leads to death of player