A tragic turn of events at a hockey game left the Long Island community heartbroken and shocked when a 17-year-old high school student died unexpectedly.
Connor Kasin, a senior at Massapequa High School, tragically died after losing consciousness during a varsity ice hockey game on Saturday evening, November 30.
The game, part of a charity event hosted by the Sabrina Bavaretta Memorial Foundation, took place at the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center. During a break in play, Kasin, 17, experienced a “sudden medical event,” according to News 12 Long Island.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following a call for help, while civilians at the rink began performing CPR on the teen until paramedics arrived.
Despite their efforts, Kasin was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of the medical event that led to his death has not yet been disclosed.Massapequa High School released a heartfelt statement to students and families, expressing their profound sorrow. “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 statement read.
The community’s grief extends beyond the high school. Kasin was also a member of the Sharks Elite Youth Hockey team, which issued a statement mourning his loss, recognizing his role as a defenseman on the 18U team, and requesting support and prayers for his family.
Classmates and teammates are struggling to come to terms with the loss. William Sander, a fellow senior at Massapequa High School, described Connor as a “good” person. He added, “I pray for him and pray for people around him. Honestly, it’s very sad and heartbreaking.”
In response to the tragedy, the Massapequa School District announced that grief counseling services would be available for students throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the Sabrina Bavaretta Memorial Foundation, founded by John and Mara Navaretta, expressed their deep condolences and heartbreak over the tragedy.
The charity game, held in honor of the Navarettas’ late daughter Sabrina, aimed to support the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships, rescuing dogs, and assisting grieving parents.
In their statement, the organizers offered their unwavering support to the Kasin family, encouraging them to find solace in the love and solidarity of the community during this difficult time.Tributes to Kasin have poured in from across the hockey world. The New York Islanders Hockey Club joined in honoring the teen through a heartfelt Instagram message.
Representative Anthony D’Esposito, who represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, also expressed his sadness shortly after learning of Kasin’s death, calling the tragedy a “terrible loss” for the community.
Before his passing, Kasin shared a glimpse of his life and hockey journey on social media. In September, he posted his only Instagram carousel, featuring photos from his senior year.
One photo showed Kasin with two friends at a casual gathering. He wore a Michigan bucket hat and smiled confidently with his arm around a friend, exuding warmth and happiness.Another photo showed Kasin posing with a mascot alongside friends at a local event. Standing on the right in a gray shirt, he smiled warmly, capturing a sense of togetherness.
In a nighttime photo, Kasin was with three friends, holding hands in a playful pose. He wore a dark gray shirt and sported a serious expression, adding a fun element to the moment.
Connor Kasin sat on the far right in the front row, wearing a dark gray shirt and light pants. With his arm around a friend, he smiled, capturing a moment of camaraderie with his group. “Summer time,” he captionedhis post.
As the Massapequa community and the hockey world grieve, they remember Connor for his talent on the ice, his kindness, humor, and the positivity he brought to their lives.