Hockey player Teddy Balkind’s death ruled accident as NHL players offer tribute to the 10th-grader
Follow Us
Teddy Balkind
Connecticut high school hockey player Teddy Balkind‘s passing after an on-ice collision last week has been ruled as an accident by the state medical examiner. The tragic incident during a game between St. Luke’s School and Brunswick School, a prep school in Greenwich.
Teddy Balkind, a 10th-grader at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, passed away on January 6 after his neck was sliced open from the “skate of [the] other ice skater after falling on ice during the game,” the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told NBC News. The incident which left the fraternity in a shock was ruled accidental on Monday.
The NHL also released an official statement: “The National Hockey League mourns the tragic passing of Teddy Balkind, a member of the hockey family lost too soon. Our prayers and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his St. Luke’s teammates and his many friends.”
NHL players rally to offer their condolences over Teddy Balkind’s tragic passing
Balkind took a fall during the game and the other player collided with him as he was unable to stop in time. The game was immediately stopped and Balkind was rushed to Greenwich Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Despite the doctors’ best efforts and an emergency operation, Teddy Balkind didn’t survive the accident.
NHL players led the way as netizens offered their tributes for the high schooler. The Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers tweeted Teddy Balkind’s photo and started the hashtag #sticksoutforTeddy. Players joined the campaign to offer their condolences as the hashtag trended on Twitter.
“Rest In Peace to Teddy Balkind.. super tragic and very sad. Thinking about him and his family. Just a reminder to always be grateful for every day and to never take anything for granted,” Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Turcotte tweeted.
Also Read | NHL pulls out of Beijing Winter Olympics, will not send players
“Sad to hear about the tragic loss of Teddy Balkind. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Balkind family,” Anaheim Ducks centre Adam Henrique tweeted. “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,” added Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.
Carolina Hurricanes winger Teuvo Teravainen paid his respects to Balkind by writing “Teddy” on the hockey stick he used over the weekend. St. Luke’s School also released its own statement honouring Teddy Balkind, WCBS-TV of New York City reported.
“Yesterday, we lost a precious young man in a tragic accident,” St. Luke’s School said last Friday. “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.“
Also Read | WATCH: 2 Blackhawks players’ cars stolen in Chicago valet robbery
Stay Updated!
Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)