NHL players and more pay tribute to hockey player who died after crash on ice during game – NBC Connecticut

Friends, family and two school communities continue to grapple with the death of Teddy Balkind.

Balkind, a 10th grade hockey player at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, died Thursday night after a collision on the ice during a game against Brunswick School in Greenwich.

During the match, Balkind fell on the ice and was cut in the neck by another player’s skate, according to police and school officials.

He was rushed to Greenwich Hospital, where he later died.

A social media campaign has emerged to help remember Balkind.

The campaign, #sticksoutforteddy, asks people to place hockey sticks outside their homes to show their support for the Balkind family and the two communities grieving after the tragedy.

The National Hockey League and some NHL stars are even showing their support through the #sticksoutforteddy campaign.

“The National Hockey League mourns the tragic passing of Teddy Balkind, a hockey family member lost too soon,” said an NHL tweet. “Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, his St. Luke teammates and his many friends.”

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who played hockey at Brunswick School, also expressed his sadness over Balkind’s passing.

“The hockey world is suffering from the tragic loss of Teddy Balkind yesterday,” Shattenkirk tweeted. “Our hearts and prayers are with the young players of St. Luke’s and Brunswick, and in particular the Balkind family. Rest in peace Teddy #sticksoutforteddy.”

The New York Rangers and New York Islanders were among the NHL teams to honor Balkind.

Catherine J. Martinez