A night meant to honor a life lost ended in another tragic death. Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old senior at Massapequa High School, collapsed during a memorial hockey game on Saturday night and later died, sending shockwaves through the Long Island community.

The game, held at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage, was organized in memory of Sabrina Navaretta, a Syosset graduate who died in a car crash last year. Kasin, a rising star on the Sharks Elite Youth Hockey team, was on the ice to support the event when he suddenly fell unconscious during intermission around 9 p.m.

Spectators rushed onto the rink in a frantic attempt to save him. Several bystanders performed CPR until first responders arrived. Nassau County Police confirmed Kasin was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of his collapse remains unclear, and police say no foul play is suspected.

A Community in Mourning

Massapequa High School broke the heartbreaking news to students and families in a letter over the weekend.

“It is with profound sadness that we inform you of Connor’s passing. His loss is devastating to the entire Massapequa community,” the statement read. Grief counselors have been made available at the school to support students.

Kasin’s death has deeply affected those who knew him. His coach, Jeff Tempone, described him as a “coach’s dream.”

“He was in the best shape on the team, always positive, always lifting up his teammates,” Tempone told CBS News. “This is devastating. He was 17 years old with his whole life ahead of him.”

The Navaretta Family Speaks Out

John and Mara Navaretta, whose late daughter Sabrina was being honored that night, expressed their sorrow and support for Kasin’s grieving family.

“There are no words to convey our heartbreak,” they said in a statement. “Connor was there to play for Sabrina, and now we stand with his family in this unimaginable grief. Please know we are here for you.”

The memorial game was part of a foundation established in Sabrina’s name to raise scholarship funds and assist grieving parents.

Tributes Pour In

The New York Islanders, a professional hockey team deeply connected to the Long Island hockey community, extended their condolences in a heartfelt social media post.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and teammates of Connor Kasin. His loss is a tremendous blow to Massapequa and the Long Island hockey community,” the Islanders wrote on Instagram.

Kasin’s team, Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, also mourned his loss in a Facebook post, calling him “a beloved member of the team and a friend to many.”

As Long Island grieves, one thing is clear: Connor Kasin’s passion for hockey and his positive spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Now, a community gathers to honor not only his life but the legacy of two young lives gone far too soon.

Investigation Ongoing

While the investigation into Kasin’s sudden death continues, the focus remains on supporting those left behind. The town of Oyster Bay, known for its tight-knit community, has come together in the wake of this tragedy, proving once again that even in the darkest moments, Long Island stands united.