St. Luke's Sets Record Straight On Fatal Hockey Accident

GREENWICH, CT — St. Luke's School is setting the record straight on how 16-year-old Teddy Balkind was injured during a hockey game at Brunswick School in Greenwich on Jan. 6.

A limited description on the night of the incident from the Greenwich Police Department said a player fell to the ice and another player collided with him.

"During the normal course of the game, a player from the other team fell to the ice. Another player who was near the downed player was unable to stop, and collided with the player who fell," GPD Capt. Mark Zuccerella said shortly after the incident in a news release on Jan. 6. "The player on the ice sustained an injury."

One of the players, later identified as Balkind, was taken to Greenwich Hospital where he underwent surgery, but he died as a result of the injury.

Police said at the time they would not release further information.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut ruled the cause of death an accident by a "wound of the neck."

In a letter to the school community on Wednesday, a day after Balkind was laid to rest earlier this week, Davis shared first-hand accounts of what happened that caused the fatal injury.

"Despite their profound grief, the Balkinds are deeply concerned about the well-being of the hockey players and coaches from both schools. A particular point of concern is an inaccurate description of the accident that has nevertheless become widespread," Davis said.

Davis said that Balkind did not fall at any point.

"He was skating upright and low. During the normal course of play, another player’s leg momentarily went into the air and, through no fault of anyone’s, or any lack of control, his skate cut Teddy," Davis said. "Why is this important to share? Because it’s accurate and because it emphasizes the lack of any fault. These boys were excellent skaters, playing a great and fair game when an unimaginable accident wreaked havoc."

Capt. Mark Zuccerella of the GPD said on Friday that initial details of the accident were kept limited on purpose, as are most news releases when incidents or investigations first occur.

Davis said the coaches, medics and players responded "magnificently", as did the doctors and staff at Greenwich Hospital.

"They, the coaches, and medical personnel at the rink were heroic in every way. So, too, were the players from both schools. I have drawn strength and inspiration from the compassion, courage, and humanity of all involved, and am far from alone in that," Davis added.

Davis noted that he spent time with Teddy's parents earlier this week, Leslie and Buck Balkind.

"Leslie said 'This was an accident, a terrible accident. It was nobody’s fault…it just happened. There is no anger…only sadness,'" Davis recalled.

The New Canaan and Greenwich communities, along with the greater hockey community, continue to mourn the loss of Balkind.

On Wednesday, the Boston Bruins honored Balkind by hanging his jersey behind their bench, and holding a moment of silence before their game against the visiting Montreal Canadiens.

In another recent letter to St. Luke's families, Davis described the kind of person Balkind was.

"During the six years he grew up with us, he was a friend to all, and a leader with deep empathy and a strong moral compass. Teddy approached life with honesty and bravery. He faced adversity (such as a severe mountain biking injury) with unshakeable optimism and courage.

"At a very young age, Teddy was already the kind of person many of us strive to be—kind, joyful, and the light, everywhere he went, though he never sought the limelight," Davis added. "We will miss him as deeply as one would miss the sun should it leave us suddenly.

“Teddy made the world better with his beautiful spirit, which lives on in those who knew and loved him. Let’s remember that, as we remember him in the days ahead."