The rink was filled with emotion as two Long Island communities came together to honor the life of Massapequa High School hockey player Connor Kasin, who tragically passed away last month.

The 17-year-old died after suffering a medical emergency during a game, leaving his teammates, family and friends heartbroken.

Friday night, the Massapequa hockey team took to the ice for their first game since Connor’s death, facing off against the Long Beach team in a poignant tribute. The game was more than just a competition—it was a moment of remembrance, unity and support between two communities bound by shared grief.

The evening began with a simple but powerful gesture: after the face-off, the puck was left untouched. Players from both teams stood in solidarity, paying their respects to Connor and his family.

For the Long Beach team, this loss resonated deeply. Last year, their own community mourned the death of 18-year-old Gerrin Hagen, who died tragically after being hit by a car while skateboarding. Understanding the pain of losing a teammate, the Long Beach players wore shirts emblazoned with Connor’s name and number, #37, during warmups.

“We’re just trying to do our best to support Massapequa any way we can,” said Robert Carson, Long Beach’s ice hockey coach. “We’ve been through something similar, so we’re just trying to be there for them in any way we can.”

The rink was packed, not only with the players, but with hundreds of supporters, including Connor’s family, who watched from the stands.

“Hockey is a very competitive sport, but when things like this happen, we all get behind each other,” said Carson.

As the game came to a close, with Massapequa losing 3-7, Connor’s number 37 was displayed on the scoreboard, a final tribute to the young player whose impact went far beyond the ice.

It was more than just a game—it was a moment of shared healing, where sportsmanship and community came together to honor a life gone too soon.