Connor Kasin of Massapequa, who died after collapsing during charity hockey game, mourned at funeral

The sudden loss of Connor Kasin was "a shock to the community," a priest said Friday, as family and friends bid farewell to the 17-year-old Massapequa hockey player who died after collapsing during a charity game last week.

Grieving classmates, community members and public officials packed the pews of St. William the Abbot Roman Catholic Church in Seaford for Kasin's funeral Mass Friday. His Massapequa High School teammates, wearing their blue and gold jerseys over shirts and ties, filled the first few rows. His family, including parents Mary and Craig and his brothers, Christian and Cole, solemnly sat at the front of the church.

The Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald, who baptized Kasin and his two brothers, marveled at the impact that the teen had on so many people during his brief life.

"He touched so many lives in that short time," Fitzgerald said.

Officials said Kasin, a senior on the varsity team, experienced a "sudden medical event" on Saturday during the intermission of a charity hockey game at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Fitzgerald, standing before a crucifix, addressed that unexpected loss and the feelings that Kasin's loved ones might be experiencing.

"There's disappointment and anger, and how could God, how can our loving God do this?" he said. "And I want to apologize, because I know I've been there. People don't know what to say, so we'll say dumb things like, 'He's in a better place' ... No! What could be better than sitting right here? And yet, as believers ... there is the hope of what's to come."

'His smile lit up the room'

Fitzgerald remembered Kasin's life and spoke of his love of hockey. He was known for bringing energy and control to the game, as well as for his magnetic personality, electric smile and big hair, the priest said.

There are two types of hockey players, the priest told the crowd — those who act like a "thermometer" and react to the highs and lows of the game, and those who serve as a kind of "thermostat" that can control the game. Kasin, a defenseman who blocked shots and made game-changing plays, was the latter, he said.

Fitzgerald challenged the teen's friends to follow his lead, and to honor Kasin’s parents, who prayed their son would never be forgotten, he said.

"These kids aren't the future. They're the now, living now," the priest said. "And we can look at this young man, Connor. In his life, he walked into a room with kindness. His smile lit up the room."

He said it spoke to Kasin's character and that of his fellow athletes that, on the night of his death, they were playing a charity game to benefit a foundation started by the parents of Syosset graduate Sabrina Navaretta, 19, who was killed in a car crash last year in Delaware.

"We have this young man, he's trying to say to himself, 'How do I have an impact? How do I give back to the community?' " Fitzgerald said. "Those young men were coming outside themselves to help and serve others, which is — is that not — the Christian message?"

Community mourns

The crowd Friday included members of the Nassau County police, who attended in support of Kasin's father, a retired Nassau officer. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky, there to honor the devoted Islanders fan, also attended.

The Islanders held a moment of silence for Kasin before their game Thursday night at UBS Arena in Elmont against the Seattle Kraken.

"Connor was a lifelong Islanders fan, a beloved teammate and a true friend to all who knew him. He was a son, a brother and a part of our extended hockey family," an announcer said. "Our hearts are with Connor’s family — his parents, Craig and Mary, and his siblings, Christian and Cole — as well as his friends and teammates, who will forever remember his smile, his passion and his unwavering commitment to the sport he loved."

After the Mass Friday, Kasin’s coffin was carried out of the church amid a serenade of bagpipes, as his family walked behind. Members of the Massapequa hockey team then filed out with other friends and classmates.

Lisa Stella attended with her son, Nicholas, 15, a member of the Massapequa junior varsity hockey team who wore his jersey to the service.

"I can’t believe it. I just met him. He was a great person and very friendly," the teen said, tearing up as he spoke. "He taught everyone a lot of things — how to be kind and how to be a good person."

Lisa Stella said she knew Kasin growing up, when he attended hockey practices with his older brother, Christian.

"Connor was an amazing child. Mary doesn’t have to worry, because Connor will never be forgotten," she said. "It hits hard when you see kids walking around in these jerseys."

Kasin's classmate Reilly Cereghino, 17, also attended the service.

"It’s definitely taken a toll on the community. It’s going to be hard," she said. "Especially for the hockey team. They just started their season and every game they’re going to think of him and fight for him."

She added, "I have faith in the community and the way we come together. I think we’ll be all right, but it’s going to take awhile."

With Drew Singh and Maureen Mullarkey

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.