While heart conditions aren’t uncommon among hockey players, New York State currently does not mandate cardiac screening for high school athletes.
Enter “Connor’s Law”, a proposed piece of legislation in New York that would require annual heart screenings for public high school athletes.
The bill was introduced just three days ago and is named in honor of Connor Kasin, a teen from Massapequa, New York, who tragically died while playing in a charity hockey game. Kasin was just 17 years old when he collapsed on the ice. He received CPR before being transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Though “Connor’s Law” is a New York initiative, its message resonates far beyond state lines, including with former New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Dean, who had to retire from professional hockey due to a heart condition.
Dean played for the Devils from 1994–95 to 1998–99. At his peak, he tallied 11 points in 62 games and was referred to by NHL.com as one of the “most underrated Devils” of all time. Nicknamed Steady Kevin, Dean brought calm and reliability to the blue line. While not the fastest skater, his hockey IQ made him a valuable fifth defenseman. Alongside John Madden, Dean was part of Lou Lamoriello’s legendary AHL River Rats squad—arguably one of the strongest farm teams ever assembled.
After a 10-year NHL career, Dean was forced to step away due to his heart condition. He later transitioned into coaching, where he continues to share his knowledge and passion for the game.
Athletes and Heart Risk: The Data Backs It Up
Heart concerns in hockey and across sports aren’t new.
According to the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, increased heart rate and blood pressure during games can significantly raise the risk of cardiac events. One cited study observed that during the 2006 World Cup, men were 2.66 times more likely to experience a cardiac event on days when the German team played.
That means during a high-intensity hockey game, male athletes may face more than double the risk of a cardiac event.
Dean might be the only known Devils player to face such an issue, but over in Manhattan, the New York Rangers have also seen firsthand the dangers of heart conditions.
Henrik Lundqvist’s Battle with Heart Disease
Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was a rising star in 2005. At 23 years old, he made his NHL debut on October 8, 2005, against the Devils, and earned his first career win just five days later, also against New Jersey.
That same year, however, Lundqvist was diagnosed with aortic regurgitation, a condition also known as a leaky aortic valve.
Despite the diagnosis, Lundqvist went on to play 15 stellar seasons with the Rangers, setting nearly every goaltending record in franchise history. But in 2020, his condition worsened. Doctors determined it had become life-threatening and required emergency open-heart surgery.
Though he briefly returned to the ice, complications ultimately forced his retirement.
Recent Cases and "Connor’s Law" Impact
Just last November, New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly was diagnosed with a season-ending heart condition, discovered during concussion testing.
“Connor’s Law” aims to encourage proactive heart screening to detect these conditions before they become fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 80,000 young athletes die from sudden cardiac arrest each year.
How the Devils Are Leading by Example
The New Jersey Devils have taken steps to reduce the risk of unexpected cardiac events. The team has partnered multiple times with RWJBarnabas Health to raise awareness about heart health in youth sports.
They also offer free cardiac screenings for young athletes through the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center.
Unlike New York, the State of New Jersey requires all high school student-athletes to undergo cardiac screening. Per Title 18A:40-41d, these screenings must include:
- A complete family history
- A physical check-up
- Education on early warning signs
A Broader Issue That Affects Everyone
Heart health doesn’t just impact New Jersey. It doesn’t just impact hockey players. It affects everyone.
“Connor’s Law” is a call to action, one that could save lives by ensuring athletes know their risks before they step on the ice. With more awareness, better testing, and proper education, tragedies like Connor Kasin’s may one day be a thing of the past.
Photo Credit: © Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images