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St. Luke's School Retires Teddy Balkind's Jersey
On Jan. 4, 2023, following team practice, Teddy Balkind’s family, teammates, and close friends honored his life and love of hockey by retiring his #5 jersey.
Head of School Mary Halpin Carter welcomed attendees saying: “Tonight is about honoring Teddy — an extraordinary young man. Though I never had the chance to meet him, Teddy’s friends have helped me understand the beautiful impact this positive, happy young man had. They light up as they try to capture their friend's passion, energy, and playfulness. I’ve learned people who had Teddy in their lives feel fortunate.
Tonight is also about a team. According to Leslie and Buck, being part of the St. Luke’s hockey team made their son exceedingly happy. Joyful. The young men and women on this team and their caring coaches, trainers, and parents have shown resilience, compassion, and determination to honor their dear friend and teammate — and that is exactly what they will get to do this evening. We are so grateful to have you here to be part of it.”
Athletic Director Matt Ward spoke of the common thread that ran through everyone’s memories of Teddy: “Teddy inspired us and cultivated a culture of positivity that was infectious. Whether it be our hockey team, St. Luke’s School, his countless friends from all over, the New Canaan community, his summer camp, the New Canaan Winter Club, and of course, his loving family, I’m sure that we can all speak to the positive impact Teddy had and will continue to have on all of us.”
Ward then invited the hockey captains up to unveil Teddy’s #5 jersey. Silence fell as everyone took in the loss and the depth of love that filled the rink.
Former St. Luke’s Athletic Director Mike West and his family flew in from the West Coast to be part of the ceremony. “It’s both great and difficult to be back with you all today,” he shared. “For many of us, our capacity to experience joy shifted a year ago, and we’re still trying to find the right ways to process losing Teddy…. Amidst all our differing physical and emotional paths to get here, we find ourselves together to celebrate Teddy’s jersey retirement. What that jersey means to me is the incredible gift that it was to have known Teddy…His jersey is a reminder of that gift, and a challenge to us all to carry on in a way that prioritizes human interconnection, whether being the very best, inclusive teammate you can be or simply welcoming a new face to your community in a warm and comforting manner. In this season of resolutions, the mantra “be more Teddy” is an aspirational goal I’ll continue to set for myself.”
Athletic Director Matt Ward spoke of the common thread that ran through everyone’s memories of Teddy: “Teddy inspired us and cultivated a culture of positivity that was infectious. Whether it be our hockey team, St. Luke’s School, his countless friends from all over, the New Canaan community, his summer camp, the New Canaan Winter Club, and of course, his loving family, I’m sure that we can all speak to the positive impact Teddy had and will continue to have on all of us.”
Ward then invited the hockey captains up to unveil Teddy’s #5 jersey. Silence fell as everyone took in the loss and the depth of love that filled the rink.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
