Long Island high school hockey player now walking after near-death experience
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A high school hockey player from Long Island, who endured a life-threatening incident off the ice and suffered a broken neck, has astoundingly recovered and returned for his senior year.

“There were several big miracles,” Mark Dubeau, father of Smithtown West’s Connor Dubeau, told The Post.

Last month, Connor experienced a fall beneath the waters at Gilgo Beach, which led to a break in the C-4 bone of his neck. This accident temporarily paralyzed the 17-year-old while he was submerged.

A close friend and fellow junior Islanders teammate, Kevin Bonino—a senior who also plays for Chaminade High School—acted swiftly at the beach. Alongside Jake Geller, Kevin managed to bring his friend to the surface just in time, preventing him from running out of oxygen.

“He was able to walk out of the hospital almost two-and-a-half-weeks later,” said Mark, who added that his son’s neck surgery and recovery went exceptionally well because of the peak condition he stayed in for hockey. “It’s incredible… it’s really good for him to actually be back at school.”

And, throughout the ordeal, Connor was shown an overwhelming amount of love.

Bonino, who Mark described as “a great, great hockey player, a great teammate,” wouldn’t leave Connor’s side in the hospital as “you could tell there’s a special bond between those two guys.”

“Kevin coming to see Connor all the time even became therapeutic for me,” said Mark.

Soon enough, the tale of the teen’s perilous journey began making its way to the NHL.

Fellow Long Islander and Boston Bruins draft pick James Hagens called Connor during his recovery; Islanders captain Anders Lee was texting him, while team alum Matt Martin and Josh Bailey also reached out.

“Connor’s favorite player, P.K. Subban, ended up sending him a personal text message with a video and posted about him on social media,” said Mark.

“Then, to top it off, two weekends ago, Mr. Bobby Orr called Connor. The hockey community has just been awesome.”

All of that pales in comparison to the greatest gift of all for the Dubeau family: a happy and healthy son.

“Connor has been going to hockey practice at least two times a week just to see his friends in the locker room,” added his father.


In football, 2-0 Farmingdale hosts 1-1 Herricks/Wheatley Friday at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, 2-0 Jericho travels to 1-1 MacArthur at 2 p.m.

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