A Long Island High School hockey player is making an amazing comeback after a terrifying near-death incident. Connor Dubeau, last month, suffered a serious injury while swimming at Gilgo Beach, breaking his C-4 vertebra and temporarily becoming paralyzed.
Connor’s best friend, Kevin Bonnino, who also plays on the Junior Islanders team, quickly jumped into action. With help from another young man named Jake Geller, Kevin brought Connor back to safety just before he ran out of breath.
Mark Dubeau, Connor’s father, expressed gratitude, saying, “Leaving the hospital after just two and a half weeks is incredible. It’s really a relief to have him back in school.”
Throughout this ordeal, Connor received immense support and love from those around him. Mark noted that Connor is not just a talented hockey player, but also a wonderful teammate. He stayed by Connor’s side throughout his hospital stay, emphasizing a special bond between father and son.
Kevin regularly visited Connor during his recovery, showcasing their strong friendship. As news of Connor’s situation spread, he received messages from fellow athletes, including James Hagens, a Long Islander with ties to the Boston Bruins, and encouragement from Islanders Captain Anders Lee, along with past team members Matt Martin and Josh Bailey.
Moreover, Connor’s favorite player, PK Subban, sent him a personal video message and shared his story on social media, which was quite impactful for Connor.
Additionally, Bobby Oh reached out to Connor recently. Mark commented on the generosity of the hockey community, noting how supportive they have been during this challenging time. Ultimately, the greatest gift for the Dubeau family is having a happy and healthy son back in their lives.
Mark mentioned that Connor has been practicing hockey at least twice a week, not just for the sport, but to spend time with friends in the locker room.
In soccer, the match between 2-0 Farmingdale and 1-1 Helix/Wheatley will take place Friday at 6:30 pm. On Saturday, 2-0 Jericho will face off against 1-1 MacArthur at 2 pm.
