Hand Hockey Team Honors Two Players Who Died From Drug Overdoses

MADISON, CT - Two former Daniel Hand High School hockey teammates who tragically lost their lives due to drug overdoses are being remembered with a special tribute by this year’s team.

The Hand boys’ hockey team are wearing stickers honoring the two former players on their helmets this season.

One sticker bearing “NK 5” remembers Nick Kruczek, of Guilford, who died days short of his 21st birthday in October 2013.

A “JD 2” sticker honors Joe Deane, of Madison, who died at age 23 in December 2018.

"Joe and Nick were linemates and friends," said Sue Kruczek, Nick’s mom. “Nick loved having Joe as his wingman on and off the ice. It breaks my heart that his favorite wingman is now his wingman in heaven.”

“Our staffs’ goal since we took over the program at the start of last year was to create a family culture,” said Hand coach Brian Gonsalves. “When Joe Deane passed in December of 2018 we as a family (players and coaches) wanted to do something to remember both Joe and Nick.”

“The stickers have created conversation at every game we have played amongst opponents players and coaches alike. This is helped create awareness for this difficult disease that more and more people are being affected by,” Gonsalves added.

“No matter where life takes any former player and families, they are always a member of the Daniel Hand hockey family,” the coach said.

Sue Kruczek said her family was “blown away” by the hockey team’s dedication. “We were so touched by this gesture.”

Opioid overdose deaths in Connecticut doubled in the past six years, according to a team of researchers from the University of Connecticut and Yale University.

Based on data from the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, there was a 221% increase in opioid-related drug overdoses from 2012 to 2018.

Both the Kruczek and Deane families have become well known for their efforts in fighting drug and opioid addiction in the state.