Teen Hockey Star At Chestnut Hill Club Dies From Head Trauma

An 18-year-old hockey star at a Chestnut Hill club died Monday as a result of head trauma, but witnesses and the player did not report any hits to his head.

Nick Bond, 18, of Springfield, Montgomery County, died Monday after collapsing Sunday when he came off the ice, according to 6ABC.

The outlet reports Bond was taken Albert Einstein Medical Center where surgeons worked to relieve pressure in his brain.

Bond was the captain of the Under 18 National Team at the Wissahickon Skating Club in Chestnut Hill.

Philly.com said witnesses did not report seeing Bond take a hit to the head, nor did Bond tell anything he was hit.

The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office has ruled Bond's death an accident.

Kevin Hamel, president of the Wissahickon Skating Club, released a statement on Bond's untimely death:

Dear Wissahickon Family,

It is with the heaviest heart that I write with news of the passing of a member of our Youth Hockey community. On Sunday morning, Nick Bond-a Midget 18 skater who played at the Club since he was old enough to put on skates-collapsed after leaving the ice. Emergency services were called and Nick was transported to Einstein Hospital where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Nick did not recover. He passed Monday afternoon surrounded by his family and many close friends.

For those of you who were not fortunate enough to have known Nick, I would describe him to you as a true Wiss kid. He was a fiery and skilled competitor who believed that success on and off the ice was built on teamwork and friendship. Year after year Nick was selected by his teammates and coaches as team captain. He lead with confidence and compassion. Though somewhat diminutive, Nick fearlessly challenged every opposing player regardless of size. He was, without question, the epitome of what we want most in our children. Most recently, Nick was passing along those valued traits to our younger generation of skaters as he volunteered time with the Squirt hockey skaters and the Basic Skills program.

Many of you know the Bond family. Nick’s dad-Rob Bond-has been Nick’s coach at Wiss since the beginning, and before that was the coach of Nick’s older brother, CJ. In the Wiss tradition, Nick followed in the footsteps of his older brother. Nick’s mom, Margaret, is the rock of the family and was at virtually every practice, game, and Saturday evening Wiss potluck. There were Merriton Exhanges, travel tournaments, away games, and non-hockey gatherings. Through it all, there was Nick, and the Bonds, and the Wiss community, and love. And all were present when Nick passed.

I will end with the social media posting from one of Nick’s long-time friends and Wiss teammates.

Eleven years ago, I went to my first hockey practice on the night before Halloween. The season had already started and my brother was on the team, so I decided to give hockey a try about a month into the season. I struggled during the practice, but I made a friend that night that convinced me to stick with it. I ended up playing every season of my life for Wissahickon with this kid. I can honestly say I have never met a person who is more committed, tough, motivating, and loyal than Nick Bond. I am honored to call you not only my captain, but one of my best friends in my life. Fly high buddy….

With greatest respect and affection,

Kevin Hamel
President,
Wissahickon Skating Club

Details regarding arrangements and support for the family forthcoming.

Image via Wissahickon Skating Club