The New England hockey team mourns the passing away of two players in a terrible accident…

The New England hockey team mourns the passing away of two players in a terrible accident…

The hockey community in New England is reeling from the devastating loss of two young athletes who tragically passed away in a terrible accident. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred late Saturday night, has left teammates, coaches, family members, and fans mourning the untimely deaths of two promising players.

The Tragic Accident

According to local authorities, the accident happened around 10:30 p.m. on March 15, 2025, on Interstate 93 near Concord, New Hampshire. The two players, identified as 18-year-old Ryan Sullivan and 17-year-old Ethan Parker, were traveling home from a team dinner when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer during icy road conditions.

Witnesses reported that their car lost control on a patch of black ice, causing it to spin into oncoming traffic. The truck driver, who was unable to stop in time, crashed into the vehicle, resulting in catastrophic damage. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Ryan and Ethan were pronounced dead at the scene. A third teammate in the car, 17-year-old Jordan Meyers, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site.

The accident remains under investigation, with officials working to determine whether speed, weather conditions, or other factors played a role in the tragic crash.

Remembering Ryan Sullivan and Ethan Parker

The loss of Ryan and Ethan has devastated the New England hockey community, as both young men were beloved by teammates, coaches, and classmates. Their contributions to the sport and their larger-than-life personalities left a lasting impact on those who knew them.

Ryan Sullivan: A Natural Leader on and off the Ice

Ryan Sullivan was a senior at Boston Prep Academy and the captain of his high school hockey team. A talented center with impressive skating ability, Ryan had dreams of playing college hockey and was in talks with multiple Division I programs. His dedication to the game and his leadership on and off the ice made him an inspiration to younger players.

“Ryan wasn’t just a great player—he was the heart and soul of our team,” said head coach Mike Callahan. “He lifted everyone up with his energy, his positivity, and his ability to push his teammates to be better every single day.”

Off the ice, Ryan was known for his kindness and sense of humor. He was actively involved in community service, regularly volunteering at local youth hockey clinics to mentor young players. His teachers described him as a hardworking student who balanced academics with his love for hockey.

Ryan’s father, Patrick Sullivan, spoke at a candlelight vigil held at the school’s rink on Sunday night. “Ryan lived for hockey, but more than that, he lived for his friends and his family,” he said through tears. “He was a young man with big dreams, and it’s unbearable to think that those dreams have been taken away.”

Ethan Parker: A Rising Star with a Passion for the Game

Ethan Parker, a junior at Manchester Academy, was widely regarded as one of the most talented defensemen in the New England hockey scene. He had been playing the sport since he was five years old, and his coaches believed he had the potential to play at the highest level.

“Ethan had this incredible presence on the ice,” said assistant coach Kevin O’Malley. “He read the game so well, made plays that left you speechless, and had the kind of work ethic that made everyone around him better.”

Beyond his athletic abilities, Ethan was a dedicated student and a loving son and brother. He excelled academically and was known for his love of history. His mother, Sarah Parker, spoke about her son’s passion for the game and how much he loved being part of the team.

“Hockey was everything to Ethan,” she said. “But more than that, his teammates were his second family. He never stopped talking about them, about how much fun they had and how much he loved playing beside them.”

A Community in Mourning

The news of Ryan and Ethan’s passing has deeply affected the hockey community throughout New England. Hundreds of people gathered at a memorial service held at the New England Ice Center, where teammates, coaches, and community members paid their respects.

Many of their fellow players shared emotional tributes, recalling moments on the ice, inside the locker room, and during road trips.

“These guys were more than teammates; they were brothers,” said Tyler Brennan, a senior on the team. “They were the kind of players who made you love coming to the rink every day.”

In honor of Ryan and Ethan, the team has announced that they will wear special patches on their jerseys for the remainder of the season. Their jersey numbers—#9 for Ryan and #24 for Ethan—will be retired in a special ceremony later this year.

Support from the Hockey World

The tragedy has resonated beyond just New England, as hockey teams across the country have expressed their condolences. NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, shared messages of support on social media, with several players reaching out to offer condolences to the families.

College hockey programs, including some that had been recruiting Ryan and Ethan, also shared heartfelt messages. The University of New Hampshire hockey team released a statement saying, “The loss of two talented young athletes is devastating, and our hearts go out to their families, friends, and teammates.”

Former NHL players with ties to New England have stepped forward to offer support, some pledging to attend future tributes in their honor.

Fundraisers and Memorials

In response to the tragedy, several fundraising efforts have been launched to support the families of Ryan and Ethan. A GoFundMe campaign started by a family friend has raised over $100,000 to help cover funeral expenses and establish memorial scholarships in their names.

Additionally, a charity hockey game is being organized, with all proceeds going toward the families and local youth hockey programs. The event will bring together players from across the region in a show of solidarity and support.

A Call for Safer Roads

The accident has reignited conversations about road safety, particularly for young drivers traveling in hazardous winter conditions. Parents, coaches, and local officials have called for better awareness and improved safety measures on highways known for dangerous conditions.

Some community leaders are advocating for additional winter road maintenance and improved signage warning drivers about high-risk areas for black ice. “If we can prevent another family from experiencing this kind of loss, we need to do everything we can,” said Mark Reynolds, a local official.

Honoring Their Legacy

Despite the overwhelming grief, Ryan and Ethan’s families and teammates are determined to honor their memory in meaningful ways. The Sullivan-Parker Memorial Scholarship is being established to support young athletes who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and academic excellence.

Additionally, both high schools are planning to dedicate a section of their arenas to Ryan and Ethan, ensuring that future generations of players will remember their contributions.

“Ryan and Ethan weren’t just great hockey players; they were great young men,” said Coach Callahan. “They had so much more to give, and even though their time was cut short, their impact will never be forgotten.”

Moving Forward

As the New England hockey team and community continue to grieve, one thing remains clear: Ryan Sullivan and Ethan Parker will always be remembered. Their love for the game, their friendship, and their dedication to their teams will inspire future players for years to come.

Though they are no longer here, their spirit will live on—every time their teammates take the ice, every time a young player laces up their skates, and every time someone remembers the incredible young men they were.