By Margaret Hawryluk

University student and hockey team member, Vincent Kelly, died last week after his vehicle struck a LIPA pole in Lake Success.

Kelly’s 1995 Chrysler swerved off the road at 3:10 a.m. Feb. 20 as he was traveling southbound alone on Lakeville Road, according to a report from the Nassau County Police.

Kelly, 22, was transported to North Shore University Hospital and pronounced dead a short time after arrival. He suffered trauma to his head and chest, according to the report.

The Chrysler was impounded for safety checks and Kelly’s body was taken to the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s office. It could take up to 14 weeks to determine whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, a Nassau County Police spokesperson said.

Known as “Vinnie” or “Vin” by friends, Kelly, a Floral Park native, was an accounting major at the University and a left-wing for the hockey team.

“He just loved to skate,” Vincent Kelly, his father, said. “If he could’ve gone on playing hockey for the rest of his life, he would’ve been happy.”

Kelly played hockey since he was 7. He played with the Long Island Gold, Nassau Community College, the University’s intramural team and a men’s league, Vincent added. Kelly was recently named playoff MVP of the Great Neck Bruins, a Hockey Long Island league.

The Long Island Hockey Association is planning on creating a scholarship through the Gold program in Kelly’s name, Rose Marie Kelly, Vin’s mother, said.

Kelly was also respected for his talents with the University’s team.

“Vin was a huge asset to the team, not only as a scorer, but also as a teammate and a friend on the bench,” Chad Goldman, a sophomore on the University’s hockey team said. “He’s the kind of kid you don’t want to go against on a one-on-one in practice or in a game situation because he would just make you look terrible.”

The entire University team was present at Kelly’s wake and funeral, Rose Marie said. Kelly was buried Friday.

The team retired Kelly’s number at Saturday’s playoff game against Fordham University as a final tribute to the player. Kelly’s cousin did a lap around the rink wearing his No. 17 jersey, which was then hung over the bench for the remainder of the game, Rose Marie said.

“It made me smile,” she said. “Hockey was his passion.”

Kelly’s entire family was present at the game to watch his number be retired.

“He had such a high standard of family values. He would do anything for his family,” Brian Ferrara, head coach of the team, said. “I know that for a fact, he was very family oriented and a great kid who could do anything he wanted.”

In addition to his athletic skills, Kelly was also remembered for his bright personality.

“What I remember most about Vin, aside from his tremendous skills on the ice, is how every time I saw him in a locker room or going to class, he would have this smile on his face no matter what,” Steve Wagner, a senior on the University’s team, said. “I can’t picture Vin without that smile.”

Ferrara, who played on the same line as Kelly before becoming a coach, said Kelly had an immense presence.

“He was very charismatic and everyone on the team loved having him around and being in his presence, not only because he was an extremely talented player, quite possibly the most talented in the league, but also because he was lighthearted and fun,” he said. “It was a pleasure knowing Vin when he was at his best, and that is how I will remember him.”

Vin Kelly, 22, was killed Monday morning in a car accident.