DEK Fever Tournament

Thunder Turtles Win Dek Fever Tournament

What began as a morning of cold rain in Painesville Rec Park-- recovered as the sun came out to accommodate the Dek Fever Tourney, a forum for the top Dek Hockey talent in the region. It is also an event for great sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The Thunder Turtles rallied from an early loss to the Dek Wreckers 5-7, when Alan Raeder, Brad Zicarelli, the father-son team of Garret and Shawn Sadler, A.J. Bailey, Brian Maloney (Erie, Pa), and George Lewandowski all tallied points for the Wreckers, with a stingey Grayson Sieg in net. However, the determined Thunder Turtles went on to win back to back playoff games. First, they defeated the Free Agents 7-3 in the semi-final. The free agent roster included Dom Anselmo (coach at University School), league All Stars Nick Larkin, Tony Parenti and Mike Ingenthorn; Zach Grandstaff (North Coast Collision hockey), and Pat Kristo (Lake Catholic).

The Turtles then took on North Coast SPA in the final and won 10-1 in the championship game. The Dek Wreckers hopes to gain the final were dashed in a 6-3 loss to North Coast, who was sparked by a goal scoring rampage from Jared Prior, assisted by Mike Garam, Brad Zicarelli and the Walburton clan.

The Thunder Turtles are comprised mostly of a running reunion of Mentor High School hockey players, this time captained by Andrew McBride, a 2019 News Herald All Star. Andrew had 2 goals and 2 assists in the final, Jake Tackett (CSU) 2 goals, Brandon Hudock 4 goals, Attorney Nick Laudato (Gilmour Academy) 1 goal and 2 assists, Connor Stump 1 goal and 2 assists, Brady Kloss (New Jersey Renegades Junior A) 2 assists, and Adam Grady (Lake Catholic) with a stunning performance in goal. North Coast’s lone response in the final was a goal by Ben Walburton from a hustling Matt Biats, as well as the Turtles spoiling an otherwise great day for Justin Ropos in the crease.

Thanks to officials Brian Dolan and Dean Kelly, and administrative support from Seanna and Neil Conway, and A.J. Bailey (Tottenham, Ontario junior hockey.)