The Deking for Dan 7th Annual Tournament gets underway at the Athol Street Hockey Association on Friday. Round robin play begins on the first two days before playoffs begin Sunday.
The tournament is in memory of Dan Greeley. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the American Cancer Society. The tournament raised around $9,000 last year and hopes to eclipse $10,000 at this year’s event. To donate, click here. Play begins at 4 p.m.
Carol Greeley (wife) along with Ryan Greeley (son) and Nikki Greeley (daughter-in-law) are board members for the tournament. Nick Ellison and Kelsey Ellison assist in running the tournament. The family has raised a substantial amount of money in honor and in memory of Dan Greeley.
“The year after we met was the first year of the tournament,” Nikki Greeley said. “We were looking for ways to raise more money for people with cancer. Dan was passionate about recording his journey. He ignored his symptoms for a long time. Unfortunately, the cancer ended up taking over. He just wanted to help making people aware about not ignoring your symptoms. Go get a colonoscopy and get a mammogram. Get checked out.”
Greeley passed away from colon cancer in December of 2020. Part of his mission after his diagnosis in 2019 was to encourage health screenings. There are 18 teams signed up for the 4-on-4 tournament.
Teams are co-ed for the outdoor tournament. Dek Hockey is simply hockey without ice. Complete with hockey sticks and a ball while players compete on foot. Games are 12 minute running periods, the clock is only stopped in the last two minutes if the game is tied or the score is within one goal. There is no offside, but there is icing.
Overtime rules start with a five minute sudden death before a shootout.
“It’s our seventh annual tournament,” Greeley said. “We are excited to still be doing it.”
The family also does a Relay For Life event in Connecticut and an Easter fundraiser. With everything included, the family has raised $110,318 for the American Cancer Society.
“We do it in memory of Dan,” Greeley said. “To keep that legacy going and help other people with cancer.”
A new addition to this year’s tournament is the presence of a food truck. Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company out of Orange will wheel in a truck courtesy of owner John Gorski. There will be a cookie vendor. Baked with Pride will sell treats for all those in attendance. Tyler Greeley runs the vendor.
There are over 70 raffle prizes available at the tournament. Some of the items are purchased and some are donated from the community. The tournament has three divisions. The top divisions have some high-level players. But there are different levels of talent at each level.
