TOMS RIVER – Beyond the graceful glides of figure skaters and the heated battles for the puck by hockey players, Toms River’s Winding River Rink holds a deeper meaning. Eleven hockey jerseys form the “Wall of Heroes” – a tribute to players who left their mark not only on the ice, but also in the hearts of those who knew them.
Each jersey represents a player who laced up their skates at Winding River, only to have their journey tragically interrupted. The Wall of Heroes is more than just a memorial; it’s an act of love and respect.
“We understand the competitive nature of the sport,” said Dean Marusic, the rink’s General Manager. “But at the end of the day, we’re a family. We grieve together, and we honor those who came before us.”
The youngest commemorated on the Wall of Heroes is Parker Nork, who tragically lost his battle with ALL leukemia at just nine years old on March 11, 2017 – a mere 22 days after his diagnosis. His passion for hockey included dreams of guarding the net for the Toms River Blackhawks.
In honor of Parker’s memory, Parker’s Army, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, raises funds channeled into scholarships for high school student-athletes, support for local youth recreational programs, and contributions to the ongoing fight against childhood cancer.
The most senior figure honored on the Wall of Heroes is Gerard H. Gawdun, who passed away on June 2, 2021, fondly known as “Jerry the Hack.” A childhood companion reminisced that Gerry was the only kid he couldn’t prevent from scoring, showcasing an awe-inspiring backhand and an even more impressive wrist shot.
“He was a sweetheart of a man,” recalled Marusic. “God rest his soul. We will always have a big heart for him and the others on our wall.”
Known affectionately as “Matty the Ice,” Matthew C. Blum was the first to be honored on the Wall of Heroes. At the age of 32, his life abruptly ended when he left a program at the rink on February 27, 2011, collapsing in the parking lot and never regaining consciousness. Adding to the tragedy, his wife, Melissa, pregnant with their first child and unborn daughter, passed away less than four months afterward.
“Blum was the first one,” Marusic said. “His parents come year after year to place a wreath in his memory.”
Derek G. Percy, aged 29, passed away on July 19, 2012, having spent his formative years honing his skills on the ice at Winding River. An alumnus of Toms River High School North’s class of 2001, Percy was deeply ingrained in the local hockey community. Percy’s passion for the sport extended to a stint with the Salem Ice Dogs of New Hampshire and work as a professional hockey instructor with the Pro-Performance Hockey Organization of Toms River.
Among those commemorated on the Wall of Heroes are individuals whose passion for hockey knew no age limit. Jonathan Rabkin, who tragically passed away at 53 on October 18, 2013, continued to pursue his love for the sport well into his later years. Similarly, Leonard K. Lamb, aged 54, who passed away at home on June 19, 2016, left behind a legacy as an avid hockey player for the Blue Jays of Toms River. Additionally, Nicholas Cirone, aged 55, who passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 24, 2021, remained dedicated to the game until his final moments.
Although Marusic didn’t necessarily have contact with all those remembered on the Wall of Heroes, he easily recalled his interactions with Cirone.
“He was one of the nicest men I’ve ever met,” shared Marusic. “He was always helping people and was just a good human being. I think he came here in his adulthood and started playing hockey.”
Tragedy struck too young for other avid hockey enthusiasts. Richard James Grande lost his life at age 20, on August 3, 2012, while working for Jersey Central Power & Light, when he came into contact with a live wire. An ardent hockey player and fan, Grande served as the captain of the International Junior Hockey Trenton Habs.
Less than a year later, Michael R. Weltner, aged 21, passed away from cancer on January 15, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as an ice hockey player for the Toms River Black Hawks. In his honor, Toms River’s “No One Fights Alone” foundation was established.
Aidan Michael Inteso, aged 18, succumbed to complications related to undiagnosed cardiomegaly on September 13, 2020. Throughout his high school hockey career at Toms River East, Inteso demonstrated his passion for the sport, serving as a 4-year varsity defenseman, Assistant Captain as a junior, and ultimately as Captain during his senior year.
“I know Aidan’s father, Mike,” Marusic said. “He was devastated. We actually have a benefit in Aidan’s memory every year, which will be on June 22 this year.”
A tragic incident took the life of Patrick D. Romano Jr., a 23-year-old junior at Niagara University, who passed away on March 27, 2021. He died in a fire while residing in off-campus housing.
Romano’s deep passion for ice hockey propelled him to play on the ACHA Division 1 hockey team throughout his three years at Niagara University. He also showcased his skills on the HS East Varsity team for an impressive four years.
As Marusic recounted each name and story with a mixture of reverence and sorrow, it became evident that the Wall of Heroes is more than just a memorial; it is a sacred testament to the enduring spirit of brotherhood and love that defines the hockey community in Toms River.
Marusic himself brings a unique background to the rink, having immigrated from Croatia to Canada at a young age. With a professional hockey career in the Czech Republic and a successful hockey school in Alberta, Canada, Marusic has assumed the lead at Winding River for almost 18 years. He considers the Wall of Heroes a critical part of the rink’s identity.
“For us, it’s a human factor,” Marusic reflected. “Without love, we have nothing as human beings. When one of our brothers passes away, it’s a way of showing respect and bringing comfort to their families. This rink was like their second home.”
