23 year old defenceman Antti Turunen today re-signed in his home country, Finland, with Mestis side HeKi after a short 20 game spell at the Excel Hull Stingrays.The tenacious blueliner became a fan favourite at the Hull Arena for his no nonsense style of defense after signing from Swedish side Asploven on the recommendation of former Basingstoke defenceman Mikko Purontakanen during the Rays injury crisis in early 2009.
With so little to rely on defensively, the Finn racked up some huge minutes in all situations, powerplay, penalty kill and even handed, and his tough, never say die attitude proved very popular, with many hoping for his return next term under new coach Sylvain Cloutier.
He deservedly capped his half season with the Stingrays with a goal in the teams penultimate game against the Cardiff Devils, rounding off his totals at one goal, four assists and 18 penalty minutes in 20 games for the club.
Next season he will ice in the Mestis (second tier of Finnish ice hockey) in the same league as former Stingray Paul Cabana.
Photo Courtesy: Arthur Foster
