Fish Tales - Walleye Insiders Blog

Griffins Receive Five Walleye

4/19/2013 3:11 PM by Andi Roman

The Detroit Red Wings on Friday reassigned forwards Willie Coetzee, Andrej Nestrasil and Trevor Parkes, defenseman Max Nicastro and goaltender Jordan Pearce to the Grand Rapids Griffins from the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Coetzee, 22, led the Walleye this season with 68 points (28-40—68) in 64 contests. The Johannesburg, South Africa, native who added four assists in six playoff games, has appeared in one contest with the Griffins this season. A third-year pro, Coetzee has skated in 89 games with the Griffins since 2009, showing 27 points (11-16—27) and 33 penalty minutes. In 100 games with the Walleye, he has recorded 88 points (37-51—88) and 26 penalty minutes.

Nestrasil, 22, split his second professional season between Grand Rapids and Toledo, showing six points (3-3—6) in 22 games with the Griffins and 41 points (11-30—41) in 40 games with the Walleye, before adding three points (1-2—3) in four postseason appearances. A native of Prague, Czech Republic, Nestrasil shows 80 points (24-56—80) in 138 professional games.

Parkes, 21, racked up 30 points (14-16—30) in just 19 games with Toledo this season and tied for second on the club with five points (3-2—5) in six playoff contests. He was named ECHL Player of the Week for the period ending March 3 after amassing 11 points (6-5—11) in four games. The Fort Erie, Ontario, native has also skated in 34 games with Grand Rapids, registering nine points (3-6—9). The second-year pro has 17 points (5-12—17) in 78 career AHL appearances and 34 points (18-16—34) in 23 ECHL contests.

Nicastro, 23, recorded five points (2-3—5) in nine games with the Walleye and has recorded three points (1-2—3) in 23 games with the Griffins during his first professional season. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., native also picked up one goal in four postseason games with Toledo.

Pearce, 26, made 31 appearances with the Walleye this season, sporting a 15-13-1 record, a 2.76 goals against average, a 0.899 save percentage and two shutouts. A fourth-year pro from Anchorage, Alaska, Pearce owns a career 24-29-6 record, a 3.23 GAA and two shutouts in 73 career games with the Griffins. In 78 outings with Toledo since 2009, he has a 34-36-2 record, a 3.35 GAA and five shutouts.

After clinching a playoff berth last weekend, the Griffins will wrap up their 76-game regular season slate with three games in three nights this weekend. Grand Rapids will host Peoria tonight at 7 p.m. for its regular season home finale, prior to back-to-back road games against Lake Erie on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Chicago on Sunday at 5 p.m. EDT. Tickets for tonight’s game are available at griffinshockey.com.

Walleye Weekly Update

4/15/2013 10:47 AM by Matt Melzak

Fighting Back Into the Series! Cincinnati struck for five more goals in Wednesday’s game 3, beating Toledo 5-2. The Walleye would respond in a win or go home game 4 with a 3-2 double overtime win. Toledo would ride three power play goals to a Saturday night 3-1 win in game number 5.

Going Deep into a Game Again! The series started with a double overtime win from Cincinnati in game one. Toledo would take the next overtime affair in game four when Kyle Rogers scored at 1:41 of the second overtime Friday night. It was first win for Toledo in games that have gone past regulation since November 30, 2012 (3-2 vs. Kalamazoo), a span of nine games.

Powerful Power Play! Toledo had scored just two power play goals on Cincinnati in the first four games of the series, but exploded in game five going 3 for 5 in Saturday’s 3-1 win. The Walleye power play is now 5-19 (26.3%), which ranks third among all playoff teams. Toledo’s penalty kill stymied all seven power play chances in the game by Cincinnati.

2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs Continue! Game Six of the best of Seven Series is Tuesday night inside the Huntington Center. Cincinnati took both of the previous games played this series in Toledo. Game seven, if necessary, would be back in Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

Game On Toledo! Playoff single game tickets are $17. Fans have the option to purchase a combo ticket for Tuesday’s game. They can attend both the Toledo Mud Hens game and the Toledo Walleye playoff game for $22. Playoff tickets are on sale now at the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255. It’s Game On Toledo! Don’t miss your Walleye in the postseason as they skate for the Kelly Cup!

To Force a Game Six

4/13/2013 9:59 AM by Matt Melzak

Game 5 Tonight: The best of seven series resumes tonight in Cincinnati. The Cyclones lead the series three games to one. Game six, if necessary, will be Tuesday night in Toledo.

Double Overtime Again in Game 4: Friday night it was a return to double overtime as Toledo and Cincinnati were tied at 2. This time, Toledo would collect the win as Kyle Rogers beat Houser with a shot from the right circle at 1:41 of the second OT.

More Cincinnati in Game 3: The Cyclones used a 35 save performance from Michael Houser to best Toledo 5-2. Josh Birkholtz scored twice to lead Cincinnati.

Cyclones Explode in Game 2: Cincinnati used a 4 goal effort from its power play to best Toledo 5-2. At one point in the game, the power plays were 7-1 in favor of the Cyclones.

Going Deep into Game 1: The double overtime game Friday night was the longest in the history of the Toledo Walleye. The game was won by Cincinnati 2-1 when Mike Embach scored at 4:58 of OT.

An Overtime Win: The overtime win for the Walleye last night was the first time Toledo tasted victory after regulation since November 30, 2012 (3-2 OT vs. Kalamazoo). Toledo had dropped nine straight games (including 5 in overtime) past regulation since that win.

Controlling the Game: The Walleye trailed going to the third period 2-1 last night and were being out shot 24-17. Toledo would take over the game from there outshooting Cincinnati 28-11 the rest of the game and outscored them 2-0.

To Force a Game Five

4/12/2013 10:37 AM by Matt Melzak

Facing Elimination: The Walleye are 0-1 in elimination games after losing game 4 in Charlotte (5-4 in OT) on April 11, 2010. The Toledo Storm held a record of 4-12 in elimination games.

More Cincinnati in Game 3: The Cyclones used a 35 save performance from Michael Houser to best Toledo 5-2. Josh Birkholtz scored twice to lead Cincinnati.

Cyclones Explode in Game 2: Cincinnati used a 4 goal effort from its power play to best Toledo 5-2. At one point in the game, the power plays were 7-1 in favor of the Cyclones.

Going Deep into Game 1: The double overtime game Friday night was the longest in the history of the Toledo Walleye. The game was won by Cincinnati 2-1. The last time a Toledo team went that deep into a playoff game was in 2006, when the then Toledo Storm beat the Gwinnet Gladiators 4-3 in double overtime. Forward Todd Jackson scored the game winning goal that night and goaltender Logan Koopmans collected the win.

Solving The Houser Wall: The biggest reason Cincinnati is up in the series is goaltending Michael Houser. He has turned aside 98 of 103 shots the Walleye have sent his way (.951 SVP). Counting the three regular season games also, Toledo has scored just 8 goals in 6 games on Houser.

Starting Fast: Toledo has outshot Cincinnati 39-24 in the first period of the series. The Cyclones have outscored Toledo 2-1 in the first periods.

Blowing into Cincinnati for Game 3

4/10/2013 9:55 AM by Matt Melzak

Scene Shifts: Tonight is game three in this best of seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series between the Toledo Walleye and the Cincinnati Cyclones. Due to an ice conflict this is the first game played in Cincinnati.

Cyclones Expload in Game 2: Cincinnati used a 4 goal effort from its power play to best Toledo 5-2. At one point in the game, the power plays were 7-1 in favor of the Cyclones.

Going Deep into Game 1: The double overtime game Friday night was the longest in the history of the Toledo Walleye. The game was won by Cincinnati 2-1. The last time a Toledo team went that deep into a playoff game was in 2006, when the then Toledo Storm beat the Gwinnet Gladiators 4-3 in double overtime. Forward Todd Jackson scored the game winning goal that night and goaltender Logan Koopmans collected the win.

The Walleye: Toledo finished the regular season with Walleye records for wins with 37 and points with 83. The overall mark of 37-26-5-4 is the best finish for a Walleye team, besting the 35-30-2-5 record posted by the 2009-10 team. Toledo finished the season with a 18-12-3-3 record in games played at home and has an all-time record of 58-52 in the postseason.

The Cyclones: Cincinnati finished the regular season with a 42-22-5-3 record. The Cyclones were 20-11-3-2 on the road during the year. Cincinnati has an all-time playoff record of 57-41 and have won two championships in 2010 and 2008.

Game Breakdown: Only one of the eight games this year was decided by more than two goals (March 8, 3-0 Cincinnati), but the Cyclones scored 2 empty net goals in the last minute of that one. The Cyclones outscored Toledo 21-19 in the season series. The Walleye power play was 17.8% (5-28) against the Cyclones this season.

Against the Cyclones in the regular season: Forward Kyle Rogers has scored 2 goals with 4 assists against the Cyclones this season, while Willie Coetzee has one goal and 4 assists. Goaltender Kent Simpson was 3-2-0-0 vs. Cincinnati this year with a 2.00 GAA and a .909 SVP.

Youds Recalled to Rockford

4/9/2013 6:00 PM by Matt Melzak

The American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs have recalled defenseman Ben Youds from the Toledo Walleye.

Youds appeared in 43 games this season with the Walleye, collecting seven goals and 27 assists. The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota has also skated in 22 games with the IceHogs, posting a goal with 8 assists. The 24 year old appeared in 57 games with Rockford last season, collecting 17 points (3g, 14a).

It’s Game On, Toledo! Playoff tickets are on sale now at www.toledowalleye.com/playoffs, the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255. Don’t miss your Walleye in the postseason as they skate for the Kelly Cup!

Walleye Weekly Update

4/9/2013 9:49 AM by Matt Melzak

This Past Week! Cincinnati was able to outlast Toledo in back to back games to start the best of seven series. The Cyclones took game one 2-1 in double overtime, thanks to the superb goaltending of Michael Houser, who had 37 saves. Cincinnati struck for four power play goals in Saturday night’s game to beat the Walleye 5-2.

Going Deep into a Game! The double overtime game Friday night was the longest in the history of the Toledo Walleye. The last time a Toledo team went that deep into a playoff game was in 2006, when the then Toledo Storm beat the Gwinnet Gladiators 4-3 in double overtime. Forward Todd Jackson scored the game winning goal that night and goaltender Logan Koopmans collected the win.

Out of Character! Toledo was shorthanded seven times in the game on Saturday night. That came close to matching the season high in power plays against, which was eight, reached three times during the regular season. On seven times all season were the Walleye shorthanded 6 or more times in a game. Going into the playoffs, Toledo was the only team in the ECHL not to reach 300 minor penalties during the year (291). Toledo (982) and Kalamazoo (952) were the only ECHL teams to not reach 1,000 PIMS in the season.

2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs Continue! The scene shifts to Cincinnati for the next three games starting Wednesday night. Toledo won two of the three games played during the regular season in Cincinnati, including 4-2 on November 21 and 2-0 on January 31. Game six, if necessary, will be played in Toledo on April 16.

Game On Toledo! Playoff single game tickets are $17. For Home Game C tickets on April 16, fans have the option to purchase a combo ticket. The Mud Hens play at home; fans can attend both the Toledo Mud Hens game and then march to the Toledo Walleye playoff game for $22. Playoff tickets are on sale now at www.toledowalleye.com/playoffs, the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255.

Nestrasil Is Back!

4/8/2013 1:46 PM by Matt Melzak

The National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings have reassigned forward Andrej Nestrasil to the Toledo Walleye from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

Nestrasil appeared in 22 games this season with the Griffins, collecting three goals and three assists. The native of Prague, Czech Republic was fourth in scoring on the Walleye in 40 games with 11 goals, 30 assists and a plus 17 this season. The 22 year old appeared in 51 games with Toledo last season, collecting 29 points (7g, 22a).

It’s Game On, Toledo! Playoff tickets are on sale now at www.toledowalleye.com/playoffs, the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255. Don’t miss your Walleye in the postseason as they skate for the Kelly Cup!

Froese Back to the Walleye!

4/4/2013 9:00 AM by Matt Melzak

The National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks have reassigned forward Byron Froese (FRAYZ) to the Toledo Walleye from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Froese appeared in 9 games with the IceHogs, collecting a pair of assists. The Winkler, Manitoba was seventh in scoring on the Walleye with 12 goals and 21 assists and a plus 11 this season. The 22 year old appeared in 57 games last year with the IceHogs, scoring 4 goals with 6 assists.

It’s Game On, Toledo! As the team heads to the playoffs for the second time in four years hosting Cincinnati Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. Playoff tickets are on sale now at www.toledowalleye.com/playoffs, the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255. Don’t miss your Walleye in the postseason as they skate for the Kelly Cup!

Walleye Weekly Update

4/1/2013 9:49 AM by Matt Melzak

This Past Week! Goaltender Kent Simpson stopped 26 of the 28 shots on Wednesday night to lead Toledo to a 3-2 win in Fort Wayne Wednesday night. On Friday night in the season finale, Toledo outscored Wheeling 6-1 over the final two periods to pull away from the Nailers 8-5.

Records Set! Toledo set a new team record for wins this season by reaching 37 and with points at 83. The previous high was 35 set in the 2009-10 campaign. The Walleye also posted a new team record for road wins in a single with 18, surpassing the mark of 17 set by the 2010-11 Toledo team.

Leading the Way! Goaltender Kent Simpson finished the year with new Walleye records: 20 wins, a 2.36 goals against average, and a .912 save percentage. Simpson ranks 6th among all ECHL goaltenders in goals against average.

Leading the Way Part 2! Forward Willie Coetzee led Toledo this season with 28 goals, 39 assists and 67 points. Defenseman Cody Lampl finished the season with a team best plus 20.

Milestone Reached! This year 226,743 fans came into the Huntington Center over the course of the season breaking the record set in 2009-10 of 226,575.

2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs Begin! Friday night in the Huntington Center opens the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs with the Cincinnati Cyclones in town. Toledo finished the regular season 4-3-1 vs. Cincinnati this season, including 2-2-1 in games played in Toledo. The Cyclones outscored Toledo 21-19 during the season series with Toledo holding a 240-201 shot advantage.

Game On Toledo! Playoff single game tickets are $17. For Home Game C tickets on April 16, fan have the option to purchase a combo ticket. The Mud Hens play at home; fans can attend both the Toledo Mud Hens game and then march to the Toledo Walleye playoff game for $22. Playoff tickets are on sale now at www.toledowalleye.com/playoffs, the Huntington Center box office or by calling 419-725-9255.