Fish Tales - January 2010

Walleye Add Two More

1/28/2010 1:39 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

Rich Jondo and Anthony Sarno have both been signed as free agents....both are defensemen.

Toledo plays at Johnstown on Saturday and at Elmira on Sunday

Walleye Add Bryan Leitch

1/28/2010 10:31 AM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

Bryan Leitch Assigned to Toledo
Toledo travels to Johnstown Saturday; In Elmira Sunday

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced that forward Bryan Leitch has been assigned to Toledo from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

This is the first professional season for Bryan after starring in four seasons with Quinnipiac University. Bryan has collected 14 points (6g, 8a) in 30 games spread between Cincinnati, Alaska, Florida and Kalamazoo. Last year, Bryan led the nation in scoring with 59 points (12g, 47a) and his 47 assists were a school record. Leitch finished his college career with 169 points (53g, 116a).

Check out his career stats:

Career Stats

Mike Wilson Released

1/27/2010 2:00 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

Toledo Walleye Release Mike Wilson
Toledo travels to Johnstown this Saturday; In Elmira Sunday

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced that the team has released defenseman Mike Wilson.

The Former NHL Defenseman Wilson appeared in two games with Toledo over the past weekend collecting one assist.

The Toledo Walleye host the Cincinnati Cyclones February 12th in the Lucas County Arena. To order tickets to this game or any others this season, call 419-725-wall or online at www.toledowalleye.com.

Ryan Stokes signed by Toronto Marlies

1/22/2010 11:32 AM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced that defenseman Ryan Stokes has been signed to a PTO (professional Try-out) contract by the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

The 26-year-old native of Corruna, Ontario has played in 32 games for the Walleye this season (6 G-12 A-18 Pts-61 PIM). Stokes played in three games with the Providence Bruins (AHL) from December 17-21, picking up four penalty minutes. Stokes also played in seven games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) from December 28-January 15, notching one assist to go along with 11 PIM.

Upcoming Toledo Walleye Games:
Friday, January 22 vs. Elmira Jackals (7:00 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/BCSN (TV)/B2 Networks (web)
-Windy City Night; all things Chicago
Saturday, January 23 vs. Elmira Jackals (7:00 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/BCSN (TV)/B2 Networks (web)
-Tuxedo jersey auction following the game to benefit Boy/Girl Scouts
Sunday, January 24 at Kalamazoo Wings (4:00 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/B2 Networks (web)

Goalie Swap - Pearce Back to Toledo...McCollum to Grand Rapids

1/21/2010 4:48 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced several roster moves as they prepare for a busy weekend with three games in three days.

Jordan Pearce to Toledo from Grand Rapids Griffins
Goaltender Jordan Pearce has been reassigned by Detroit to Toledo from Grand Rapids (AHL).

The 23-year-old native of Anchorage, AK has played in 18 games for the Walleye (8-8-1, 3.52 GAA, .892 save percentage). Pearce appeared in five games with Grand Rapids (1-2-0, 3.82 GAA, .875 save percentage).

Thomas McCollum to Grand Rapids Griffins (American Hockey League)
Goaltender Thomas McCollum has been reassigned by Detroit to Grand Rapids (AHL) from Toledo.

The 20-year-old native of Amherst, NY is a first round pick (30th overall) of the Detroit Red Wings (2008 draft) and has played in four games for the Walleye (2-1-0, 4.48 GAA, .864 save percentage). McCollum has appeared in 18 games for Grand Rapids this year (7-7-0, 3.42 GAA, .877 save percentage).

Also today....
Justin Hodgman traded to Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League)
Center Justin Hodgman has been traded by the Rockford IceHogs to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for future considerations.

The 21-year-old native of Brampton, Ontario has played in 33 games for the Walleye this season (9 G-12 A-21 Pts-35 PIM).

Justin Hodgman traded by Rockford to Toronto Marlies

1/21/2010 2:00 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

Center Justin Hodgman has been traded by the Rockford IceHogs to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for future considerations.

The 21-year-old native of Brampton, Ontario has played in 33 games for the Walleye this season (9 G-12 A-21 Pts-35 PIM).

Watch “The Arena: Building Community” on WGTE TV Thursday, January 21 at 8:00 pm.

1/20/2010 9:24 AM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

On Thursday, January 21 at 8:00, WGTE will air a documentary on the building of the Lucas County Arena. Please make sure to check out Toledo Stories: “The Arena: Building Community” on WGTE TV.

From the moment the first spade of dirt was overturned at groundbreaking ceremonies on October 1, 2007, sports and special event fans in our region were about to enter a thrilling new era.

WGTE’s original production, “Arena: Building Community” follows the progress of the state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly facility in downtown Toledo, beginning with the demolition of the venerable east-side sports arena and continuing through the new Arena’s opening weeks in October 2009.

Home to the Toledo Walleye Professional Hockey Club, the Lucas County Arena is a showcase for other special events – from the circus and spectacular concerts to bull-riding and much more.

In “Arena: Building Community”, only WGTE Public Television viewers will enjoy rare, behind-the-scenes access to witness the Arena’s construction, opening games and events, and see how it has transformed the Glass City.



Walleye Notes

1/18/2010 9:30 AM

Matt MelzakMatt Melzak

Some interesting notes on the Walleye at the All-Star break.

The Ride Continues! Following the second three game losing skid this season, Toledo has ripped off six consecutive wins. That is the longest current streak in the ECHL. The last time the Walleye lost three in a row, they won eight consecutive games. The Walleye have won 14 of their last 17 contests (82.35%). Toledo is also ten games above .500 for the first time this year.

Finally a Trick! Forward Evan Rankin turned the red light on a season high three times in Sunday’s overtime win against Johnstown. His first two goals came on the power play and the third gave Toledo the lead in the third period. Evan is the team leader in goals this season with 20. The Walleye have had a player score at least two goals in a game in five straight contests.

Let’s See that O! The Walleye have scored 33 goals in the last 6 games, for an average of 5.5 per contest. Toledo is also the highest scoring team to this point of the season with 154 goals scored. The Walleye are averaging 3.85 goals per contest on the season, which is the highest average in the ECHL.

Powering with the Power Play! The Walleye finished the weekend 7 for 22 on the power play (31.8%). Toledo is 15 for its 39 with the man advantage (38.4%). For the season, Toledo ranks third in the ECHL at 21.6% and its 50 goals on the power play are the most scored by any team to this point.

Overtime Magic! On Sunday, Toledo won its league leading sixth overtime game of the season. Forward Adam Hobson provided the fireworks at 1:18 of the extra session for his 15th goal of the season. Toledo is a perfect 5 for 5 in overtime games at the Lucas County Arena this year.

Factor of Five! Not only did forward Adam Hobson collect the game-winning goal Sunday, but he also assisted on all four goals scored by Toledo in regulation time.

The Return of the Captain

1/15/2010 1:12 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced that defenseman Ryan Stokes will return to Toledo after a two week stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

With Grand Rapids, Stokes played in seven games and collected one assist to go along with 11 penalty minutes.

This season with Toledo, Stokes has appeared in 29 games, scoring four goals with seven assists to go along with 55 penalty minutes.

The 26-year-old native of Corruna, Ontario enters his fifth season of professional hockey after spending last year with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. There the undrafted blue-liner scored a career-high four goals while matching a personal-best with 10 points during the regular season before also appearing in 12 playoff games. Prior to Stokes' time with the IceHogs, the Corruna, Ontario, native played parts of three seasons with the Houston Aeros after debuting in 2004-05 with the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL. As a pro, Stokes has 55 points, including 14 goals, and 662 penalty minutes in 327 games.

Bryan Ewing Released

1/14/2010 10:44 AM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

(TOLEDO, OH) - Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced today that Forward Bryan Ewing has been re-called by the Rockford IceHogs and then released from his AHL contract.

“At this time we have mutually agreed to release Bryan from his AHL contract so he can pursue other hockey options,” said Bernard.

Ewing, 24, has tallied two points (1g-1a) in nine games for Rockford this season. The winger has spent the majority of the season with the Walleye, notching 21 points (8g-13a) in 26 games.

Upcoming Toledo Walleye Games:
Friday, January 15 at Wheeling Nailers (7:35 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/B2 Networks (web)
Saturday, January 16 at Cincinnati Cyclones (7:30 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/B2 Networks (web)
Sunday, January 17 vs. Johnstown Chiefs (5:30 pm) - WCWA 1230 AM (Radio)/BCSN (TV)/B2 Networks (web)
-SpongeBob Squarepants/Post-Game Skate

1/8/10 Game Notes

1/8/2010 12:05 PM

Matt MelzakMatt Melzak

Today’s Game: The Toledo Walleye welcome the Trenton Devils to the Lucas County Arena...Toledo defeated Trenton 1-0 in overtime on October 24, 2009...

Following the Fish: For the season, 120,108 fans have passed through the turnstiles at the Lucas County Arena for an average of 5,753...The ECHL is currently averaging 4,177 per game...Toledo is 12-8-0-1 at home this year...

The Ride Continues: Toledo has dropped three consecutive games for the second time this season...This comes on the heels of an eight game winning streak, which started after the Walleye had dropped three consecutive contests...

MacMillan’s Fists: Forward Malcolm MacMillan dropped the gloves in two of the last three games...MacMillan leads Toledo in penalty minutes this season (111) and he third among all players in minutes served...

Shorthanded Time: Forward Derek Nesbitt collected Toledo’s ninth shorthanded goal of the year Saturday night in Kalamazoo...For the season, Derek has collected 5 goals while adding 9 assists for 14 points in 18 games with the Walleye...

Owning the Road: Forward Dominic Osman has 8 points (4g, 4a) in his last 6 road games...Osman has scored 6 of his 8 season goals on the road, and has collected 5 of his 6 assists away from the LCA...

Roster Changes Again: The ever changing Walleye roster continued to evolve yesterday as Forward Adam Hobson and Goaltender Alec Richards were reassigned to Toledo...Hobson has 27 points (12g,15a) in 26 games with the Walleye, while Richards has posted a 8-3-0-3 record with Toledo (3.11gaa, .903svp)...

Scouting the Devils: Trenton enters Toledo with a 12-16-3-4 record and they sit third in the ECHL’s East Division...Trenton is 6-10-1-0 on the road this season and is 3-4-1-2 in their last ten...Forward Jeff Prough leads the Devils with 13 goals and is tied for the team lead with 22 points (Brett Wilson)...

Welcome Back Hobson and Richards

1/7/2010 12:12 PM

Jason GriffinJason Griffin

(TOLEDO, OH) - Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Thursday that the Blackhawks have reassigned goalie Alec Richards and center Adam Hobson from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs to the Toledo Walleye (ECHL).

Hobson, 22, had one goal and one assist in six games with the IceHogs in the 2009-10 season. He also has nine PIMs and a plus/minus rating of +1. He is third on the Walleye with 26 points (12g-14a) in 27 games.

Richards, 22, was 3-2-0 in six games with Rockford in his first professional season. He carries a 3.12 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. In 14 games with Toledo, he has an 8-3-0-3 record with a 3.11 goals against average and .903 save percentage.

1/1/10 Game Notes vs. Kalamazoo

1/1/2010 5:45 PM

Matt MelzakMatt Melzak

Last Game: Toledo had its eight game winning streak snapped 3-2 in Wheeling last night...Malcolm MacMillan has scored a goal in each game at Wheeling this year...

Today’s Game: The Toledo Walleye welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to the Lucas County Arena...Toledo is 4-1-0-0 against the Wings this season...

Following the Fish: For the season, 115,338 fans have passed through the turnstiles at the Lucas County Arena for an average of 5,767...The ECHL is currently averaging 4,204 per game...Toledo is 12-7-0-1 at home this year...

Competitive Much: Just three points separate the four teams in the ECHL North Division...

December Magic: Despite the loss last night in Wheeling, Toledo finished December with a 10-4-0-0 record...Three of the four losses came at the hands of the Wheeling Nailers...

Going for a Run: The Walleye have won four consecutive home games, which is the longest streak of the year for the Walleye...

Ewing is Warming: Forward Bryan Ewing scored a goal and added an assist last night in Wheeling and he has scored three goals with three assists in his past two games...

Osmining the Wings: Forward Dominic Osman has five goals in five games against the Kalamazoo Wings this season...Dominic has eight goals on the season...

All-Stars: Defenseman JC Sawyer and Forward Maxime Tanguay will represent the Toledo Walleye at the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game in Ontario, California on January 20th...Sawyer has been selected to start the game, in his second appearance in the annual contest (2008)...Tanguay leads Toledo in points with 30 (11g,19a)...

Scouting the Wings: Kalamazoo is 16-9-4-0 on the season and they currently sit third in the ECHL’s North Division...Matt Jones has seven goals and nine points in just four games against the Walleye this year...

Baiting the Hook: January 2nd features a game in Kalamazoo, Michigan...The next weekend Toledo returns to host back-to-back games against the Trenton Devils, before finishing the weekend with the Charlotte Checkers...