Fish Tales - October 2010
Walleye Host Cincinnati on Friday!
10/29/2010 9:30 AM
Jason GriffinTonight, the Toledo Walleye will entertain the defending Kelly Cup Champions, the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:00 pm at the Huntington Center. The first 2,500 fans will receive mini hockey sticks courtesy of Huntington Bank.
The Walleye come in to the game with a record of 1-2-0-0 while the Cyclones are 1-1-1-1 on the very young season.
Roster Shuffling:
Toledo will have Scooter Smith back from injury for tonight's game and Scott Fletcher will be available after serving a three-game suspension at the start of the year. Defenseman David Phillips was assigned to Toledo from Chicago (AHL).
Goaltender Jordan Pearce was recalled by Grand Rapids and Sal Peralta was placed on the 3 day injured reserve list.
Game Notes:
Cincinnati’s Dylan Hunter is on a four-game point streak with seven points (1g-6a) over that span.
Randy Rowe leads Toledo with three points (2g-1a).
Cyclones have gone to overtime or shootout in three consecutive games.
Walleye have scored four of their six goals in the first period
Wheeling leads the North Division with 10 points (most points in the ECHL)
Toledo is 0-19 on the power play this year and 14-20 on the penalty kill
Peter Leblanc leads Toledo in shots on goal with 14
Toledo is 32-22-4 all-time against the Cyclones
Scooter Smith active for the weekend - Jordan Pearce recalled by Grand Rapids
10/28/2010 2:15 PM
Jason GriffinScooter Smith has been activated from the injured reserve list and Sal Peralta has been placed on injured reserve.
Scooter has not played since Opening Night after suffering a cheek injury after being struck by a puck.
Also, Jordan Pearce has been recalled by the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).
The Walleye host Cincinnati and Reading this weekend at the Huntington Center.
Walleye release Brett Blatchford
10/25/2010 3:32 PM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced today that the team has released defenseman Brett Blatchford. Blatchford has chosen at this time to pursue other career avenues.
“We wish Brett all the best in his future endeavors,†said Head Coach Nick Vitucci. “I know Brett will succeed in whatever he chooses to do.†Brett appeared in all three games for the Walleye this season, collecting one assist and was a plus one.
The Toledo Walleye will continue the regular season on Friday, October 29 at 7:00 PM vs. the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Huntington Center. Ticket packages are on sale now and group outings are being reserved. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL or visit www.toledowalleye.com for more information.
Walleye Weekly Notes
10/25/2010 9:33 AM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 2: October 25, 2010
Overall Record: 1-2-0-0 (4th North Division) (Week Record 0-1-0-0) (Streak - Lost 2)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Friday October 22 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (7-2 Loss)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Friday October 29 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (7:00pm) (6:30pm, 1230am) (BCSN)
Saturday October 30 vs. Reading Royals (7:00pm) (6:30pm, 1230am) (BCSN)
Walleye Notes
Getting on the Scoreboard! It took over six periods since a Walleye player touched the score sheet with a goal until Randy Rowe scored an even strength goal at 13:42 of the second period Friday night. It was the second goal of the season for Randy. Just 2:40 later Mike Hedden scored his first goal of the season.
Power Play Outage! Toledo finished Friday night 0-5 on the man advantage and is 0-19 to start the season.
Unlucky Thirteen! Since their shutout at Wheeling in the season opener, the Walleye have allowed 13 goals in the last two games.
On the Plus Side! Through three games this season, Walleye forward Evan Rankin and defenseman Tyler Gotto are tied for the team lead in Plus/Minus as both are a plus 2.
Gametime! Toledo will host defending Kelly Cup Champions the Cincinnati Cyclones Friday night at the Huntington Center. Toledo is 41-22-4 all-time against the Cincinnati franchise, including 8-3-0 last season. Saturday night, the Walleye will welcome in the Reading Royals. Toledo was 0-1-2 against the Royals last season with two shoot-out losses. The Walleye are 46-30-9 all-time against the Royals franchise.
Coaches Show! This Tuesday night, the Walleye Coaches Show returns to Pizzapapalis from 6-7pm. Head Coach Nick Vitucci along with Walleye players Joe Charlebois and Mike Hedden will join the “Voice of the Walleyeâ€, Matt Melzak. The show will also feature more giveaways including autographed pucks and tickets to upcoming Walleye home games!
Promotions! Friday night features a mini-hockey stick giveaway to the first 2,500 fans presented by Huntington Bank and another post-game party with select Walleye players. Saturday night is Halloween hockey night with Walleye! Fans are encouraged to wear their costumes to the game!
Walleye host Kalamazoo on Friday night!
10/22/2010 9:00 AM
Jason GriffinThe Walleye will entertain the Kalamazoo Wings at the Huntington Center on Friday night with the drop of the puck scheduled for 7:00 pm. This is the only game of the weekend for the Walleye and it will be the season opener for the Wings.
Toledo went 1-1 last weekend with a Friday night win (4-0) at Wheeling and then a 6-0 defeat at home on Saturday against the same Wheeling Nailers. Peter Leblanc, Randy Rowe, and Sal Peralta all have two points to lead the team on the young season.
The first 2,500 fans to tonight's game will receive a Walleye can coozie courtesy of Huntington Bank. There will also be a post-game party with the players in the Lighthouse Lounge on the club level upstairs.
Toledo Notes:
Toledo's crowd of 8,000 on opening night was the biggest crowd in the league last weekend
Peter Leblanc leads Toledo with two goals and nine shots
Ryan Stokes leads the ECHL with 27 penalty minutes
Robin Richards is 4th in the ECHL with 12 penalty minutes
Toledo went 0-14 on the power play in the first two games and were 9-12 on the penalty kill
Toledo went 5-2-0 at home against Kalamazoo in 2009-10 and 6-7-0 overall.
K-Zoo Notes:
Kalamazoo returns 11 players from last season’s North Division championship team
The Wings are affiliated with the New York Islanders
K-Wings’ goaltender Ryan Nie led the ECHL in 2009-10 with 28 wins.
Walleye sign forward Kyle Rogers
10/20/2010 3:56 PM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci have announced today that forward Kyle Rogers and the Toledo Walleye have agreed to terms for the 2010-11 season.
The team also released forward John May.
Kyle, a native of Philadelphia, PA, started this year with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Rogers appeared in just one contest with the Griffins. Over the last two seasons, Kyle has scored 9 goals with 12 assists with the Toronto Marlies. Prior to his time with the Marlies, Kyle skated in 97 games with Niagara University, collecting 18 goals and 22 assists. John May appeared in just one game with the Walleye this year and did not register a point.
#79 Kyle Rogers
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6’3â€
Weight: 215
Birthdate: December 20, 1984 Philadelphia, PA
Shoots: Right
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Georgetown Raiders OPJHL 25 0 0 0 8
2001-02 Collingwood Blues OPJHL 7 0 1 1 0
2001-02 Georgetown Raiders OPJHL 5 0 0 0 0
2003-04 Buffalo Lightning OPJHL 46 21 18 39 42
2004-05 Buffalo Lightning OPJHL 47 33 45 78 90
2005-06 Niagara University CHA 28 2 2 4 12
2006-07 Niagara University CHA 35 6 7 13 37
2007-08 Niagara University CHA 34 10 13 23 40
2007-08 Toronto Marlies AHL 2 0 0 0 0
2008-09 Toronto Marlies AHL 71 4 7 11 63
2009-10 Toronto Marlies AHL 67 5 5 10 32
2010-11 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 1 0 0 0 0
Professional Totals 141 9 12 21 95
The Toledo Walleye will continue the regular season on Friday, October 22 at 7:00 PM vs. the Kalamazoo Wings at the Huntington Center. Ticket packages are on sale now and group outings are being reserved. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL or visit www.toledowalleye.com for more information.
Walleye Start The Season With A Split Against Wheeling
10/18/2010 10:33 AM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 1: October 18, 2010
Overall Record: 1-1-0-0 (1st North Division) (Week Record 1-1-0-0) (Streak Lost 1)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Friday October 15 @ Wheeling Nailers (4-0 Win)
Saturday October 16 vs. Wheeling Nailers (6-0 Loss)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Friday October 22 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (7:00pm) (6:30pm, 1230am) (BCSN)
For the latest news on the Toledo Walleye visit www.toledowalleye.com
Walleye Notes
What a Start! Toledo exploded for four goals in the first period Friday night in Wheeling. Zack Torquato scored just 2:03 in, followed by Randy Rowe at 8:51. Peter Leblanc scored the other goals at 12:11 and 18:40 respectively.
Pearce Protects the Net! Goaltender Jordan Pearce turned aside all 36 of Wheeling’s shots Friday night for his third professional shutout.
The Tables Were Turned! After defeating Wheeling 4-0 Friday night, the Nailers returned the favor by blanking Toledo 6-0 Saturday night. Ironically, the team that had more shots (Wheeling 36-23 Friday, Toledo 33-32 Saturday) was the team that was kept scoreless.
8,000! For the second straight year, the Toledo Walleye saw a crowd of 8,000 for opening night. It was the 13th sellout in the history of the Huntington Center. Last year, Toledo also opened with a crowd of 8,000 when the team lost 2-1 to Florida.
On the Hook
Gametime! It’s a light week for the Walleye this week as Toledo will play just one game against Kalamazoo on Friday night. Toledo is 6-7-0 All-Time against the Wings. Friday night features a Walleye Can Coozie giveaway presented by Huntington, plus it’s a post-game party with the players (upstairs in the Lighthouse Lounge)!
Walleye Player of the Week:
Peter Leblanc (2 goals – 0 assists = 2 points)
Walleye Goaltender of the Week:
Jordan Pearce (1-1-0-0, 3.00 gaa, .912 save %)
Season starts tonight in Wheeling
10/15/2010 2:23 PM
Jason GriffinThe boys are on the bus traveling to Wheeling, WV for the season opening game.
Head Coach Nick Vitucci has named Adam Keefe the Captain of the team while Ryan Stokes and Joe Charlebois will serve as Alternate Captains.
Toledo battled Wheeling six times last year and went 2-4-0 against the Nailers. Toledo is 67-48-13 all-time against the Nailers.
Game time is set for 7:35 pm tonight and fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA or listen online. Pre-game with Matt Melzak begins at 7:05 pm.
Fans, of course, also have the option to watch the game online through America One (formerly B2 Network).
For all audio/video options, go here.
Audio and video options for Walleye hockey
Thursday (Oct 14) update...two new players added
10/14/2010 9:54 AM
Jason GriffinPeter Leblanc (C) was reassigned to Toledo from Rockford yesterday.
This will be the 22-year-old's rookie season after a four-year stint at New Hampshire.
Skated four seasons (2006-10) with the University of New Hampshire (153 games, 34 g, 51 a, 73 PIM)
Netted a career-high 14 goals as a senior and a career-high 35 points.
Played three seasons (2003-06) for the Hamilton Red Wings (OPJHL), skating in 71 games (24 g, 34 a, 48 PIM).
Also, the team has signed Goaltender Scott Campbell as a back-up to Jordan Pearce. Joe Palmer was placed on the injured reserve list to begin the season.
25-year-old Campbell played in 38 games for the Wichita Thunder in the Central Hockey League last year.
He went 7-23-2 with a 3.77 GAA and a .896 save percentage.
Campbell also played four seasons with Lake Forest College (Chicago, IL) - Div. III
Went 13-42-3 at Lake Forest with a 3.82 GAA with 1 .913 save percentage.
That gives the Walleye 21 total players (19 active/2 injured) with one day left before the season begins.
The team will head to Wheeling on Friday night (7:35 pm) and then return to T-Town for the home opener against the same Wheeling Nailers on Saturday at 7:00 pm.
Roster Moves...Getting Close Now
10/13/2010 3:16 PM
Jason GriffinNick Vitucci released Center Bryan Potacco and Goaltender Tom Schaul today from training camp.
The roster on the website is now up to date...look for a couple more roster moves before the start of the season on Friday night in Wheeling!
Go Walleye!
Final Pre-season game tonight...Training Camp update (Oct. 9)
10/9/2010 1:53 PM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) - The Walleye host the Kalamazoo Wings at the Huntington Center at 6:00 pm on Saturday night. K-Zoo beat the Walleye 9-1 in Kalamazoo on Friday night.
The following players have been released from camp:
Jamison Orr
Cam Lilley
Chris Fraterrigo
Brett Noll
Calvin Northam
Jay Holladay
Go Walleye!
Walleye Lose In Kalamazoo On Friday
10/8/2010 10:10 PM
Jason Griffin(Kalamazoo, MI) - The Toledo dropped a 9-1 decision to the Kalamazoo Wings on the road Friday night in their 2nd of three pre-season games.
Toledo fell behind 4-0 before Andy Bohmbach scored at the 10:21 mark of the 2nd period.
That would be the only goal on the night for the fish as K-Zoo added five more goals.
Toledo was out-shot 29-20 in the game and the Walleye collected 61 penalty minutes in the contest.
The Walleye were 0-3 on the power play and 4-7 on the penalty kill.
The same two teams will meet at the Huntington Center on Saturday at 6:00 pm.
Welcome Back Jordan!
10/8/2010 2:28 PM
Jason GriffinWelcome Back!
Goaltender Jordan Pearce returns to the Walleye…
(TOLEDO, OH) - The Detroit Red Wings on Friday reassigned goaltender Jordan Pearce from the Grand Rapids Griffins to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Pearce, 23, split time between the Griffins and Walleye last season. He posted a 1-2-0 record and a 3.82 goals against average in five games with Grand Rapids, and went 15-18-0 with two shutouts and a 3.63 GAA in 37 appearances for Toledo.
Jordan Pearce
Position: Goalie
Height: 6’1â€
Weight: 201
Birthdate: October 10, 1986 Anchorage, AK
Shoots: Left
Notes: Appeared in 1 game for Grand Rapids in 2008-09...CCHA Goaltender of the year in 2007-08...finished as a finalist for 2008-09 CCHA Player of the Year, and was named CCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year...Made 35 saves for first professional win 10/17/09 vs. Florida...First Walleye goaltender to win five consecutive starts (12/11/09-12/27/09)...Collected first professional shutout 2/13/10 vs. Kalamazoo (35 saves)...made 33 saves for his second professional shutout 2/18/10 @ Charlotte (2nd shutout in 3 starts)...Named Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week on 3/23/10 (2-0, 1.51 gaa, .954 svp)...Made a season high 53 saves 3/28/10 vs. Kalamazoo.
**The Toledo Walleye play all of their home games at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. The Walleye are the proud ECHL affiliate of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings.
Friday Update (Oct 8)
10/8/2010 10:00 AM
Jason GriffinSitting at the Huntington Center watching practice. The boys will head 90 minutes north to tangle with the rival Kalamazoo Wings tonight in the 2nd of three pre-season games.
I believe you can watch the game on America One (formally B2 Network) through the ECHL website.
Go to www.echl.com/stats/schedule.php to check it out.
Here is the direct link to the page for America One.
http://www.b2livetv.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=s&value=hockey
The fish will play the Kalamazoo Wings at the Huntington Center on Saturday night as part of FinFest. A huge day of activities are planned and good seats are still available. Doors open at 2:00 and the game starts at 6:00. The game will be carried live as well on BCSN and Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA.
The team is shaping up with the addition of Scott Fletcher, Andy Bohmbach, and Zack Torquato yesterday.
Should get some more players next week as we get ready for the regular season next Friday in Wheeling and the home opener on Saturday, October 16th.
Go Walleye!
Walleye Get Three Players From Rockford
10/7/2010 1:43 PM
Jason Griffin(TOLEDO, OH) – Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced today that the Rockford IceHogs have reassigned forwards Andy Bohmbach and Zack Torquato along with defenseman Scott Fletcher to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Andy Bohmbach
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6’2â€
Weight: 201
Birthdate: February 25, 1987 Hudson, WI
Shoots: Left
Career Notes: 2010 season will mark the first season as a pro for Bombach…played four seasons (2006-10) with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, skating in 116 games (20 g, 34 a, 62 PIM)…played two seasons (2004-06) with the Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL), skating in 109 games (14 g, 23 a, 36 PIM).
Scott Fletcher
Position: Defense
Height: 6’4â€
Weight: 223
Birthdate: January 12, 1988 Haslett, MI
Shoots: Right
Career Notes: Split the 2009-10 campaign between the Reading Royals (ECHL) and the Providence Bruins (AHL) in his rookie season…finished 2nd on the team for Reading in plus/minus (+7)…spent the 2008-09 season with the Niagara IceDogs (OHL) and the Plymouth Whalers (OHL)…skated in 44 games with Niagara during the 2007-08 season, amassing a team-high 153 penalty minutes…played with the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) from 2004-07, playing in 118 games and compiling 294 penalty minutes.
Zack Torquato
Position: Center
Height: 6’0â€
Weight: 195
Birthdate: June 8, 1989 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Shoots: Right
Career Notes: Has played just 14 games as a pro…has played parts of the last four seasons (2006-10) with the Erie Otters (OHL), skating in 243 games (105 g, 164 a, 331 PIM)…had a team-record 62 assists in 2009-10 with the Otters…played two seasons (2005-07) with the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), skating in 87 games (29 g, 31 a, 80 PIM).
Walleye Beat Wheeling In First Exhibition Game On Wednesday!
10/6/2010 9:12 PM
Jason Griffin(Johnstown, PA) - The Toledo Walleye played the first of their three exhibition games on Wednesday night at the Cambria War Memorial in Johnstown, PA against the Wheeling Nailers.
The fish came out victorious by the score of 3-2.
Wheeling tallied two first period goals to take the 2-0 lead at the first intermission. Toledo would fight back and get their first goal of the game at 16:36 of the 2nd period when Mike Hedden lit the lamp to cut the lead in half.
Hedden struck for another goal less than two minutes later to tie the game at two with a goal at the 18:33 mark of the 2nd period. Both Hedden goals were power play goals.
Bryan Potacco gave the Walleye the lead with a goal at the 19:26 mark of the 2nd period and the fish went to the second intermission with a 3-2 advantage.
The Nailers tied the game at 2:33 of the third period but then Hedden struck for the his third power play goal of the night at the 7:34 mark of the 3rd frame to give the Walleye a 4-3 lead.
Robin Richards, Adam Keefe, Jay Holladay, and Chris Fraterrigo all collected fighting majors in the game with Keefe and Richards each collecting two fighting major penalties.
Toledo went 3-7 on the power play and 6-6 on the penalty kill. The Walleye were out-shot 33-20 in the game
The Walleye will play another exhibition game on Friday in Kalamazoo before hosting the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday night at the Huntington Center (6:00 pm).
Training Camp Update (Oct 5)
10/5/2010 10:21 AM
Jason GriffinWelcome back to T-Town Mr. Evan Rankin!
Rankin was on the ice this morning for practice as the current Training Camp roster sits at 24 players. Rankin is coming off a brilliant 2009-10 season with the fish where he scored 32 goals and added 25 assists in 65 games.
The team will be at Pizzapapalis tonight for the Coaches Show from 6-7 pm. Come on out and join us and maybe win some cool prizes.
The team will head to Johnstown on Wednesday to play the Wheeling Nailers in an exhibition game.
Go Walleye!
Training Camp update (Day 4)
10/4/2010 9:56 AM
Jason GriffinDay 4 of Toledo Walleye Training Camp gets underway in a few minutes from the Huntington Center. Training Camp roster currently sits at 23 players after the additions of D Joe Charlebois, D Nick Duff, and LW Robin Richards over the weekend. Goaltender Frederick Ettedgui was released from camp over the weekend as well.
Practice this week is subject to change day-to-day but will be from 10:00-11:00 am every day with a possible scrimmage following practice (coach’s decision).
The Walleye will play three exhibition games this week:
Wednesday, October 6th at Johnstown (against Wheeling) (7:00 pm)
Friday, October 8th at Kalamazoo (7:00 pm)
Saturday, October 9th vs. Kalamazoo at the Huntington Center (FinFest) at 6:00 pm (doors open at 2:00 pm)
-Saturday’s game will be carried live on BCSN and Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA
**The Toledo Walleye Coaches Show will be at Pizzapapalis on Tuesday, October 5th from 6-7 pm. The entire Walleye team (players currently in camp) will be in attendance in the Taverna Room upstairs!
Training Camp Update - Friday, October 1, 2010
10/1/2010 9:43 AM
Jason GriffinTraining Camp got underway at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo today for the 2nd season of Toledo Walleye hockey.
The team starts the season on Friday, October 15th at Wheeling and the home opener is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Saturday, October 16th versus the same Wheeling Nailers.
Head Coach Nick Vitucci and Assistant Coach Dan Watson are expecting to build off of the 35-30-7 record the fish compiled in their inaugural season.
21 players took to the ice on the first day including Ryan Stokes, Scooter Smith, Randy Rowe, Joe Palmer, Kyle Page, Dominic Osman, Adam Keefe, Mike Hedden, and Sal Peralta.
Training camp schedule might change a bit for the next few days with only 21 players here at the moment. Instead of 10:00-1:00, practice will more than likely go from 10:00-11:30 am.
