Fish Tales - March 2012
Game Notes for 3.30.12 at Cincinnati
3/30/2012 11:00 AM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: Toledo and Cincinnati meet today for the final time this year. The Walleye have a record of 6-4-2 against the Cyclones this season. Cincinnati defeated Toledo 4-3 in a shootout in the last meeting on March 4th in Toledo. The Cyclones have outscored the Walleye 40-39 in the season series and the shots have been close as well 357-351 Cincinnati.
Scouting Toledo: Toledo is 28-36-6 on the season and they sit fourth in the ECHL North Division. The Walleye are 14-18-3 on the road this season. Toledo has lost five consecutive games, matching a season high set from December 30th through January 8th. In the stretch Toledo has scored just five goals. Toledo is 2-8-0 in the last ten games. The Walleye penalty kill has stopped 11 of the last 14 power plays against.
Against the Cyclones: Forward Joey Martin leads Toledo against Cincinnati with 5 goals and 9 assists. Harrison Reed has collected 4 goals and 7 assists in just nine games against the Cyclones. Goaltender Alec Richards is 3-0-0 against Cincinnati with a 1.95 goals against average and a .935 save percentage.
Scouting Cincinnati: Cincinnati is 33-28-9 on the season and they sit third in the North Division. The Cyclones are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference and are two points behind Reading, Chicago and South Carolina for the seventh and eighth playoff spots. The Cyclones have dropped back to back games and are 4-6-0 in the last ten contests.
Baiting the Hook: The Walleye will return home Saturday night to host the Kalamazoo Wings in the season finale.
Walleye Get Rufenach and Fournier Back From Grand Rapids
3/28/2012 1:00 PM
Jason GriffinGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Tuesday assigned defenseman Bryan Rufenach to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings today reassigned defenseman Gleason Fournier to the Walleye from the Griffins.
Rufenach, 22, has recorded two assists and 11 penalty minutes in 13 contests with Grand Rapids this season. The Barrie, Ontario, native ranks fourth on Toledo and 16th among ECHL defensemen with 31 points (12-19—31) in 51 games. Rufenach has also added 32 penalty minutes and a team-high five power play goals with the Walleye.
A native of Rimouski, Quebec, Fournier has skated in 13 games with the Griffins this season, recording four points (1-3—4) and 14 penalty minutes. The 20-year-old defenseman also has 17 points (2-15—17) and 32 penalty minutes in 52 games with Toledo. Detroit’s fourth choice (90th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Fournier is in his first professional season after recording 133 points (31-102—133) in 237 career games with the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic.
Game Notes for 3.28.12 vs. Kalamazoo
3/28/2012 10:00 AM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: This is lucky number 13 in meetings of the season between these division rivals. Toledo has a record of 5-5-0-2 against the Wings this season, but is just 0-2-0-2 in games played in Toledo. Kalamazoo has outscored Toledo 49-30 in the season series and the Wings have outshot the Walleye 404-376. Toledo is 18-15-4 this season in games played against North Division foes (Chicago, Cincinnati and Kalamazoo).
The Walleye: Toledo is 28-35-2-4 on the season. The Walleye are 2-7-0-1 in their last ten games and hold a 14-17-0-3 record in games played at the Huntington Center. Toledo was held without a power play chance for the first time all season in the loss at Chicago on Sunday. Toledo has just one regulation win in its last fourteen games (plus three shootout wins). Forward Joey Martin (19g, 27a) leads the Walleye in points with 46. Kyle Rogers leads Toledo in goals with 20.
Against the Wings: Forward Joey Martin has collected a goal and seven assists against Kalamazoo, while Harrison Reed has collected two goals and two assists in just seven games. Goaltender Alec Richards is 2-2-0 against Kalamazoo with a 3.23 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.
Following the Fish: The Walleye have seen 210.587 fans enter the Huntington Center, which is currently the most for any franchise in the ECHL. That is an average of 6,194 per contest, which is also leading the league. Toledo has had 28 sellouts in two plus seasons inside the Huntington Center, including eight this season. The ECHL is averaging 4,234 per contest.
The Wings: Kalamazoo is 36-25-2-6 on the season. The Wings are 18-11-1-3 this season in games play on the road. The Wings are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games played. Kalamazoo has outscored opponents 253-230 on the season. The Wings beat Cincinnati 6-1 on Sunday afternoon. Forward Trent Daavettilla (17g, 54a) leads the Wings in points with 71.
Against the Walleye: Forward Darryl Bootland has nine goals and three assists against Toledo, while Trent Daavettila has scored only 4 goals against the Walleye but has collected 11 assists.
Walleye Release John May
3/27/2012 10:34 AM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has released forward John May.
May has appeared in a total of 10 games this season with Toledo and has collected one assist.
The Toledo Walleye will return home this week for games on Wednesday, March 28 and Saturday, March 31 when they host the Kalamazoo Wings at 7 p.m. each night. For tickets, call (419) 725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
The team will host a season-ending party prior to the game on Saturday with the live music starting at 5 p.m. For more information, go to toledowalleye.com.
Walleye Weekly Release
3/26/2012 8:42 AM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 24: March 26, 2012
Overall Record: 28-35-2-4 (4th North Division) (Week Record 0-3-0-0) (Streak – Lost 4)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Friday March 23 vs. Elmira Jackals (3-1 Loss)
Saturday March 24 vs. Elmira Jackals (7-1 Loss)
Sunday March 25 @ Chicago Express (3-1 Loss)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Wednesday March 28 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (7 p.m.) (6:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports) (BCSN)
Friday March 30 @ Cincinnati Cyclones (7:35 p.m.) (7:05 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Saturday March 31 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (7 p.m.) (6:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports) (BCSN)
Walleye Weekly Schedule
(Monday, March 26th through Sunday, April 1st)
Monday, March 26 – No Practice
Tuesday, March 27 – Practice 10 a.m. at Huntington Center
Wednesday, March 28 – Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. / Game vs. Kalamazoo at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 29 – Practice 10 a.m. at Huntington Center
Friday, March 30 – Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. / Game @ Cincinnati at 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, March 31 – Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. / Game vs. Kalamazoo at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 1 – End of Regular Season
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Walleye Notes
Past Week Performance:
Toledo finished this past week with a 0-3-0-0 record. The Walleye started the week by holding Elmira to just 19 shots on goal Friday night, but lost 3-1. The Jackals scored three goals in the first and three more in the second period on Saturday, sending Toledo to a 7-1 loss. Forward Kris Belan scored his second goal of the season Sunday afternoon against the Express, but the Walleye lost 3-1 at Chicago.
Packing the House!
Toledo continues to lead the ECHL in total attendance (210,587) and also in average attendance (6,194). The Walleye have 29 total sell-outs in three seasons in the Huntington Center; including eight this season.
Making the Most of a Start!
Walleye goaltender Dustin Carlson started Sunday’s game in Chicago. It was the first start for Dustin since February 4 against Cincinnati. Carlson performed well, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced.
Gametime!
The Walleye will host the Kalamazoo Wings on Wednesday and again on Saturday for the final two home games of the season. Toledo is 5-5-2 against the Wings this season and with a strong finish, could finish with a winning record against Kalamazoo for the first time in three years. The lone road contest of the final week is Friday night in Cincinnati. Toledo is 6-4-2 against the Cyclones this season.
Promotions!
Wednesday night features a Ballreichs potato chip sample giveaway for fans as they exit the Huntington Center. Saturday night is the final home game of the regular season and it features another “Post-Game Party with the Players and live entertainment by Booyah!†For more information and to get tickets, call 419-725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Walleye Players of the Week:
Kyle Page (1 goal – 0 assists = 1 point)
Dustin Carlson (0-1-0, 2.26 gaa, .923 save %)
Game Notes for 3.24.12 va. Elmira
3/24/2012 9:15 AM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: This is the third and final meeting of the season between Toledo and Elmira. Toledo is 7-7-0 All-Time against the Jackals, including 0-2-0 this season. Elmira has outshot the Walleye 52-42 in the two games this season. Both teams have exactly 1,079 penalty minutes collected through 67 games (average of 16.10 per contest). Toledo has a record of 6-11-2 against teams from the Atlantic Division (Elmira, Reading, Trenton, and Wheeling) this season.
The Walleye: Toledo is 28-33-2-4 on the season. The Walleye are 3-5-0-2 in their last ten games and hold a 14-16-0-3 record in games played at the Huntington Center. Toledo is 2-3-0 in their last five games. . Last night was the first time since a 4-3 shootout loss on March 4th against Cincinnati, which the Walleye outshot the opponent. Toledo is 10-15-0-3 when holding the shot advantage this season. Goaltender Alec Richards has started a season high eight consecutive games in net for the Walleye.
Against the Jackals: Forward Derek Brochu leads Toledo with a pair of assists against Elmira this season. Goaltender Alec Richards is 0-2-0 with a 4.09 goals against average and a .846 save percentage in two starts against Elmira.
Following the Fish: The Walleye have seen 203,581 fans enter the Huntington Center, which is currently the most for any franchise in the ECHL. That is an average of 6,169 per contest, which is also leading the league. Toledo has had 28 sellouts in two plus seasons inside the Huntington Center, including eight this season. The ECHL is averaging 4,216 per contest this season.
The Jackals: Elmira is 41-22-2-2 on the season and they sit in the top spot of the Atlantic Division. The Jackals are red hot entering today’s game with an 8-2-0 record in the last ten games, including 4-1-0 in the last five. Elmira has a record of 17-11-2-2 in games played away from home this season.
Against the Walleye: Forward Dustin Gazley has one goal and three assists against Toledo in two games. Six players each have collected two points for Elmira in the two games against Toledo, while goaltender Brian Stewart is 2-0-0 with a 1.00 GAA and a .952 SVP.
Game Notes for 3.23.12 against Elmira
3/23/2012 10:30 AM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: This is just the second meeting this season between Toledo and Elmira. The two teams met in Elmira on March 10th, with the Jackals besting Toledo 5-1 that night. Forward Kris Belan scored his first professional goal in that contest. Elmira boasts the 5th best penalty kill unit in the ECHL at 83.8%. The Walleye power play is sitting at 15.0% coming into today’s game (19th). The Toledo power play is just one for its last twenty-two opportunities over the last six games.
The Walleye: Toledo is 28-32-2-4 on the season. The Walleye are 4-4-0-2 in their last ten games and hold a 14-15-0-3 record in games played at the Huntington Center. Toledo is 2-3-0 in their last five games. Goaltender Alec Richards has started seven consecutive games in net for the Walleye, matching his season high set in games between February 8th and February 22nd.
Leading the Walleye: Forward Joey Martin leads the Walleye in scoring with 19 goals and 27 assists. Martin is currently on a three game assist streak. Kyle Rogers is tops on the team with 20 goals and is second in points with 43. Riley Emmerson is Toledo’s leading in penalty minutes with 168 (66 of those while he was with Utah).
Following the Fish: The Walleye have seen 198,064 fans enter the Huntington Center, which is currently the most for any franchise in the ECHL. That is an average of 6,190 per contest, which is also leading the league. Toledo has had 28 sellouts in two plus seasons inside the Huntington Center, including eight this season. The ECHL is averaging 4,206 per contest.
The Jackals: Elmira is 40-22-2-2 on the season and they sit in the top spot of the Atlantic Division. The Jackals are red hot entering today’s game with an 8-2-0 record in the last ten games. Elmira is 16-11-2-2 in games played away from home this season. Only the Alaska Aces (41) have collected more wins this season than Elmira.
Leading the Jackals: Dustin Gazley leads Elmira in scoring with 77 points (22g, 55a). Only Justin Bowers of Greenville has collected more assists (58) than Gazley. Mike Radja leads the Jackals with 27 goals scored.
David Gilbert assigned to Toledo
3/21/2012 1:45 PM
Jason GriffinRockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that the National Hockey League club has reassigned winger David Gilbert from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs to the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). Additionally, the IceHogs have released forward Marc-Olivier Vallerand from his professional try-out (PTO).
In 28 games with Rockford this season, Gilbert has a goal and four assists. Chicago’s seventh round selection (#209 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Gilbert has played 34 career games with the IceHogs, amassing three goals and six assists.
The Chateauguay, Quebec native has also appeared in 23 contests with Toledo this season where he has notched six goals and nine helpers for the Walleye.
Prior to turning pro, Gilbert, 21, skated in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Quebec and Acadie-Bathurst, totaling 70g-86a-156pts in 209 games.
Walleye Weekly Release
3/19/2012 2:22 PM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 23: March 19, 2012
Overall Record: 28-32-2-4 (4th North Division) (Week Record 2-2-0-0) (Streak – Lost 1)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Wednesday March 14 @ Kalamazoo Wings (3-1 Win)
Friday March 16 @ Chicago Express (5-2 Loss)
Saturday March 17 @ Kalamazoo Wings (4-3 SO Win)
Sunday March 18 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (9-1 Loss)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Friday March 23 vs. Elmira Jackals (7 p.m.) (6:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports) (BCSN)
Saturday March 24 vs. Elmira Jackals (7 p.m.) (6:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports) (BCSN)
Sunday March 25 @ Chicago Express (5 p.m.) (4:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Walleye Weekly Schedule
(Monday, March 19 through Sunday, March 25)
Monday, March 19 – No Practice
Tuesday, March 20 – No Practice
Wednesday, March 21 – Practice 10 a.m. at Tam-O-Shanter
Thursday, March 22 – Practice 10 a.m. at Tam-O-Shanter
Friday, March 23 – Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. / Game vs. Elmira at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 24 – Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. / Game vs. Elmira at 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 25 – Game @ Chicago at 5 p.m.
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Past Week Performance:
Toledo finished this past week with a 2-2-0-0 record. The week began with a 3-1 win Wednesday night in Kalamazoo. Forward Derek Brochu scored twice to lift the Walleye to the win. The Chicago Express scored three unanswered goals Friday night to outlast Toledo 5-2. The Walleye rebounded with a 4-3 shootout win Saturday night in Kalamazoo. Goaltender Alec Richards made 41 saves in regulation and overtime, plus he stopped all five Kalamazoo shooters to collect the win. The week ended with Toledo allowing a season-high nine goals and 45 shots in a 9-1 loss to Kalamazoo.
Shootout King!
Walleye goaltender Alec Richards has been one of the ECHL’s best in stopping opponents in shootouts. So far this year, Alec has stopped 16 of the 19 shooters (84.2%) he has faced. That is the third best percentage of all goaltenders in the ECHL.
Power Play Outage!
Since going 2-3 on the man-advantage February 17 at Greenville, the Toledo Walleye power play has struggled. The unit has just five power play goals in the last 53 opportunities (9.4%). For the season, Toledo has 39 power play goals in 260 chances (15.0%).
Gametime:
The Walleye will host the Elmira Jackals for back-to-back games this Friday and Saturday night at the Huntington Center. Toledo lost the only meeting between the two teams 5-1 on March 10 in Elmira. The Walleye will travel to Chicago for the final meeting of the season against the Express on Sunday. Toledo is 7-5-0 this year against Chicago.
Promotions:
Friday night, college football stars Kevin Koger (Michigan) and Eric Page (Toledo) will be on hand signing FREE autographs. Friday night is also “Social Media Night†with the Walleye presented by Toledo.com. The first 1,500 fans will receive a desktop cell phone holder presented by the Ohio Lottery. Saturday night is the Fish Stick Auction (Hockey Sticks), plus a FINatics Post-Game Party with the Players! For more information and to get tickets call 419-725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Walleye Players of the Week:
Derek Brochu (2 goals – 2 assists = 4 points)
Alec Richards (2-2-0, 3.97 gaa, .900 save %)
Walleye Sign May
3/18/2012 1:00 PM
Matt Melzak(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward John May. May is expected to be in the lineup today as the Walleye host the Kalamazoo Wings.
May, the native of Livonia, Michigan appeared in six games earlier this season with the Walleye. The 30 year old has played in a total of 27 professional games following his college career at Wayne State University, scoring four goals with four assists.
The Toledo Walleye will return home on Sunday, March 18 to play the Kalamazoo Wings at 4 p.m. Fans can enjoy green beer and everything Irish as the team celebrates the third annual St. CatTrick’s Day, sponsored by The Blarney. For tickets, call (419) 725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Game Notes for 3.17.12 at Kalamazoo
3/17/2012 3:00 PM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: Toledo and Kalamazoo meet today for the eleventh time this season. Toledo is 4-4-2 this year against the Wings, including 4-3-0 at Kalamazoo. The Wings have outscored the Walleye 37-25 on the season, but Toledo has outshot Kalamazoo 328-315. The Walleye won 3-1 on Wednesday night in the previous meeting.
Scouting Toledo: Toledo is 27-31-6 on the season and they sit fourth in the ECHL's North Division. The Walleye are 13-17-3 on the road this season and 4-4-2 in their last ten games. The Walleye lost 5-2 last night in Chicago. Since going 2-3 on the power play February 17th at Greenville, the Walleye power play is just 4-49 (8.1%). Toledo is 17-13-4 in games against Kalamazoo, Cincinnati, and Chicago.
Against the Wings: Forward Joey Martin leads Toledo against the Wings with one goal and five assists. Andrej Nestrasil has collected 2 goals and 3 assists so far this year against Kalamazoo, while goaltender Alec Richards is 1-1-0 with a 1.51 goals against average and .952 save percentage.
Scouting Kalamazoo: The Wings are 34-23-7 on the season and they sit first in the ECHL's North Division. The Wings are 4-5-1 in their last ten games. The Wings are 17-13-3 in home games this season. Kalamazoo defeated Trenton 2-0 last night at Wings Stadium.
Against Toledo: Trent Daavettilla has scored two goals with nine assists, and Justin Taylor has three goals and five assists against the Walleye. Darryl Bootland has scored nine goals this season against the Walleye. Goaltender Riley Gill is 3-3-0 against Toledo with a 2.34 GAA and a .929 SVP.
Baiting the Hook: The Walleye will return home Sunday afternoon to host the Kalamazoo Wings. On Friday and Saturday next week, Toledo will host the Elmira Jackals.
Walleye Add Defenseman
3/16/2012 2:28 PM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defensemen Cameron Cooper. Cooper is expected to join Toledo in Chicago and play tonight.
Cooper joins Toledo after completing his senior season at Minnesota State, where he was an Assistant Captain. The native of Lakeville, MN appeared in 111 total games for the Mavericks with six goals, nine assists, and 93 penalty minutes. Cooper was a four-year letter winner at Minnesota State and WCHA All-Academic Team member for the past three seasons. The 23-year-old skated for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL prior to his time in college, appearing in 123 games over three seasons (8g, 25a).
#23 Cameron Cooper
Position: Defense
Height: 6’0â€
Weight: 205
Birthdate: May 19, 1988
Lakeville, Minnesota
Shoots: Left
Good Day To Be A Former Walleye Netminder
3/16/2012 11:34 AM
Jason GriffinThe Chicago Blackhawks have recalled goaltender Carter Hutton from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.
Hutton, 26, has compiled a 17-9-3 record with two shutouts and a .915 save percentage in 32 regular-season tilts with the IceHogs this year and also made 14 appearances with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. Since signing a one-year contract with the Blackhawks on Feb. 24, Hutton has posted a 7-1-1 record and .947 save percentage in nine AHL contests. The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native has compiled a 29-18-3 record with three shutouts and a .910 save percentage in 58 career AHL games with Rockford, Worcester (2010-11) and Adirondack (2009-10) following a collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell.
With the Walleye, Hutton went 7-7-0 with a 3.15 GAA and .900 save percentage during the 2011-12 season.
_________________________________________________________________
The Detroit Red Wings on Friday recalled goaltender Jordan Pearce from the Grand Rapids Griffins.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Pearce returned to Grand Rapids on Sunday after being recalled by Detroit on March 5. He has appeared in 17 games with the Griffins this season, sporting a 3-7-1 record, a 3.53 goals against average, a 0.874 save percentage and one shutout. In 67 career games with Grand Rapids, the 25-year-old Pearce has a 24-25-6 record, a 3.13 GAA, a 0.898 save percentage and two shutouts.
With the Walleye, Pearce has a record of 19-21-3 with a GAA of 3.74 and a save percentage of .889.
Game Notes for 3.16.12 at Chicago
3/16/2012 10:50 AM
Matt MelzakToday's Game: The Toledo Walleye are in Chicago to take on the Express. This is the twelfth meeting of the season between these division rivals.
The Matchup: Toledo is 7-4-0 against the Express this season. The Walleye won the last meeting 4-3 in a shootout on March 3rd. Toledo has outscored Chicago 32-29 in the season series and outshot the Express 357-287. Toledo's power play has been at its best vs. Chicago with a 21.4% (12-56) success rate. Toledo is 3-2-0 in games played at Chicago this season. The two teams will meet for a final time on the 25th of March in Chicago.
Scouting Toledo: Toledo is 27-30-2-4 on the season and sits seven points behind Cincinnati for the eighth and final playoff spot. Toledo is 17-12-3 against teams from the North Division this season. The Walleye are 4-4-2 in their last ten games played and have a road record of 13-16-3.
Against the Express: Forward Kyle Rogers is leading Toledo against Chicago this year with 4 goals and 7 assists. Joey Martin has 3 goals and 4 assists while Nick Oslund has a pair of goals against the Express.
Rolling Along: Forward Derek Brochu has five goals and one assist in his last six games.
Scouting Chicago: Chicago is 28-24-6-4 on the season, including a record of 15-9-2-3 at home. Chicago is 5-3-0-2 in their last ten games and has won back to back games including a 3-1 win over Wheeling on March 14th.
Against the Walleye: Forward Pierre-Luc Faubert has a goal and 6 assists while Mike Embach has scored four goals against the Walleye this season.
Baiting the Hook: Toledo will return to Kalamazoo on Saturday night to take on the Wings. That is the final game of Toledo’s season high six game road trip. The Walleye will be at home on Sunday afternoon to host Kalamazoo.
Toews Placed On Injured Reserve
3/12/2012 10:32 AM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that forward David Toews (TAYVZ) has been place on injured reserve.
Toews was injured during a collision in the first period of yesterday’s game in Wheeling. A timetable for his return to the Walleye lineup has not been announced.
The Toledo Walleye will return home on March 18 to host the Kalamazoo Wings. Celebrate the third annual St. CatTrick’s Day, presented by the Blarney Irish Pub. For tickets, call (419) 725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Toledo Walleye Weekly Release
3/12/2012 10:32 AM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 22: March 12, 2012
Overall Record: 26-30-2-4 (4th North Division) (Week Record 0-2-0-1) (Streak – Lost 2)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Friday March 9 @ Reading Royals (SO Loss 5-4)
Saturday March 10 @ Elmira Jackals (Loss 5-1)
Sunday March 11 @ Wheeling Nailers (Loss 5-0)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Wednesday March 14 @ Kalamazoo Wings (7 p.m.) (6:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Friday March 16 @ Chicago Express (8:30 p.m.) (8 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Saturday March 17 @ Kalamazoo Wings (7:30 p.m.) (7 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Sunday March 18 vs. Kalamazoo Wings (4 p.m.) (3:30 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports) (BCSN)
Walleye Weekly Schedule
(Monday, March 12 through Sunday, March 18)
Monday, March 12 - No Practice
Tuesday, March 13 – Practice 10 a.m. At Tam-O-Shanter (Sylvania)
Wednesday, March 14 - Pre-Game Skate 10 a.m. at Huntington Center/Game @ Kalamazoo at 7 p.m. / Travel to Chicago
Thursday, March 15 – Practice TBA in Chicago
Friday, March 16 – Pre-Game Skate 11:15 a.m. / Game @ Chicago at 8:30 p.m./ Travel to Kalamazoo
Saturday, March 17 – Game @ Kalamazoo at 7:30 p.m. / Travel to Toledo
Sunday, March 18 – Game vs. Kalamazoo at 4 p.m. (Huntington Center)
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Walleye Notes
Past Week Performance:
Toledo finished this past week with a 0-2-0-1 record. The week started with a 5-4 shootout loss Friday night in Reading. Walleye forward Derek Brochu scored twice in the game but Toledo was out-scored 1-0 in the shootout. Saturday night, the Walleye were held to a season-low 17 shots on goal in a 5-1 loss to the Elmira Jackals. Sunday afternoon, Toledo fell behind 3-0 after the first period and lost at Wheeling by a count of 5-0.
Shootouts!
Friday night was the fourth consecutive shootout for the Walleye, which is a team record. Toledo won two and lost two of those contests. The ECHL record for consecutive games going to shootouts is nine set by the Huntington Blizzard (January 31-February 20, 1998).
Going for a First!
Walleye forward Kris Belan scored his first professional goal on Saturday night in Elmira. Defenseman Bryan Main collected his first professional assist on Friday night in Reading.
Gametime!
The Walleye will continue the season-high six game road trip on Wednesday night in Kalamazoo. Toledo is 3-4-2 against the Wings so far this season. The Walleye will head to Chicago for a Friday night tilt. Toledo is 7-4-0 this season against the Express. The Walleye will play in Kalamazoo on Saturday before returning home to host the Wings on Sunday.
Promotions:
Sunday afternoon, the team will hold the third annual St. CatTrick’s Day Celebration, presented by the Blarney Irish Pub. There will also be optional “Faith and Family†events taking place with a pre-game concert by the band New Method. The day also features a post-game open skate. For more information and to get tickets call (419) 725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Walleye Players of the Week:
Derek Brochu (2 goals – 1 assist = 3 points)
Alec Richards (0-2-1, 4.54 gaa, .875 save %)
Game Notes for 3.11.12 at Wheeling
3/11/2012 11:56 AM
Matt MelzakToday's Game: The Toledo Walleye are in Wheeling to take on the Nailers for the ninth and final time this season.
The Matchup: Toledo is 3-4-1 against the Nailers this season. Wheeling has outscored Toledo so far this season 23-17 and outshot the Walleye 246-194. Toledo is 5-32 (15.6%) on the power play against the Nailers this season. The last time the two teams played in Wheeling was February 10th, a 3-2 shootout win by the Walleye.
Scouting Toledo: Toledo is 26-29-6 on the season and sits nine points behind the Florida Everblades and Cincinnati Cyclones for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Walleye are 12-15-3 this season away from home. Toledo is 3-5-2 in their last ten games and 3-1-1 in their last five contests. The Walleye are 6-9-2 this year against teams from the Atlantic Division (Reading, Wheeling, Trenton, and Elmira).
Against the Nailers: Forward Todd Griffith has scored 5 goals with 5 assists in ten games against the Nailers this year (5 of those while he was with Reading). Joey Martin has scored five of his 19 goals this season against Wheeling and goaltender Alec Richards is 1-1-0 with a 2.88 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.
Scouting Wheeling: Wheeling is 34-21-6 on the season and they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Nailers come into off of a 5-2 loss last night to Florida. The Nailers are 18-11-2 in home games this season and they are 5-4-1 in their last ten games.
Against the Walleye: Forward Peter Lenes has appeared in 11 games this year against Toledo (3 with Trenton) and has 5 goals and 3 assists. Goaltender Peter Delmas is 3-0-1 against the Walleye this year with a 1.96 goals against average and a .916 save percentage.
Baiting the Hook: Toledo will continue this road trip on Wednesday night in Kalamazoo. The Walleye will head to Chicago after that for a Friday night game against the Express.
David Gilbert recalled by Rockford
3/9/2012 11:43 AM
Jason GriffinGILBERT RECALLED FROM TOLEDO
Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks announced that the National Hockey League club has reassigned winger David Gilbert to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs from the Toledo Walleye (ECHL).
In 23 games with Rockford this season, Gilbert has a goal and four assists. Chicago’s seventh round selection (#209 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Gilbert has played 29 career games with the IceHogs, amassing three goals and six assists.
The Chateauguay, PQ native has also appeared in 23 contests with Toledo this season where he has notched six goals and nine helpers for the Walleye.
Prior to turning pro, Gilbert, 21, skated in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Quebec and Acadie-Bathurst, totaling 70g-86a-156pts in 209 games.
Game Notes for 3.9.12 at Reading
3/9/2012 9:34 AM
Matt MelzakToday's Game: The Toledo Walleye are in Reading to take on the Royals. This game starts a season high six game road trip for the Walleye.
The Matchup: Toledo is 2-1-0 this season against the Royals. Tonight is the final meeting this between the two. Toledo won the only other matchup in Reading 5-4 on January 21st. That night, the Walleye scored three goals in the last six minutes to collect the win. Toledo has outscored Reading 14-12 so far this year and outshot them 107-93.
Scouting Toledo: Toledo is 26-28-5 on the season and sits eight points behind the Florida Everblades for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Walleye are 12-14-2 this season away from home. Toledo is 4-5-1 in their last ten games and 3-1-1 in their last five contests. The Walleye are 6-8-1 this year against teams from the Atlantic Division (Reading, Wheeling, Trenton, and Elmira).
Against the Royals: Forward Harrison Reed leads Toledo in scoring against the Royals with four goals and one assist. Kyle Rogers has three goals and two helpers, while Andrej Nestrasil has collected five assists in games against Reading.
Scouting Reading: Reading is 27-26-7 on the season and sit just four points ahead of the Walleye in the standings. The Royals are 5-4-1 in their last ten games but come into today's game after losing back to back games (both to Elmira). The Royals are just 8-15-4 in games played at home this season.
Against the Walleye: Forward Yannick Tifu has a goal and six assists in six games against the Walleye (four games with Chicago). Casey Haines has two goals and one assist against Toledo.
Baiting the Hook: Toledo will continue this road trip on Saturday night in Elmira. It will be the first meeting of the year between the Walleye and the Jackals. Sunday afternoon, Toledo will be in Wheeling to take on the Nailers.
Walleye Sign Two Defensemen
3/7/2012 1:47 PM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defensemen Bryan Main and Steve Miller.
Main just completed his college career with St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada. The native of Greenfield Park, Quebec appeared in a total of 68 games with the Tommies, scoring one goal with 14 assists and 165 penalty minutes. Prior to his time at St. Thomas, Main played three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Appearing in 195 games between Gatineau and Prince Edward Island, the 24-year-old collected 401 penalty minutes and 35 points (7g, 28a).
Miller joins Toledo from Brock University (Ontario) where he was teammates with current Walleye forward Derek Brochu. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native appeared in 103 games with the Badgers, collecting 18 points (4g, 14a) and 78 penalty minutes over four seasons. Miller also spent parts of four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League between Kingston, Sudbury and Guelph. The 24-year-old played in 120 OHL games with a goal, 15 assists and 77 penalty minutes.
#18 Steve Miller
Position: Defense
Height: 6’2â€
Weight: 209
Birthdate: July 19, 1987
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Shoots: Left
#25 Bryan Main
Position: Defense
Height: 5’10â€
Weight: 190
Birthdate: February 4, 1988
Greenfield Park, PQ
Shoots: Right
The Toledo Walleye will return home on Sunday, March 18 to host the Kalamazoo Wings. Fans can celebrate the third annual St. CatTrick’s Day celebration, presented by the Blarney Irish Pub. It is also “Faith and Family†night with a pre-game concert by the band New Method. For more information and to get tickets, call (419) 725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Walleye Ink Kris Belan
3/6/2012 10:44 AM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Kris Belan (bee-lan).
Belan, a native of Florence, Ontario, has spent the last five years playing college hockey at the University of Guelph. The team captain this past season appeared in 131 college games with 58 goals, 41 assists and 415 penalty minutes. Prior to his time in college, Belan played parts of three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League between London and Oshawa. In 83 career OHL games, the 25-year-old scored 8 goals with 11 assists.
#24 Kris Belan
Position: Forward
Height: 6’2â€
Weight: 185
Birthdate: December 19, 1986
Florence, Ontario
Shoots: Left
The Toledo Walleye will return home on March 18 to host the Kalamazoo Wings. It is the third annual St. CatTrick’s Day Celebration presented by the Blarney Irish Pub. It is also “Faith and Family†night with a pregame concert by the band New Method. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 419-725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
**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.
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Congrats to Jordan Pearce
3/5/2012 1:36 PM
Jason GriffinFormer Walleye goaltender Jordan Pearce was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings today. He becomes the second Walleye player to make it to the NHL. Goaltender Thomas McCollum played in one game with the Red Wings during the 2010-11 season.
Pearce has appeared in a total of 47 games with Toledo over the past three seasons (two games this year). The 25-year-old native of Anchorage, AK has also played in 67 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins during his pro career after a four-year stint at Notre Dame (CCHA).
Way to go Jordan!
Walleye Weekly Release
3/5/2012 11:00 AM
Jason GriffinToledo Walleye Weekly Release No. 21: March 5, 2012
Overall Record: 26-28-2-3 (4th North Division)(Week Record 2-1-0-1)(Streak – Unbeaten in last 3)
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Wednesday February 29 @ Chicago Express (Lost 3-2)
Friday March 2 vs. Wheeling Nailers (SO Win 3-2)
Saturday March 3 @ Chicago Express (SO Win 4-3)
Sunday March 4 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (SO Loss 4-3)
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (All Times Eastern)
Friday March 9 @ Reading Royals (7:05 p.m.) (6:35 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Saturday March 10 @ Elmira Jackals (7:35 p.m.) (7:05 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Sunday March 11 @ Wheeling Nailers (4:05 p.m.) (3:35 p.m., 1230 AM Fox Sports)
Walleye Weekly Schedule
(Monday, March 5 through Sunday, March 11)
Monday, March 5 – No Practice
Tuesday, March 6 – Practice 10 a.m. At Huntington Center
Wednesday, March 7 – Practice 10 a.m. At Huntington Center/Travel to Reading, PA
Thursday, March 8 – Practice (TBA) in Reading, PA
Friday, March 9 – Pre-Game Skate 11:15 a.m. /Game at Reading at 7:05 p.m./Travel to Elmira, NY
Saturday, March 10 – Game at Elmira at 7:35 p.m. /Travel to Wheeling, WV
Sunday, March 11 – Game at Wheeling at 4:05 p.m.
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Walleye Notes
Past Week Performance:
Toledo finished this past week with a 2-1-0-1 record. The week started with a tough 3-2 loss in Chicago. Friday night, the Walleye rebounded with a 3-2 shootout win against Wheeling. Goaltender Thomas McCollum stopped four of five Wheeling shooters to secure the win. Saturday night, the Walleye collected a second straight shootout win as Joey Martin and Todd Griffith each scored back-to-back in the shootout. Sunday afternoon, the Walleye erased a 3-0 first period deficit but lost 4-3 in a shootout to Cincinnati.
A first!
Toledo did something this weekend for the first time in Walleye history. It marked the first time that the Walleye played three straight games that went to overtime and then a shootout. Toledo is 7-5 this year in games that have gone past regulation time, and 4-3 in shootouts. Goaltender Alec Richards has stopped seven of the nine shooters (77.8%) he has faced this season.
Packing the House!
Toledo continues to lead the ECHL in total attendance (191,787) and also in average attendance (6,187). The Walleye have hosted 29 total sell-outs in three seasons at the Huntington Center; including eight this season. Toledo is averaging 6,142 per game in the history of the franchise.
Gametime:
The Walleye will start a six game road trip this weekend with three games in three different cities. Toledo will be in Reading on Friday night to take on the Royals. Toledo is 2-1-0 against Reading this season. Saturday night, the Walleye will invade Elmira for the first meeting of the season with the Jackals. Toledo is 7-5-0 all-time against Elmira. The week will conclude with a Sunday afternoon tilt at Wheeling. Toledo is 3-4-1 against the Nailers this season.
Walleye Players of the Week:
Todd Griffith (2 goals – 3 assists = 5 points)
Thomas McCollum (1-0-1, 2.31 gaa, .925 save %)
Rufenach back to Toledo
3/2/2012 3:37 PM
Matt Melzak(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that defenseman Bryan Rufenach has been reassigned to Toledo from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.
Rufenach returns to Toledo after being recalled by the Griffins yesterday. The first year defenseman is tied for eleventh among all ECHL defensemen in scoring with 11 goals and 17 assists. Rufenach has scored a team leading five power play goals this season. The 22 year old has collected one assist in three games with Grand Rapids this season.
The Toledo Walleye will return home for games on Friday March 2nd against Wheeling and Sunday March 4th against Cincinnati. This weekend is “Pink in the Rink†with the Walleye supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. For more information and get tickets call 419-725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
Game Notes for 3.2.12 vs. Wheeling
3/2/2012 12:30 PM
Matt MelzakGame Preview: This is the eighth meeting of the season between these former division rivals. Toledo is 2-4-1 against Wheeling so far this season. Wheeling has outscored Toledo 21-14 and has outshot the Walleye 210-169 in the season series. The Walleye have stopped just 18 of the 24 power plays that Wheeling has had in this series. Toledo is 5-8-1 against teams from the Atlantic Division.
The Walleye: Toledo is 24-28-2-2 on the season. The Walleye are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games and hold a 13-14-0-2 record in games played at the Huntington Center. The Walleye are just 1-4-0 in their last five games coming into tonight. Toledo is 13-2-1-1 when leading after two periods of play.
Against the Nailers: Todd Griffith has eight points (5g, 3a) in nine games (five played while with Reading) this year against Wheeling. Joey Martin has scored five goals with three assists and Kyle Rogers has two goals and three helpers against the Nailers.
Following the Fish: The Walleye have seen 177,989 fans enter the Huntington Center, which is currently the most for any franchise in the ECHL. That is an average of 6,138 per contest, which is also leading the league. Toledo has had 28 sellouts in two plus seasons inside the Huntington Center, including eight this season. The ECHL is averaging 4,151 per contest.
Dropping the Gloves: Defenseman Joey Ryan has one fight in each of the last three games.
The Nailers: Wheeling is 32-19-3-2 on the season and they currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Nailers are 6-3-1 in the last ten games and are 15-9-2-1 on the road.
Against the Walleye: Forward Peter Lenes has 5 goals and 3 assists in 10 games against Toledo (3 games while with Trenton). Defenseman Andrew Hotham has collected a goal and six assists in four games against Toledo.
Walleye Sign Derek Brochu
3/2/2012 11:36 AM
Jason Griffin(Toledo, OH) – The Toledo Walleye and Head Coach Nick Vitucci announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Derek Brochu (broh-shoo). The forward is expected to play tonight for Toledo against Wheeling.
Brochu, a native of Welland, Ontario, just finished his college career at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. The 24-year-old forward appeared in 111 games over four seasons for the Badgers, totaling 35 goals and 42 assists. Prior to his college career, Brochu spent four plus seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. Brochu appeared in 239 total OHL games between Owen Sound and Guelph with 23 goals and 41 assists.
#42 Derek Brochu
Position: Forward
Height: 5’10â€
Weight: 182
Born: May 6, 1987 in Welland, Ontario
Shoots: Right
The Toledo Walleye will return home for games on Friday, March 2 against Wheeling and Sunday, March 4 against Cincinnati. This weekend is “Pink in the Rink†weekend, presented by ProMedica. For more information and get tickets call 419-725-9255 or visit www.toledowalleye.com.
