Walleye News and Notes

Split road weekend: Toledo played twice this past weekend with both games happening away from the friendly confines of the Huntington Center. The Walleye dominated the Indy Fuel Friday night with defensemen Beau Schmitz and Jordan Hill each collecting two assists in a 4-1 win. Sunday afternoon, Toledo controlled most of the game at Kalamazoo (46-27 shots) but found themselves down 5-0 heading to the third period. The Walleye struck four times in the third period but came up just short on its comeback falling 5-4 to the KWings. Reaching 100: By scoring just 16 seconds into Friday’s game at Indy, forward Evan Rankin became the first player in history to score 100 goals while wearing a Walleye uniform. Rankin is already the Walleye record holder for most career goals and earlier this season he passed Kyle Rogers for the most points in Walleye history (currently at 189). Zajac rolls: Defenseman Nolan Zajac continued his roll with one assist Friday and then a goal and assist on Sunday to push his point streak to eight consecutive games. He has the longest Walleye player streak this season for consecutive contests with at least an assist at eight straight which is just one game shy of the Walleye record held by Shane Berschbach from March 27, 2015, through the end of the 15-16 season. LaLaLaFontaine: Forward JP LaFontaine has played just six games with Toledo since being acquired from Elmira on January 10, scored a goal in both Friday’s game at Indy and Sunday at Kalamazoo to give one goal in four straight games. That is tied with Derek Army of Wheeling for the longest current goal scoring streak in the league. A new face this week: Toledo starts its week Wednesday night in Wheeling against the Nailers. Toledo has lost the last two games at Wheeling and has a 3-3-0 record against the Nailers this year. Saturday and Sunday the Walleye return to the Huntington Center to host the Rapid City Rush. This is the first ever meetings between Toledo and Rapid City. Walleye promotions: Saturday night is “Star Wars Night” at the Huntington Center sponsored by Root’s Poultry and Toledo.com. Take your picture with characters from the 501st Legion. Fans are encouraged to dress in their favorite Stars Wars costume and take part in the contests. Postgame fans will pick up a Root’s Poultry coupon. Sunday is “Polish Heritage Night” presented by Stanley’s Market. Mal and Evie from the Descendants will be hand for photos and following fans can skate with the Walleye in a postgame open skate!

Walleye Player of the Week: JP LaFontaine (2 goals – 0 assists = 2 points)

Walleye Goaltender of the Week: Jake Paterson (1-1-0, 3.00 GAA, .888 save %)