Walleye add to the forward ranks with Hayden Hodgson

Toledo, OH – Forward Hayden Hodgson has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2018-19 season.Hodgson, a native of Windsor, Ontario, mainly spent his first season of professional hockey with Cleveland of the AHL, where he scored 3 goals with 3 assists in 41 games. He also had brief stints with two ECHL clubs, playing three games with Florida (no points) and two games with Manchester (0 goals, 2 assists).“Hayden is a big body who’ll add some scoring punch to our lineup,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “He’s a young player who we’ll work with to continue his growth and development following a successful junior career.”The 6’2”, 207 pound forward played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Erie, Sarnia and Saginaw. In 294 total games played in the OHL, Hodgson scored 87 goals with 70 assists. During his final season in juniors, Hodgson led Saginaw in scoring with 38 goals and 28 assists in 67 games.

GET TO KNOW HAYDEN

Q: How was your favorite player growing up?

A: Pavel Datsyuk. I grew up in Windsor and I grew up watching the Red Wings. My dad took me to games when I was younger. Every time he touched the puck it was something special. He's a heck of a player.

Q: What do you like to do during the season away from the rink?

A: During the season it's always trying to find different things to do. Watch hockey or football games, just about anything to get your mind off playing.

Q: How did you spend the off-season?

A: Back home in Leamington I'm across the street from a golf course, so I'm always hopping on the course as much as I can.

Q: What's you go-to food?

A: I'm a meat and potatoes type of guy. Steak or chicken.

Q: Any pets?

A: I got a little Shitz Szu back home, Bo, 7 years old. He's a little pain in the butt, but he's a good dog.

Q: Why are you excited about coming to Toledo?

A: The rink's a heck of a place to play. The organization's great, everyone makes you feel at home.