As a fall chill brushes downtown Toledo and the Fifth Third Field gates close, a rumble of excitement and click of an ice skate echoes from 500 Jefferson Avenue.  

Walleye fans are anticipating the 2026-2027 season as Opening Night on November 7 draws near. For 17 years, thousands of hockey fanatics have packed the Huntington Center to watch Walleye players skate, pass, shoot, and score.

The Fish are taking on the Fort Wayne Komets Opening Night, with puck drop at 7:15 p.m.

“Over the years, Opening Night for the Walleye has grown into something that feels a lot like Opening Day for the Mud Hens, just in a different season,” Neil Neukam, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Walleye, said. “There’s a special energy that comes with welcoming hockey back to Toledo.” 

Nuekam said he remembers the first Opening Night in 2009, as 8,000 fans packed the Huntington Center for the first time. 

“We had the opportunity to give our community a first-class hockey venue to complement the Mud Hens and create another special gathering place for Toledo,” Neukam said. “At the time, this was the largest crowd ever to watch a professional hockey game in Toledo. There was an energy in the arena that night that made you realize … we were beginning a new chapter in Toledo hockey.” 

Between the life-size CatTrick and Spike mascot inflatables, the crowd favorite chants, and exciting playoff runs, the organization continues to make memorable experiences for fans. 

Opening Night’s electric atmosphere is fueled by fans and the many Walleye employees and players dedicated to creating a fun evening. Festivities including an Opening Night Block Party from 4 to 6 p.m. in Hensville Park and rally towel placed on seats, take months of planning and hard work. 

“From the outside, it might look as simple as opening the doors and watching fans pour through the turnstiles,” Neukam said. “The real story begins long before that first puck drops. Behind the scenes, countless hours go into building excitement across the region, not only for Opening Night, but for an entire season of Walleye hockey.” 

This season, the Walleye are hoping to extend their streak of 122 consecutive sellouts and record their 400th sellout since the team's establishment in 2009. 

“Over the years, players have told me there is simply nothing quite like the atmosphere in Toledo on Opening Night,” Neukam said. “When 8,000 plus fans fill the arena and the puck drops, that energy is contagious and it gives everyone, from the players to our staff and fans, a rush of excitement for the season ahead.” 

The 2026-2027 Walleye season brings not only games, but an exciting lineup of events and themed nights. The first-ever Fins & Feathers Festival is March 26, combining Walleye hockey and Mud Hens Opening Day. 

Festivities start before the Hens game and run throughout the day until the Huntington Center opens. Hensville concerts, kid-friendly activities, mascot appearances, and drinks and food are just some of the activities included in the day-long celebration. 

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have two outstanding professional sports franchises just steps from one another, and this event is a chance to bring those worlds together,” Neukam said. “One of the most rewarding things we hear again and again is from guests who arrive not necessarily considering themselves baseball or hockey fans, but leave having fallen in love with the experience … that’s what makes opportunities like this so important.” 

Additional themed nights include Military Appreciation Night on November 21, WWE Night on November 29, Throwback Night on December 5, and Peanuts Christmas Night on December 20.

Tickets for Walleye Opening Night are selling fast, but still available online. Other game tickets can be purchased here.