Walleye expected to ink ECHL veteran

ECHL veteran forward Randy Rowe will attempt to score his 200th professional goal in a Toledo Walleye

uniform this season.

Rowe, who has played nine seasons in the ECHL and American Hockey League, is expected to sign a contract with Toledo Thursday.

"I've been trying to chase down Randy Rowe for five or six years now," Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said.

"I'm thrilled to able to catch him. He's one of those guys on another team that keeps standing out to you because he is a special player. I hated having to coach against him."

The 30-year-old left winger has appeared in 534 career regular season contests. Rowe has scored 199 goals and has amassed 241 assists.

"He is a good, all-around player," Vitucci said. "He's very strong on the puck. He will be a great team person as well."

Last season, the Burford, Ont., native split time between Lake Erie (AHL) and Charlotte (ECHL).

Rowe collected 16 points (5 G, 11 A) in 25 contests in the AHL.

He also tallied 18 points (11 G, 7 A) in 17 regular season games with Charlotte. Rowe collected a goal and six assists in 11 playoff contests with the Checkers.

In 2007-08, Rowe led Johnstown in scoring with 68 points (24 G, 44 A).

The organization also announced yesterday that three players who participated in last month's free agent tryouts have accepted invitations to the team's training camp.

Forward Bryan Potacco, defenseman Calvin Northam and goaltender Frederic Ettedgui will be at the team's first practice Oct. 1. Potacco, a 22-year-old forward from New Jersey, played two seasons at Bowling Green State University.

Ettedgui is a 27-year-old goalie from Quebec.

Northam, 22, is a 6-7, 225 pound defenseman who played two years of Junior A hockey.

The Walleye open their season Oct. 15 at Wheeling and then host the Nailers in the home opener Oct. 16 at the Huntington Center.

- Mark Monroe