Walleye sign two new players
8/8/2012The Toledo Walleye added instant size to their roster on Wednesday, signing two players that are both 6 feet, 5 inches.
The team added forward Doug Clarkson and defenseman Dale Warkentin.
Clarkson played last season at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. He scored 17 goals and had 17 assists to go along with 77 penalty minutes in 26 games.
Clarkson, 23, is the younger brother of New Jersey Devils forward David Clarkson.
Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said Clarkson has great size (6-5, 230 pounds) and strength with a flair for offense.
"He is a crasher from the forward position," Vitucci said.
Warkentin spent four years (2007-11) with the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. In 2009-10, Warkentin collected 41 points (13 G, 28 A) and had 116 penalty minutes in 62 contests.
Vitucci said Warkentin is a strapping defenseman (6-5, 205) who has great mobility.
"He has a cannon of a shot and brings overall toughness," Vitucci said.
Toledo's season opener is Oct. 13 at home against Kalamazoo.
Season tickets are on sale at toledowalleye.com or by phone at 419-725-9255.
Single-game tickets to the opener and all 36-home games will be available on Saturday.