Walleye goalie Pearce sent to Grand Rapids

1/21/2013

Toledo Walleye goaltender Jordan Pearce was called up to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League today.

Toledo has now lost both of its starting goalies to promotions to the AHL. Rookie Kent Simpson was called up to Rockford on Sunday.

The Walleye are off for four days due to the ECHL all-star break. Simpson is expected to return from his AHL call up on Friday when Toledo returns to action against Kalamazoo at the Huntington Center.

Pearce, 26, was called up to Grand Rapids to replace former Walleye goalie Thomas McCollum. McCollum was called up to Detroit to replace injured goalie Jonas Gustavsson, who is day-to-day with a groin injury.

Pearce, who began his professional career in Toledo in 2009-10, has started in more games in goal for the Walleye than any other player. He has played in 20 games this season and has a 11-7-1 record with a 2.56 goals against average and a .906 save percentage.

The Anchorage, Alaska native has two shutouts this season. He has five total shutouts in his career with the Walleye, which is a franchise record.

Pearce started this season in Grand Rapids and had a 0-3-0 record with a 4.38 goals against average.

Simpson, 20, is starting for Rockford in an afternoon contest today.

In 20 appearances with the Walleye, Simpson has posted an 8-8-3 record with an .885 save percentage and a 2.85 goals against average.

The Walleye return to practice on Thursday. They have three home games this weekend beginning Friday against Kalamazoo.