Hobson, Pearce lead Walleye to win

Duo leads Toledo past Evansville upon return from AHL

1/28/2013

The Walleye received key contributions from two players that re-joined the team just before today's contest against Evansville at the Huntington Center.

Forward Adam Hobson scored the game's first goal and goalie Jordan Pearce made 29 saves to get the win. The Walleye also got a late insurance goal and an empty net goal from leading scorer Willie Coetzee to win their second straight game with a 4-1 victory over Evansville before a crowd of 5,157.

Stephon Thorne also scored with 15.8 seconds left in the game.

Hobson returned to Toledo from a tryout with Rockford of the American Hockey League. Hobson, who had played in 16 games for the Walleye before his call up, opened up the scoring at the 9:23 mark of the first period.

Pearce, who returned to the team after a promotion to Grand Rapids of the AHL, had seven saves in the first, 11 in the second, and 13 saves in the third.

Defenseman Joey Ryan set up Hobson's goal, taking the puck to the net. Hobson hustled to the loose puck and knocked it by Evansville goalie Paul Karpowich (28 saves).

Pearce had solid positioning on two shots early in the third and added a glove save to keep the shutout. He made three saves on a late Evansville power play.

Coetzee added the insurance goal with 4:39 left in the game with a snap shot from the slot. He added the empty netter, his 18th of the season, with exactly one minute left.

Kevin Baker ruined Pearce's shutout bid with 40 seconds left in the game.

Forward Nino Musitelli also assisted on Hobson's fifth goal of the season.

The Walleye (23-17-4) have now won four of their last five games and took over sole possession of second place in the ECHL North Division.

Toledo next plays at division leader Cincinnati on Thursday before returning home for games against Elmira on Friday and Reading on Saturday.