Walleye re-sign physical defenseman
Cerebral defenseman Tyler Elbrecht returns to Toledo
7/23/2014The Toledo Walleye re-signed physical and cerebral defenseman Tyler Elbrecht today.
Elbrecht was acquired by the organization in a trade in late February of last season. He appeared in in 21 games with the Walleye and posted two assists with 62 penalty minutes.
The rookie, who played at University of Minnesota State-Mankato, started his career with Idaho of the ECHL. The native of Edwardsville, Ill. scored one goal to go along with six assists and 110 penalty minutes in 45 games with the Steelheads before he was traded to Toledo on Feb. 24.
Walleye coach Derek Lalonde called Elbrecht a “a tough, physical, and strong defenseman.”
“He is a guy you want to have back on the blue line with that edge that he plays with and the smarts that he brings to the position,” Lalonde said.
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Elbrecht played in 142 college games before turning pro. Elbrecht, 25, had three goals, 24 assists, and 103 penalty minutes at Minnesota State-Mankato. He was elected captain in his junior and senior seasons for the Mavericks.
This is the third signing for Lalonde, who was named Toledo's head coach in June. His first signing, which was announced last week, was former Michigan State University goalie Jeff Lerg. The team also announced the signing of forward A.J. Jenks last week.