Walleye bring ‘Star Wars’ to ice

Team hopes to capitalize on popular Mud Hens’ theme night

The Walleye will wear X-Wing Pilot-themed jerseys, left, and the Kalamazoo Wings will wear Darth Vader-themed jerseys on Saturday.

The Toledo Walleye will hope the force is with them when they don jerseys with a Star Wars theme on Saturday night.

The Walleye players will take to the ice wearing X-Wing Pilot jerseys, representing the Rebel Alliance on Star Wars Night.

Toledo’s opponent, Kalamazoo, will represent the Dark Side and will wear Darth Vader-themed jerseys.

“Star Wars is one of those movies that everyone knows,” said Andi Roman, the team’s communications director. “You watched it as a kid and now you watch it with your kids. It's good versus evil. People just get swept up in it. And we have a lot of fun with it.

“We’re excited to bring one of our most popular promotions from the Mud Hens to the Walleye.”

Both teams’ jerseys will be auctioned off immediately after the game. Proceeds from the X-Wing Pilot jerseys will benefit the National MS Society. Proceeds from the Darth Vader jerseys will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The night also will include more Star Wars events.

Fans are encouraged to wear their best Star Wars outfits and prizes will be awarded to the best costume. There also will be special dining options.

The video board also will have Star Wars elements and sounds.

Star Wars characters, including Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, Clones, and Jedi, will be available for fan photos on the main concourse.

“The players are excited,” Roman said. “They know the fans really like the different specialty jerseys and think it’s great that both sides will be wearing one.”

She said fans have been talking about the night since it was announced this summer.

“As for the jerseys, it’s a kind of a love it or hate it,” Roman said.

“This night is going to be filled with unique Star Wars food, fun fanwear, and I’m sure the Huntington Center concourse will look like a Star Wars convention,” Roman said.

CUP COMING: The Stanley Cup and other NHL championship trophies will be on display Saturday at the Huntington Center.

The Stanley Cup will be joined by the Clarence Campbell Bowl, the Presidents’ Trophy, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the William Jennings Trophy, and the Frank Selke Trophy at the Walleye game.

Fans who purchase tickets to the game can view the Cup. 

A “Dinner with the Cup” ticket also is available. For more info about both events call 419-725-9255 or go to toledowalleye.com.

Contact Mark Monroe at: mmonroe@theblade.com, 419-724-6354 or on Twitter @MonroeBlade.