Walleye's Rauch released, Hirschfeld moved to Grand Rapids

2/6/2014
BLADE STAFF

Two Walleye players with local ties were involved in roster moves today.

Toledo released defenseman Phil Rauch, a native of Lambertville, Mich., at his request.

Forward Alden Hirschfeld, a Sylvania native, has been promoted to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.

Rauch, a St. Francis de Sales High School graduate, has appeared in the second most games in Walleye franchise history. He played in 169 games over the last three seasons and has posted five goals, 19 assists, and 138 penalty minutes.

The organization said Rauch, 26, asked to be released “due to personal reasons.”

“We wish Phil all the best going forward ,” Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said. “He has been a great player and person for this organization. He will be missed. He has basically been working two full-time jobs and it is time for him to concentrate more on one of them.”

The sturdy, stay-at-home defenseman had one assist and was a minus-one in 26 games this season.

Hirschfeld, a Northview graduate, heads back to Grand Rapids where he collected an assist in two games this season. Hirschfeld is tied with forward Travis Novak for second on the Walleye in scoring this season with 24 points (6 G, 18 A).

The Walleye are in the midst of playing five straight road games. Toledo plays at Cincinnati on Friday night.