U.S. team to play in Walleye Winterfest

National U-18 Team will play Adrian College at Fifth Third Field

3/28/2014

A team from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program will participate in the Toledo Walleye’s 10-day outdoor event in December.

The U.S. National U-18 Team will play Adrian College on the outdoor rink at Fifth Third Field. The Walleye announced on Thursday that the two teams will play on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.

Scott Monaghan, the senior director of operations for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, said it will be the first time any team from the organization has played in an outdoor game.

“USA hockey is grateful for everyone involved in Winterfest and look forward to a wonderful experience for our younger players,” Monaghan said.

The Walleye Winterfest will be a 10-day event from Dec. 26 through Jan. 4 in downtown Toledo. It will include the first two outdoor games in ECHL history. The Walleye play Kalamazoo on Dec. 27 and Fort Wayne on Jan. 3.

More than 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the Walleye games. Tickets for the lower level at Fifth Third Field are $30, while tickets for club seats are $40.

The Mud Hens home field will be converted from a baseball field into an outdoor hockey rink. It will feature a full-size rink that will stretch across the infield with the two goals located near first and third base.

The event also will include an alumni game between Toledo and Fort Wayne, a college game between Bowling Green State University and Robert Morris University, and more than 100 youth, high school, and adult games.

For more info, call 419-725-9255 or go to toledowalleye.com/​winterfest to be put on a list to receive ticket information updates.

ROSTER MOVES: Walleye forward Travis Novak has returned to the team from his loan to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, while defenseman Joe Gleason has been recalled to Rockford of the AHL.

Novak has posted 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 43 games with Toledo. Novak has appeared in nine games this year with the Griffins in two stints and has collected three points (goal, 2 assists).

Gleason started the season in Rockford and had one assist in seven games before being assigned to the Walleye. The 23-year-old defenseman has 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) in 48 games with Toledo this year.

Defenseman Max Nicastro also has been recalled to Grand Rapids. Nicastro has spent the entire season with the Walleye, collecting 16 points — all assists — in 58 games.

The Walleye have 10 games remaining.

They play at Wheeling on Friday and at Kalamazoo on Saturday before returning home Sunday to host the Wings.