Walleye sign 3 defensemen

8/14/2014

With opening night 66 days away, the Walleye's roster continues to round into shape.

The organization signed three defensemen on Wednesday. Kevin Clare, Olivier Picard, and Joe Houk have agreed to terms with the organization.

“All of these players come from elite programs,” Walleye coach Derek Lalonde said. “Each one knows what it takes to be on a winning program and succeed at a very high level.”

Clare, 22, played four seasons at the University of Michigan. In 111 games, the native of New Rochelle, N.Y. posted three goals, 21 assists, and had a plus-minus rating of plus-13.

Houk, 24, spent the last two years at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell where he picked up 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists), and 90 penalty minutes in 74 games. The native of Richboro, Penn. helped lead the River Hawks to the 2012-13 Hockey East championship.

Picard, 21, hails from Cowansville, Quebec and was captain of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. In 63 games, Picard posted a career-high seven goals and 26 points while tying a career-high 19 assists.

Toledo has 11 players on its preseason roster. The Walleye’s season opener is on Oct. 18.