http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:04:43 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/02/highly-productive-walleye-defenseman-mccourt-signs-play-sweden/stories/20260602117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/02/highly-productive-walleye-defenseman-mccourt-signs-play-sweden/stories/20260602117#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:30:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/02/highly-productive-walleye-defenseman-mccourt-signs-play-sweden/stories/20260602117 Defenseman Riley McCourt, one of the most productive players in Toledo Walleye history, has signed to play next season for a team in Sweden. Toledo’s Riley McCourt shoots the puck during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Dec. 19, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/26/roster-instability-inconsistency-leads-to-disappointing-season-for-the-walleye/stories/20260526014 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/26/roster-instability-inconsistency-leads-to-disappointing-season-for-the-walleye/stories/20260526014#comments Tue, 26 May 2026 17:34:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/26/roster-instability-inconsistency-leads-to-disappointing-season-for-the-walleye/stories/20260526014 Constant roster churn led to inconsistency and an early exit for the Toledo Walleye, which fell well short of its annual expectations this season. Toledo celebrates a overtime win against Fort Wayne during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on May 15. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins skates out during introductions ahead of the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division semifinals between the Toledo Walleye and Bloomington Bison at the Huntington Center in Toledo on April 25. Toledo’s Reilly Funk, right, goes airborne after being tripped up by Bloomington’s Parker Gavlas during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division semifinals between the Toledo Walleye and Bloomington Bison at the Huntington Center in Toledo on April 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/21/walleye-players-coaches-thanks-supporters-during-fan-celebration-event/stories/20260521112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/21/walleye-players-coaches-thanks-supporters-during-fan-celebration-event/stories/20260521112#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 01:15:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/21/walleye-players-coaches-thanks-supporters-during-fan-celebration-event/stories/20260521112 For the second consecutive season, the Toledo Walleye sold out every home game, and the organization honored its loyal supporters with a fan celebration event on Thursday. A fan thanks Riley McCourt for his autograph on a calendar during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo on May 21. Attendees of all ages wait in line for player autographs during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo on May 21. Tom Blanchard watches as his daughter, Bethany, dances with Spike during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo on May 21. Sue Greenwade, Kara Tiller, and Kathy McGuire thank players after getting their autographs on signs and hats from Jacob Truscott, Brandon Hawkins, and Johnny Waldron during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo on May 21. Bob Meyers holds a flag that displays six years worth of autographs during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Walleye goalie Carter Gylander signs a fans tapestry with him on it during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Will MacKinnon signs a jersey for a fan during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Lennox Lafferty, 5, holds a sign that reads “proud fanatic” while waiting in line for player autographs during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. CatTrick sits to play with Madilynn Drummer, a 20 month-old of Ypsilanti, during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Spike dances on a table top during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Michael Milne takes a selfie with Rayne Wilcox during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Carson Bantle signs a tapestry for Nathan Hoffman, 12, of Holland during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Walleye goalie Carter Gylander signs a jersey for Brycen Oliver, 15, during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Sue Greenwade sports Walleye-themed tennis shoes during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. Opie Rollins, 2, of Toledo plays with a mini hockey stick while waiting in line for player autographs during the Walleye’s year-end fan event at Hensville Park in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/19/walleye-eliminated-from-playoffs-5-3-loss-rival-komets-in-division-final/stories/20260519108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/19/walleye-eliminated-from-playoffs-5-3-loss-rival-komets-in-division-final/stories/20260519108#comments Wed, 20 May 2026 02:31:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/19/walleye-eliminated-from-playoffs-5-3-loss-rival-komets-in-division-final/stories/20260519108 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — For the first time since 2018, the Toledo Walleye will not advance to the conference finals after they were eliminated from the Kelly Cup playoffs by the rival Fort Wayne Komets on Tuesday night. Toledo's Tanner Kelly tussles with Fort Wayne's Trevor Janicke in Game 6 of the Central Division finals. The Walleye's Brandon Kruse challenges Fort Wayne's Jalen Smereck for a puck in Game 6 of the Central Division finals. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/18/walleye-look-follow-same-script-must-win-game-6-vs-fort-wayne/stories/20260518088 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/18/walleye-look-follow-same-script-must-win-game-6-vs-fort-wayne/stories/20260518088#comments Mon, 18 May 2026 20:30:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/18/walleye-look-follow-same-script-must-win-game-6-vs-fort-wayne/stories/20260518088 After surging back into the division finals with two season-saving wins, the Toledo Walleye look to “rinse and repeat” against the Fort Wayne Komets. Toledo’s Sam Craggs, left, and Fort Wayne’s Matthew Brown go after the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins handles the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/17/briggs-walleye-best-fans-minor-league-hockey-when-will-toledo-take-advantage/stories/20260517100 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/17/briggs-walleye-best-fans-minor-league-hockey-when-will-toledo-take-advantage/stories/20260517100#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 20:24:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/17/briggs-walleye-best-fans-minor-league-hockey-when-will-toledo-take-advantage/stories/20260517100 They called off the Friday night fish fry, then Saturday’s too. Toledo Walleye fans cheer against the Trois-Rivieres Lions in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey finals at the Huntington Center on June 2, 2025 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/16/walleye-stave-off-elimination-playoffs-4-1-win-over-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260516108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/16/walleye-stave-off-elimination-playoffs-4-1-win-over-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260516108#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 02:32:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/16/walleye-stave-off-elimination-playoffs-4-1-win-over-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260516108 The traditionally high-scoring Toledo Walleye offense had been unusually quiet in its division final series against Fort Wayne until it erupted on Saturday night to once again extend the postseason run. Toledo’s Brandon Kruse moves the puck away from Fort Wayne’s Tyson Feist. Toledo’s Mitch Lewandowski moves the puck away from Fort Wayne’s Josh Bloom. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/15/walleye-extend-season-with-3-2-overtime-win-over-fort-wayne/stories/20260515117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/15/walleye-extend-season-with-3-2-overtime-win-over-fort-wayne/stories/20260515117#comments Sat, 16 May 2026 02:49:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/15/walleye-extend-season-with-3-2-overtime-win-over-fort-wayne/stories/20260515117 Rookie Reilly Funk played the role of hero on Friday night for the Toledo Walleye, who lived to fight another day as they emerged with an intense 3-2 overtime win over rival Fort Wayne in a must-win situation at the Huntington Center. Toledo celebrates a overtime win against Fort Wayne during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Walleye defeated the Komets, 3-2 in overtime. Toledo’s Garrett Van Wyhe and Fort Wayne’s Alex Aleardi chase after the puck during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Friday, May 15, 2026. Toledo’s Michael Milne and Fort Wayne’sTyler Inamoto chase after the puck during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Friday, May 15, 2026. Toledo’s Nick Andrews and Fort Wayne’s Josh Bloom chase after the puck during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Friday, May 15, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-fall-4-2-to-fort-wayne-in-game-3-now-on-brink-of-elimination/stories/20260514130 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-fall-4-2-to-fort-wayne-in-game-3-now-on-brink-of-elimination/stories/20260514130#comments Fri, 15 May 2026 02:38:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-fall-4-2-to-fort-wayne-in-game-3-now-on-brink-of-elimination/stories/20260514130 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Toledo held one-goal leads in both the first and second periods in Game 3 of the Central Division finals on Thursday, but the Fort Wayne Komets scored the final three to put the Walleye on the brink of elimination. Toledo's Cam Hausinger faces off against Fort Wayne's Austin Magera during Thursday's Game 3. Toledo forward Brandon Kruse celebrates his first-period goal in Game 3 of the Central Division finals on Thursday. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-announce-2026-27-schedule-home-opener/stories/20260514127 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-announce-2026-27-schedule-home-opener/stories/20260514127#comments Thu, 14 May 2026 19:25:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/14/walleye-announce-2026-27-schedule-home-opener/stories/20260514127 The Toledo Walleye will host the rival Fort Wayne Komets in their home opener next season. Toledo fans twirl towels during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Riley McCourt skates out during player intros ahead of the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/12/walleye-fall-3-0-game-2-fort-wayne-komets-2-0-series-lead/stories/20260512093 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/12/walleye-fall-3-0-game-2-fort-wayne-komets-2-0-series-lead/stories/20260512093#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 02:12:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/12/walleye-fall-3-0-game-2-fort-wayne-komets-2-0-series-lead/stories/20260512093 The frustrated Toledo Walleye carried much of the play over the first half of Game 2 of the Central Division finals on Tuesday night, but Fort Wayne responded in the later stages with three unanswered goals to take a 3-0 victory at the Huntington Center. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins handles the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Sam Craggs, left, and Fort Wayne’s Matthew Brown go after the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Riley McCourt skates out during player intros ahead of the game. Toledo’s Will MacKinnon takes a shot during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Carson Bantle, left, and Fort Wayne’s Tyler Inamoto go after the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Dylan Moulton takes a shot during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Garrett Van Wyhe, left, and Fort Wayne’s Zach Bookman go for the puck during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo’s Tanner Kelly takes a shot during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. Toledo fans twirl towels during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/10/walleye-drop-game-1-division-finals-4-1-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260510123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/10/walleye-drop-game-1-division-finals-4-1-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260510123#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 00:06:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/10/walleye-drop-game-1-division-finals-4-1-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260510123 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Toledo Walleye played well in stretches in Game 1 of the Central Division finals on Sunday, but the Fort Wayne Komets cashed in when they controlled the action at Memorial Coliseum. Toledo Walleye goaltender Carter Gylander makes a save in Game 1 of the Central Division finals. Toledo's Nick Andrews battles with Fort Wayne's Matt Copponi in Game 1 of the second round of the ECHL playoffs. Toledo's Will MacKinnon(4) battles with Austin Magera (24) in Game 1 of the Central Diviison finals. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/09/fierce-fight-walleye-square-off-again-against-rival-fort-wayne-division-finals/stories/20260509027 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/09/fierce-fight-walleye-square-off-again-against-rival-fort-wayne-division-finals/stories/20260509027#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/09/fierce-fight-walleye-square-off-again-against-rival-fort-wayne-division-finals/stories/20260509027 Another fierce fight should play out in the Kelly Cup playoffs as bitter adversaries Toledo and Fort Wayne meet once again in one of the top rivalries in the ECHL. Toledo’s Johnny Waldron and Fort Wayne’s Jalen Smereck race to the puck during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Feb. 15. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins and Fort Wayne’s Matt Murphy chase after the puck in the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo, on Dec. 6, 2025. Toledo’s Tanner Kelly drives the puck down the ice as Fort Wayne’s Reece Harsch follows him during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Feb. 15. Toledo’s Brandon Kruse and Fort Wayne’s Reece Harsch fight for the puck during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Feb. 15. Toledo’s Mitch Lewandowski handles the puck as Fort Wayne’s Matt Copponi trails him during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Feb. 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039 Rick Marlowe felt dizzy as the pyrotechnic display went off during the Walleye player introductions at the Huntington Center on Sunday — and then he felt a jolt of lightning in his chest. Off-Ice official Rick Marlowe watches an ECHL hockey game Feb. 17, 2019 at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. Toledo Walleye captain Brandon Hawkins helps off-ice official Rick Marlowe, middle, carry items from the penalty box after a recent home game as Ken Tarry looks on. Walleye players Brandon Hawkins and Michael Milne help guide a stretcher off the ice before last Sunday's game at the Huntington Center. Off-ice official Rick Marlowe experienced a medical episode in the penalty box. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 15:16:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082 From concerts to commencement ceremonies, the fate of the Toledo Walleye playoff schedule often comes down to the availability of the building. Toledo Walleye goalie Carter Gylander is introduced against the Trois-Rivieres in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey finals at the Huntington Center on June 2, 2025, in downtown Toledo. Komets’ Anthony Petruzzelli chases after the puck while Toledo Walleye’s David Pope tries to stop him during the second period at Memorial Coliseum on April 19, 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/06/walleye-pass-playoff-test-vs-bloomington-look-use-lessons-against-fort-wayne/stories/20260505103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/06/walleye-pass-playoff-test-vs-bloomington-look-use-lessons-against-fort-wayne/stories/20260505103#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/06/walleye-pass-playoff-test-vs-bloomington-look-use-lessons-against-fort-wayne/stories/20260505103 After breezing through the first round in their past three playoff appearances, the Toledo Walleye faced a stiffer test against the Bloomington Bison in the opening round this year. Toledo players celebrate a goal during the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division semifinals between the Toledo Walleye and Bloomington Bison at the Huntington Center in Toledo on April 25. Walleye fans play the air guitar with stuffed walleye fish during the Central Division semifinal hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on April 22. Toledo fans wave their towels in the air in the first period of game 6 in an ECHL playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on May 3. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/03/walleye-advance-2nd-round-kelly-cup-playoffs-eliminate-scrappy-bloomington/stories/20260503123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/03/walleye-advance-2nd-round-kelly-cup-playoffs-eliminate-scrappy-bloomington/stories/20260503123#comments Mon, 04 May 2026 00:48:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/03/walleye-advance-2nd-round-kelly-cup-playoffs-eliminate-scrappy-bloomington/stories/20260503123 The Toledo Walleye outlasted a scrappy Bloomington Bison team by scoring gritty goals as they advanced to the second round of the Kelly Cup playoffs, where they will face a familiar foe. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins celebrates their first goal in the first period of game 6. Toledo’s Michael Milne moves the puck away from Bloomington’s Brenden Datema and Kyle Jackson in the first period of game 6. Toledo’s Nick Andrews enters the ice. Toledo fans wave their towels in the air. Toledo’s Reilly Funk reaches for the puck past Bloomington’s Nikita Sedov. Toledo’s Nick Andrews moves the puck away from Bloomington’s Brenden Datema. Toledo’s Nick Andrews gets tripped up by Bloomington’s Brenden Datema. Toledo’s Carson Bantle lays out to reach for the puck Bloomington’s in the first period of game 6. Toledo’s Sam Craggs chases after the puck against Bloomington’s Seung Jae Lee. Toledo’s Mitch Lewandowski moves the puck away from Bloomington’s Seung Jae Lee. Toledo’s Cam Hausinger and Bloomington’s Nikita Sedov collide. Toledo celebrates their second goal in the second period of game 6. Toledo’s Kyle Gaffney gets tripped by Bloomington’s Kyle Jackson. Toledo’s Carter Gylander keeps his eye on the puck in the second period of game 6. Toledo’s Nick Andrews reaches for the puck against Bloomington’s Lou-Felix Denis. Toledo’s Riley McCourt fight with Bloomington’s Zach Faremouth. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/02/walleye-look-close-out-bloomington-playoff-series-by-converting-power-plays/stories/20260501108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/02/walleye-look-close-out-bloomington-playoff-series-by-converting-power-plays/stories/20260501108#comments Sat, 02 May 2026 20:14:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/02/walleye-look-close-out-bloomington-playoff-series-by-converting-power-plays/stories/20260501108 As the physicality of the Kelly Cup playoffs intensifies, the Toledo Walleye must continue to make the Bloomington Bison pay for taking penalties. Toledo’s Riley McCourt shoots the puck during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on Dec.19, 2025. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins skates out during introductions ahead of the second game of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division semifinals between the Toledo Walleye and Bloomington Bison at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Toledo’s Jacob Truscott shoots the puck past Cincinnati’s Spencer Cox during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Huntington Center in Toledo on April 10. Toledo’s Nick Andrews shoots the puck scoring the first goal of the night during the first period of an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Huntington Center in Toledo on April 10. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/30/walleye-pepper-bloomington-goalie-mckay-with-39-shots-but-fall-2-1-as-bison-exte/stories/20260430128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/30/walleye-pepper-bloomington-goalie-mckay-with-39-shots-but-fall-2-1-as-bison-exte/stories/20260430128#comments Fri, 01 May 2026 03:26:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/30/walleye-pepper-bloomington-goalie-mckay-with-39-shots-but-fall-2-1-as-bison-exte/stories/20260430128 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Toledo put plenty of pucks on net and did everything it could to win Game 5 of the ECHL Central Division semifinals at Grossinger Motors Arena on Thursday night, but Bloomington goalie Dryden McKay made sure the series would continue. Bloomington goalie Dryden McKay makes a save against Toledo's Tanner Kelly in Game 5 of the ECHL Central Division semifinals on Thursday night. The Walleye celebrate a first-period goal in Game 5 of the Central Division semifinals at Bloomington, Ill. on Thursday. Toledo forward Dylan Moulton tracks down Bloomington's Lou-Felix Denis in the Central Division semifinals on Thursday. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/29/walleye-fall-5-3-to-bloomington-as-bison-force-game-5-in-division-semifinal-play/stories/20260429106 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/29/walleye-fall-5-3-to-bloomington-as-bison-force-game-5-in-division-semifinal-play/stories/20260429106#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:19:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/29/walleye-fall-5-3-to-bloomington-as-bison-force-game-5-in-division-semifinal-play/stories/20260429106 The Toledo Walleye let a golden chance to put away their first-round playoff opponent slip away on Wednesday night as the Bloomington Bison kept their season alive. The Toledo Walleye players celebrate a first period goal in Game 4 of the ECHL Central Division semifinals on Wednesday. Walleye defenseman Riley McCourt looks to take a shot in Game 4 of the Central Division semifinal series against the Bloomington Bison on Wednesday night.