http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:01 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:37:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109 The ECHL Central Division semifinals will pit an experienced Toledo Walleye team with high expectations against the newcomer Bloomington Bison, looking to make a run in their first playoff appearance. Toledo’s Will Hillman, left, and Bloomington’s Parker Gavlas during an ECHL hockey game Jan. 4 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Toledo’s Tanner Palocsik skates out during introductions ahead of an ECHL hockey game against the Indy Fuel on Nov. 1 at the Huntington Center in Toledo . Toledo’s Will MacKinnon and Bloomington’s Ayden MacDonald fight during the third period of an ECHL hockey game March 29 at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo. The Walleye defeated the Bloomington Bison, 4-3. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:03:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091 The Toledo Walleye embark on their annual Kelly Cup playoff run, bolstered by a roster filled with plenty of size and valuable depth. Walleye forward Mitch Lewandowski celebrates scoring a goal against the Bloomington Bison during an ECHL Hockey game on Dec.3, 2025, at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Toledo celebrates a goal during the third period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. The Walleye defeated the Bloomington Bison, 4-3. Walleye players and coaches at practice at the Huntington Center on Tuesday prepare for Game 1 of the ECHL Central Division semifinals. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/19/walleye-finish-2nd-central-division-face-bloomington-1st-round-playoffs/stories/20260419119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/19/walleye-finish-2nd-central-division-face-bloomington-1st-round-playoffs/stories/20260419119#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:19:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/19/walleye-finish-2nd-central-division-face-bloomington-1st-round-playoffs/stories/20260419119 It took all 72 games of the ECHL regular season for the Toledo Walleye to find out who they would play in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs. Toledo’s Reilly Funk and Bloomington’s Kylor Wall chase after the puck during the third period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. The Walleye defeated the Bloomington Bison, 4-3. Toledo’s Carson Bantle and Bloomington’s Seung Jae Lee chase after the puck during the first period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/17/walleye-earn-clutch-5-2-win-over-wheeling/stories/20260417126 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/17/walleye-earn-clutch-5-2-win-over-wheeling/stories/20260417126#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:20:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/17/walleye-earn-clutch-5-2-win-over-wheeling/stories/20260417126 The Toledo Walleye did their part to keep their hopes of raising another banner to the rafters at the Huntington Center alive on Friday night. Toledo’s Carter Gylander blocks a shot by Wheeling’s Logan Pietila. Toledo’s Carson Bantle chases after the puck against Wheeling’s Aidan Sutter. Toledo’s Reilly Funk pushes Wheeling’s Connor Lockhart as they chase after the puck. Toledo’s Reilly Funk gets tripped by Wheeling’s Aidan Sutter. Toledo’s Carson Bantle chases after the puck against Wheeling’s Aidan Sutter. Toledo’s Reilly Funk moves the puck away from Wheeling’s Alexander Kugail. Toledo’s Brandon Kruse falls while chasing after the puck against Wheeling’s Emil Pieniniemi. Toledo’s Cam Hausinger collides with Wheeling’s Mike Posma. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins moves the puck away from Wheeling’s Brent Johnson. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-keep-hopes-of-division-title-alive-with-4-1-win-at-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260416124 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-keep-hopes-of-division-title-alive-with-4-1-win-at-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260416124#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:20:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-keep-hopes-of-division-title-alive-with-4-1-win-at-rival-fort-wayne/stories/20260416124 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Facing a must-win scenario to keep their hopes of winning a division title alive on Thursday night, the Toledo Walleye handed rival Fort Wayne a 4-1 loss at Memorial Coliseum. Walleye rookie forward Tanner Kelly positions himself in front of the Fort Wayne net on Thursday night. Walleye defenseman Riley McCourt takes a shot against Fort Wayne on Thursday. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-captain-hawkins-named-all-echl-first-team-4th-straight-season/stories/20260416107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-captain-hawkins-named-all-echl-first-team-4th-straight-season/stories/20260416107#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:42:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/16/walleye-captain-hawkins-named-all-echl-first-team-4th-straight-season/stories/20260416107 For the fourth consecutive season, Toledo Walleye captain Brandon Hawkins has earned All-ECHL first-team honors. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins moves the puck away from Iowa’s Elliott McDermott during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/12/walleye-fall-comets-battle-central-contenders/stories/20260412134 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/12/walleye-fall-comets-battle-central-contenders/stories/20260412134#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:28:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/12/walleye-fall-comets-battle-central-contenders/stories/20260412134 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Toledo Walleye fell to the Fort Wayne Komets 5-3 on Sunday in a battle of the top two teams in the ECHL’s Central Division. Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson and Cincinnati’s Elijah Vilio scramble to control the puck during 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/2026/04/11/walleye-secure-crucial-shootout-win-cincinnati/stories/20260411113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/11/walleye-secure-crucial-shootout-win-cincinnati/stories/20260411113#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:05:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/11/walleye-secure-crucial-shootout-win-cincinnati/stories/20260411113 CINCINNATI — The Toledo Walleye kept pace with rival Fort Wayne in the race for the ECHL Central Division title, rallying for a 5-4 shootout victory Saturday at Cincinnati. Toledo’s Garrett Van Wyhe moves the puck towards the goal during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/10/slow-start-weak-finish-cost-walleye-4-3-ot-loss-cincinnati/stories/20260410127 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/10/slow-start-weak-finish-cost-walleye-4-3-ot-loss-cincinnati/stories/20260410127#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:14:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/10/slow-start-weak-finish-cost-walleye-4-3-ot-loss-cincinnati/stories/20260410127 Slow starts and weak finishes continue to be a bugaboo for the Walleye recently, with both costing Toledo an extra point on Friday night. Toledo’s Jacob Truscott shoots the puck past Cincinnati’s Spencer Cox. Toledo’s Reilly Funk and Garrett Van Wyhe scramble for the puck against Cincinnati’s Gabriel Bernier and Kurtis Henry. Cincinnati’s Kurtis Henry and Toledo’s Nolan Hutchenson attempt to control the puck. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/09/walleye-tweak-roster-look-clinch-division-title-stretch-run-playoffs/stories/20260409114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/09/walleye-tweak-roster-look-clinch-division-title-stretch-run-playoffs/stories/20260409114#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:25:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/09/walleye-tweak-roster-look-clinch-division-title-stretch-run-playoffs/stories/20260409114 As the Toledo Walleye head down the final critical stretch of the ECHL regular season, the team is not only seeking a division title, but also roster cohesion. Toledo players wait for Tahoe’s game winning goal to be reviewed in overtime during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 22. Coach Pat Mikesch speaks to his team during a Walleye hockey practice at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Oct. 6. A Walleye fan waves a flag during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 22. Toledo’s Cam Hausinger celebrates after a fight during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-captain-brandon-hawkins-becomes-franchisea-all-time-scoring-leader/stories/20260407111 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-captain-brandon-hawkins-becomes-franchisea-all-time-scoring-leader/stories/20260407111#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:30:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-captain-brandon-hawkins-becomes-franchisea-all-time-scoring-leader/stories/20260407111 Equal parts magician and tactician, Walleye captain Brandon Hawkins has solidified his status as the best player to ever play for Toledo’s ECHL franchise. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins moves the puck away from Iowa’s Elliott McDermott during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 1. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins celebrates a goal during the second period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. Walleye’s Brandon Hawkins smiles while talking on a panel during the Walleye's Faith and Family Night at the Huntington Center on Feb. 4, 2024 in Toledo. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins sits on the ice as former Toledo hockey players are introduced before an ECHL hockey game against Kalamazoo at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo, on Jan. 23. Toledo Walleye forward Brandon Hawkins celebrates scoring a goal against the Wheeling Nailers during the second period of an ECHL hockey game on Nov. 1, 2024 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-sign-college-prospect-gaffney-a-forward-from-minnesota-duluth-university/stories/20260407105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-sign-college-prospect-gaffney-a-forward-from-minnesota-duluth-university/stories/20260407105#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:01:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/07/walleye-sign-college-prospect-gaffney-a-forward-from-minnesota-duluth-university/stories/20260407105 The Toledo Walleye have signed Kyle Gaffney, a forward who recently completed his career at Minnesota-Duluth University. The Walleye have signed forward Kyle Gaffney, a native of Plymouth, Mich. Toledo has signed forward Kyle Gaffney, who has played in 139 NCAA games and had 60 points. He finished with 17 goals and 43 assists. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/04/walleye-see-brief-win-streak-end-loss-nailers/stories/20260404127 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/04/walleye-see-brief-win-streak-end-loss-nailers/stories/20260404127#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:13:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/04/walleye-see-brief-win-streak-end-loss-nailers/stories/20260404127 The Toledo Walleye had their three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday at the Huntington Center with a 4-2 loss to the Wheeling Nailers. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins moves the puck away from Iowa’s Elliott McDermott during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/03/brandon-hawkins-sets-all-time-walleye-points-record-road-win/stories/20260403125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/03/brandon-hawkins-sets-all-time-walleye-points-record-road-win/stories/20260403125#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:10:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/03/brandon-hawkins-sets-all-time-walleye-points-record-road-win/stories/20260403125 KALAMAZOO — Brandon Hawkins, or the Mayor as he is referred to among the Toledo Walleye faithful, is now alone atop the franchise’s all-time points list after a third-period goal scored in Friday’s 6-2 victory at Kalamazoo. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins, seen here in a March 27 game at the Huntington Center, scored a goal on Friday at Kalamazoo to become the franchise's all-time points leader. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins takes a shot during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/01/walleye-secure-important-overtime-victory-at-indy/stories/20260401169 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/01/walleye-secure-important-overtime-victory-at-indy/stories/20260401169#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:07:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/01/walleye-secure-important-overtime-victory-at-indy/stories/20260401169 FISHERS, Ind. — The Toledo Walleye earned an important two points Wednesday in its quest for an ECHL Central Division title, winning 5-4 in overtime at Indy. Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson attempts a goal against Bloomington’s Dryden McKay during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/walleye-sign-college-defenseman/stories/20260331112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/walleye-sign-college-defenseman/stories/20260331112#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:47:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/walleye-sign-college-defenseman/stories/20260331112 The Toledo Walleye have signed Campbell Cichosz, a defenseman who just wrapped up his college career at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Walleye have signed Campbell Cichosz, a defenseman who just wrapped up his college career at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Campbell Cichosz, a defenseman who just wrapped up his college career at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has signed with the Walleye. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/forward-milne-defenseman-truscott-assigned-walleye-from-grand-rapids/stories/20260331097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/forward-milne-defenseman-truscott-assigned-walleye-from-grand-rapids/stories/20260331097#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:14:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/31/forward-milne-defenseman-truscott-assigned-walleye-from-grand-rapids/stories/20260331097 Forward Michael Milne, who has spent four years in the American Hockey League, has been assigned to the Walleye from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Forward Michael Milne has been assigned to the Walleye from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Forward Michael Milne, who has played in 196 AHL games, has been assigned to the Toledo Walleye from Grand Rapids. Toledo's Jacob Truscott with the puck as the Walleye face off against the Thunder of Wichita at Huntington Center on Nov. 22, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/29/stellar-special-teams-play-propel-walleye-last-second-win-over-bloomington/stories/20260329117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/29/stellar-special-teams-play-propel-walleye-last-second-win-over-bloomington/stories/20260329117#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:54:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/29/stellar-special-teams-play-propel-walleye-last-second-win-over-bloomington/stories/20260329117 Walleye forward Dylan Moulton capped a special Sunday for Toledo’s special teams units when he scored the game-winning goal with 24 seconds left in regulation. Toledo’s Dylan Moulton celebrates a late goal. Toledo’s Will MacKinnon and Bloomington’s Ayden MacDonald fight. Toledo’s Reilly Funk gets tripped by Bloomington’s Kylor Wall. Toledo’s Reilly Funk and Bloomington’s Kylor Wall chase after the puck. A Toledo fan rings a cowbell. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/28/walleye-rally-to-salvage-point-fall-overtime/stories/20260328128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/28/walleye-rally-to-salvage-point-fall-overtime/stories/20260328128#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:21:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/28/walleye-rally-to-salvage-point-fall-overtime/stories/20260328128 The Toledo Walleye managed to come back from a three-goal deficit and force overtime but fell in the extra period 4-3 to the Bloomington Bison on Saturday at the Huntington Center. Tahoe’s Trent Swick attempts to steal the puck from Toledo’s Colin Swoyer in overtime during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/27/walleye-see-pair-one-goal-leads-disappear-shootout-loss-indy/stories/20260327128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/27/walleye-see-pair-one-goal-leads-disappear-shootout-loss-indy/stories/20260327128#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:33:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/03/27/walleye-see-pair-one-goal-leads-disappear-shootout-loss-indy/stories/20260327128 In a potential playoff preview, the Toledo Walleye let a point slip away against division foe Indy on Friday night. Toledo’s Alexandre Doucet, left, handles the puck as Indy’s Jason Ahearn trails. Toledo players celebrate their first period goal. Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins celebrates his first period goal.