http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:16:47 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/28/walleye-bring-back-veteran-goalie-matt-jurusik/stories/20260928104 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/28/walleye-bring-back-veteran-goalie-matt-jurusik/stories/20260928104#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:51:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/28/walleye-bring-back-veteran-goalie-matt-jurusik/stories/20260928104 The Toledo Walleye have re-signed goaltender Matt Jurusik, a veteran netminder who played in 16 games for the team last season. Toledo’s goalie Matt Jurusik keeps his eye on the puck Dec. 20 at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/27/hockey-former-walleye-coach-watson-return-huntington-center-grand-rapids/stories/20260927147 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/27/hockey-former-walleye-coach-watson-return-huntington-center-grand-rapids/stories/20260927147#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:59:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/27/hockey-former-walleye-coach-watson-return-huntington-center-grand-rapids/stories/20260927147 The unmistakable sounds and speed of hockey returned to downtown Toledo this weekend for two preseason American Hockey League games at the Huntington Center. Dan Watson, head coach for Grand Rapids, watches during a preseason game between the Cleveland Monsters and Grand Rapids Griffins at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Sept. 27. Cleveland’s Josh Eernisse handles the puck past Grand Rapid’s Jacob Truscott during a preseason game between the Cleveland Monsters and Grand Rapids Griffins at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Sept. 27. Grand Rapid’s Trey Augustine watches for the puck during a preseason game between the Cleveland Monsters and Grand Rapids Griffins at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Sept. 27. Cleveland’s Josh Eernisse falls after Grand Rapid’s Ronnie Attard checks him during a preseason game between the Cleveland Monsters and Grand Rapids Griffins at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Sept. 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/25/walleye-receive-5-players-grand-rapids-including-echl-mvp-crawford/stories/20260925104 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/25/walleye-receive-5-players-grand-rapids-including-echl-mvp-crawford/stories/20260925104#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2026 21:26:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/25/walleye-receive-5-players-grand-rapids-including-echl-mvp-crawford/stories/20260925104 The Grand Rapids Griffins have assigned five players, including ECHL MVP Marcus Crawford and goaltender Jonathan Lemieux, to the Toledo Walleye. Toledo’s Nolan Moyle and Kansas City’s Marcus Crawford fight for possession of the puck in the first period of an ECHL playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on May 20, 2025. Kalamazoo's Jonathan Lemieux blocks the puck during the game at the Huntington Center on Jan. 5, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/11/walleye-acquire-defenseman-schade-in-deal-with-reading/stories/20260911102 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/11/walleye-acquire-defenseman-schade-in-deal-with-reading/stories/20260911102#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:56:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/09/11/walleye-acquire-defenseman-schade-in-deal-with-reading/stories/20260911102 The Toledo Walleye have acquired defenseman Carter Schade from the Reading Royals. Defenseman Carter Schade, who was acquired from Reading by the Toledo Walleye on Friday, played just three games for the Royals last season after wrapping up his college career at Penn State University. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/26/walleye-sign-big-physical-foward-scott-docherty/stories/20260826099 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/26/walleye-sign-big-physical-foward-scott-docherty/stories/20260826099#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:30:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/26/walleye-sign-big-physical-foward-scott-docherty/stories/20260826099 The Toledo Walleye have signed Scott Docherty, a big forward who should add physicality to the roster. Newly signed Walleye forward Scott Docherty, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound right winger, played in 12 ECHL games for the South Carolina Stingrays last season. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:28:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/17/forward-greg-smith-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260817079 The Toledo Walleye have signed Greg Smith, a forward who has played in 112 ECHL games. Forward Greg Smith, who played for both Greensboro and Adirondack last season in the ECHL last season, has signed with the Toledo Walleye. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/14/walleye-acquire-forward-nick-nardecchia-trade-wichita/stories/20260814092 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/14/walleye-acquire-forward-nick-nardecchia-trade-wichita/stories/20260814092#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:57:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/14/walleye-acquire-forward-nick-nardecchia-trade-wichita/stories/20260814092 The Toledo Walleye have signed Nick Nardecchia, a forward who will be entering his second pro season. Forward Nick Nardecchia played for the Wichita Thunder in his first season in the ECHL last year. He posted 20 points with five goals and 15 assists in 71 games. He signed with the Walleye on Friday. Forward Nick Nardecchia played for the Wichita Thunder in his first season in the ECHL last year. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/12/walleye-add-size-to-roster-with-re-signing-of-defenseman-nolan-hutcheson/stories/20260812098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/12/walleye-add-size-to-roster-with-re-signing-of-defenseman-nolan-hutcheson/stories/20260812098#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:53:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/12/walleye-add-size-to-roster-with-re-signing-of-defenseman-nolan-hutcheson/stories/20260812098 The Toledo Walleye have signed Nolan Hutcheson, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward who played in eight games for the team last season. Toledo’s Nolan Hutcheson reaches for the puck against Bloomington’s Kylor Wall during the first period of an ECHL game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 28. Toledo’s Nolan Hutcheson gets tangled up with Bloomington’s Baker Gavlas during a game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/11/rookie-forward-kyle-gaffney-returns-walleye/stories/20260811096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/11/rookie-forward-kyle-gaffney-returns-walleye/stories/20260811096#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:31:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/11/rookie-forward-kyle-gaffney-returns-walleye/stories/20260811096 The Walleye have re-signed forward Kyle Gaffney, a rookie who started his career in Toledo at the end of last season. Toledo’s Kyle Gaffney gets tripped by Bloomington’s Kyle Jackson in the second 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/2026/08/10/familiar-faces-walleye-forward-lewandowski-14th-player-set-return-toledo/stories/20260810081 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/10/familiar-faces-walleye-forward-lewandowski-14th-player-set-return-toledo/stories/20260810081#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:56:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/10/familiar-faces-walleye-forward-lewandowski-14th-player-set-return-toledo/stories/20260810081 The Toledo Walleye have added another valuable — and familiar — asset by re-signing high-scoring forward Mitch Lewandowski. Toledo’s Mitch Lewandowski skates with the puck during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Cincinnati Cyclones at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Dec. 30, 2023. Evelyn Long, 9, smiles as Mitch Lewandowski of the Toledo Walleye lies out a jersey for her to decorate at ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital in Toledo on Wednesday, March 25. The jerseys will be worn during the upcoming Kids Takeover Night. 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/2026/08/08/forward-johnny-waldron-returns-to-the-walleye-lineup/stories/20260808083 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/08/forward-johnny-waldron-returns-to-the-walleye-lineup/stories/20260808083#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:39:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/08/forward-johnny-waldron-returns-to-the-walleye-lineup/stories/20260808083 Forward Johnny Waldron, who scored two goals in his first game as a pro with the Toledo Walleye last season, has re-signed with the team. Toledo’s Johnny Waldron follows the puck during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 27. Toledo’s Johnny Waldron and Tahoe’s Linden Alger collide during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown on March 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/08/taking-look-who-the-goaltenders-might-walleye-season/stories/20260807108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/08/taking-look-who-the-goaltenders-might-walleye-season/stories/20260807108#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/08/taking-look-who-the-goaltenders-might-walleye-season/stories/20260807108 While it remains a question which goaltenders will man the pipes this season for the Toledo Walleye, the pipeline looks loaded. Toledo’s Carter Gylander blocks a shot by Wheeling’s Logan Pietila during the second period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on April 17. Kalamazoo Wings' Jonathan Lemieux blocks the puck during the game at the Huntington Center on Jan. 5, 2025. United States forward Max Plante, top left, celebrates with teammate Trey Augustine (1) after they defeated Czechia in World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Jan. 4, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/07/perrysburg-native-dickinson-returns-walleye-after-productive-first-season/stories/20260807097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/07/perrysburg-native-dickinson-returns-walleye-after-productive-first-season/stories/20260807097#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2026 19:43:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/07/perrysburg-native-dickinson-returns-walleye-after-productive-first-season/stories/20260807097 In his first season with the Toledo Walleye, Perrysburg native Tanner Dickinson became one of the team’s top offensive weapons. Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson during a face-off against the Bloomington Bison on Jan. 4 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Cincinnati’s Adam Kydd skates to catch up to Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson as he controls the puck April 10 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/walleye-release-four-new-jersey-designs/stories/20260805112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/walleye-release-four-new-jersey-designs/stories/20260805112#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:19:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/walleye-release-four-new-jersey-designs/stories/20260805112 For the first time in 10 seasons, the Toledo Walleye players will be wearing newly designed jerseys. The Walleye will be wearing these new jerseys this season. The Walleye will be wearing these new jerseys this season. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/canadian-walleye-forward-willms-carries-on-family-ties-with-toledo-pro-hockey/stories/20260804101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/canadian-walleye-forward-willms-carries-on-family-ties-with-toledo-pro-hockey/stories/20260804101#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/05/canadian-walleye-forward-willms-carries-on-family-ties-with-toledo-pro-hockey/stories/20260804101 When Walleye rookie Jason Willms dropped his gloves in a spirit-lifting fight in a 2024 playoff game, it echoed the spirit of another former Toledo player, his grandfather. Toledo Walleye forward Jason Willms scores against the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division Finals Game 2 on May 4, 2024 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Former Toledo Mercurys defenseman Jack Novak is the grandfather of current Walleye foward Jason Willms. Toledo’s Jason Willms looks to pass during a playoff game between the Toledo Walleye and the Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center on May 18, 2024. Toledo’s Jason Willms handles the puck during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey playoffs between the Toledo Walleye and Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center in Toledo on May 17, 2024. Defenseman Jack Novak led the Mercurys in penalty minutes in 1953-54 with 106 and the next season with 80 and his final season in Toledo in 1957-58 with 56. His the grandfather of current Walleye forward Jason Willms. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/04/defenseman-jack-duff-set-to-return-to-walleye-lineup/stories/20260804102 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/04/defenseman-jack-duff-set-to-return-to-walleye-lineup/stories/20260804102#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:40:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/04/defenseman-jack-duff-set-to-return-to-walleye-lineup/stories/20260804102 The Toledo Walleye have signed Jack Duff, a defenseman who played in three games for the team last season. Defenseman Jack Duff played in three games for the Walleye last season. He has signed with the team for the 2026-27 season. Jack Duff appeared in three games for the Walleye last season. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/03/walleye-bring-back-rookie-defenseman-campbell-cichosz/stories/20260803079 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/03/walleye-bring-back-rookie-defenseman-campbell-cichosz/stories/20260803079#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:24:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/03/walleye-bring-back-rookie-defenseman-campbell-cichosz/stories/20260803079 The Toledo Walleye have signed defenseman Campbell Cichosz, who started his career in Toledo at the end of last season, for the 2026-27 campaign. Defenseman Campbell Cichosz, who played in five games for the Walleye last season, has re-signed with the team. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/01/timely-transplant-popular-toledo-pa-announcer-vergiels-receives-new-kidney/stories/20260730109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/01/timely-transplant-popular-toledo-pa-announcer-vergiels-receives-new-kidney/stories/20260730109#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/08/01/timely-transplant-popular-toledo-pa-announcer-vergiels-receives-new-kidney/stories/20260730109 At first, Bobb Vergiels ignored the urgent knocking on the glass partition of his announcer's box during a Walleye game at the Huntington Center. But something urged him to turn around. Bobb Vergiels holds a bobblehead of himself that a fan gave to him an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 26. Bobb Vergiels announces during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 26. Bobb Vergiels announces during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 26. Bobb Vergiels announces a game with fans on the ice in-between periods during game against Greenville at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 13, 2013. Toledo Storm public address announcer Bobb Vergiels fires up the crowd before the game. For an upcoming In Their Words. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:37:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098 Coming up in September, the Huntington Center will host two American Hockey League preseason games that involve the top minor-league clubs of the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dan Watson addresses the media during his introductory press conference with the Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., on June 15, 2023. Former Toledo Walleye goaltender Pat Nagle plays in a game for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Toledo Walleye head coach Dan Watson, top left, watches as the team commits to a line change against the Cincinnati Cyclones in an ECHL hockey game on April 7, 2023 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:36:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095 The Toledo Walleye have signed Jason Willms, a forward who began his pro career in Toledo during the 2023-24 season. Toledo’s Jason Willms, who signed with the Walleye on Friday, tries to skate past a defender during a Toledo Walleye versus Wheeling Nailers playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in 2024 in Toledo. Toledo’s Jason Willms looks to pass during a playoff game between the Toledo Walleye and the Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center in 2024. Toledo’s Jason Willms handles the puck during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey playoffs between the Toledo Walleye and Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center in Toledo in 2024.