The Toledo Walleye have surpassed the 100-point plateau for the third time in the last four seasons and credit for that significant accomplishment can be shared by many in the organization.
Prior to the 2014-15 season, the most points a Walleye team had earned was 83. Over its first five seasons as a franchise, the team averaged just 68.6 points. But since then the last four teams have averaged 104 points.
This season's team, which captured both division and conference championships on Saturday, has 103 points with two games left in the regular season. The 2017-18 club could match the franchise record of 107 set by the 2014-15 team.
For comparison's sake, from 2010-14 there was only one team in the entire ECHL that reached 100 points in a season. The Alaska Aces achieved that feat in 2012-13.
The 2015-16 Toledo team fell just one point short with 99.
In the final seven seasons of the Toledo Storm (when that team also played a 72-game schedule), the club finished with more than 100 points only once.
The regular-season prosperity has been followed with playoff production. The Walleye reached the conference final two of the last three seasons. The first five teams qualified for the playoffs just twice and were ousted in the first round both times.
There are plenty of pats on the back to go around with the recent surge in success.
First former coach Derek Lalonde came in and instantly established a “culture of winning.” He led Toledo to the biggest turnaround in the history of the league. Lalonde, who has since moved up to Iowa of the American Hockey League, then guided the Walleye to a 99-point season in his second year.
Dan Watson, the reigning ECHL coach of the year, just earned his 100th career win in two seasons as the full-time head coach on Saturday. “In Watty we Trust” has become a rallying cry for some in the fan base. Watson has been with the organization since its inception. He has become known for his attention to detail and demand for the highest level of professionalism and preparation. Of course the second-year coach has his detractors, but the consistent production of his clubs is difficult to debate.
But the credit certainly doesn't stop at the top. Second-year assistant coach Andy Delmore, a former NHLer, added instant credibility in the room. His input and influence is invaluable. Delmore assists with daily plans, video breakdown, and general philosophies.
And then there is the often overlooked support staff.
Equipment manager Dave Aleo has worked in more than 2,000 games, including a one-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In charge of everything every player wears from head to toe - from goalie masks to skate laces - players call Aleo the best in the business.
Trainer Brad Fredrick is equally respected in the dressing room. The 2015 ECHL athletic trainer of the year handles the daily treatment and physical evaluation of players with compassion and professionalism. His duties also include managing injury rehabilitation. He and his crack staff get high praise for getting hobbled players back on the ice quickly.
Strength and conditioning coach Dan Jones joined the organization at the start of its upswing. Jones has become a highly-regarded trainer for elite athletes of all ages in the area. His memorable mottoes and constant supply of energy clearly pump up the players.
The other key behind-the-scenes people include director of scouting Ed Burkholder, video coordinator Brent Bain, team chaplain Tom Fraser, psychologist Ruth Ann Tetz, masseuse Rachel Derby, and team physician Dr. Matt Roth.
TV/radio broadcaster Matt Melzak, who worked his 1,000th pro hockey game last Friday, does much more than just play-by-play. Essentially the team historian, he keeps meticulous records.
Then there are the hard-working off-ice officials, front-office personnel, and game-day workers that provide a nearly NHL-caliber experience at the Huntington Center.
And of course there is the rabid fan base that routinely packs the downtown arena with infectious enthusiasm. Nearly every player says the sellout, raucous crowds often push them to a higher level.
Yet every one of those people will say all of that regular-season success essentially means nothing. There is but one goal for this franchise at this point. Win it all. Kelly Cup or bust.
Still it would be unfair to not at least acknowledge the recent Golden Age of success that the key figures in the franchise have authored in the last half-decade.
CHARITY EFFORTS: Former Walleye defenseman Phil Rauch, a Lambertville native, is hoping the Walleye fan base will help another local hockey family.
On his Twitter account, Rauch asked for support of the family of Ryan Kersey, who died in an automobile accident March 26 at age 31.
Kersey, a Oregon native, was a standout hockey and football player at St. Francis de Sales High School. Kersey also helped lead the Toledo IceDiggers to a national title in 2003.
“Hoping the hockey community can come together for the Kersey family,” Rauch wrote on Twitter. “Ryan played for the IceDiggers when he was younger and tragically lost his life earlier this week. Please help support his family by sending prayers and sharing this page.”
Rauch, who also is a St. Francis grad, played 169 games for the Walleye before retiring in 2014.
Kersey leaves behind a wife and two young children. For more information go to youcaring.com/RyanKersey.
CUP UPDATE: The Walleye are still mathematically in contention for the Brabham Cup, awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record.
Toledo enters the week trailing Florida by one point, 104-103, for the most points in the ECHL. However, the Everblades have four games left in the regular season and Toledo has just two.
Furthermore, Florida has three games left against lowly Jacksonville (26-36-7). Toledo faces rival Fort Wayne at home on Friday and a desperate Indy club in the regular-season finale on the road on Saturday.
But expect Watson and his crew to do all it can to secure a third Brabham Cup in the last four seasons. It would ensure home-ice advantage through the playoffs.
Contact Mark Monroe at mmonroe@theblade.com, 419-724-6354, or on Twitter @MonroeBlade.
First Published April 3, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
