The Toledo Walleye signed a gritty forward, Brian Matte, and a tough defenseman, Dale Warkentin, Wednesday.

Matte, 23, started his pro career last season in the Central Hockey League with the Laredo Bucks where he collected 26 points (14 G, 12 A) in 30 games. Matte also played at the University of Lethbridge where he scored 17 goals and had 12 assists in 22 games.

"Brian has a lot of sandpaper to his game and I'm sure he will become a fan favorite," Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said.

Warkentin, 21, played the last four seasons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. In 2009-10, he collected 41 points (13 G, 28 A) and 116 penalty minutes in 62 contests and was named to the MJHL all-star team.

"He is a big, strapping defenseman who has great mobility, a cannon of a shot, as well as overall toughness," Vitucci said.

First Published July 21, 2011, 6:05 a.m.