At age 77, Greg Jablonski wishes he could skate just one shift at the Huntington Center.
Jablonski was at the downtown arena on Saturday night when the Walleye organization celebrated Toledo's pro hockey history with a "Hockey Heritage Night."
Jablonski, a former Toledo Hornets forward, was honored at the game along with other past players. Jablonski played with the Hornets for three seasons and also played for the Toledo Blades for seven seasons (1963-70).
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"Look how bright it is, I can't believe it. It's nice and big. It's beautiful," he said. "I wish I could play just one game out there. It's good to see the people get rewarded with this."
The Walleye players wore Toledo Hornets jerseys, honoring the team that played here from 1970-74.
"This brings tears to my eyes," Jablonski said as the Walleye warmed up in the sweaters. "This brings back a lot of memories."
The first 3,000 fans received a mini pennant that depicts all 11 of Toledo's hockey titles.
Former Toledo Goaldigger Steve Martinson, who is now coach of the ECHL's Chicago Express, said he also is impressed with the Huntington Center.
"They really have a fabulous setup here with the two arenas downtown," said Martinson, who was in Toledo coaching his team on Friday.
Martinson said he always goes to the Blarney Irish Pub when he comes to Toledo with his team.
"Obviously they have a lot of pride in their town. You come here and there are always all these people here," he said.
Martinson, a right winger, started his pro career in Toledo. The Goaldiggers won Turner Cup titles in his first two seasons (1981-82 and 1982-83).
"It was a good bunch of guys, and we liked hanging out together," Martinson said. "We had some really good players that went on to the NHL and others that got into coaching."
Jablonski, a Holland resident, won two Turner Cups with the Blades and decided to settle in northwest Ohio. Jablonski, who grew up in British Columbia, said he stayed because of the people.
"We raised four boys here, and my wife taught skating," Jablonski said. "We always played before good fans, good people."
First Published January 29, 2012, 6:40 a.m.
