The Toledo Walleye have signed two players who competed for the Rapid City Rush last season.
The Walleye signed Michigan native Keeghan Howdeshell, a forward, and Ontario native Ryker Killins, a defenseman on Tuesday. Both players are entering their second seasons as pros and both played last season for the ECHL's Rapid City Rush.
Howdeshell, a native of Brighton, Mich., produced 37 points in 47 games at the ECHL level. The 6-foot-2 and 209-pound forward scored 13 goals to go along with 24 assists for Rapid City.
Howdeshell, 22, also played in one game for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League.
Walleye coach Dan Watson called Howdeshell a big, powerful forward who possesses good vision.
“Keeghan has the ability to score goals in tight … and can make plays under pressure,” Watson said. “We are happy to have Keeghan join the Walleye and continue to develop his skills to help grow his game.”
Howdeshell played two seasons of high level junior hockey for the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League from 2017-19. Howdeshell had 113 points (62 G, 51 A) in 127 OHL games.
Killins, a 24-year-old from Wawa, Ont., totaled 21 points with five goals and 16 assists in 47 games with Rapid City during his rookie season.
The 5-foot-9 blueliner signed with the South Carolina Stingrays late in the 2018-19 season, playing in 14 regular-season games. He produced nine points (3G, 6A) in five postseason contests.
Killins played four seasons at Ferris State University (2015-19) and had 35 points (12 G, 23 A) in 102 games.
Watson said Killins had a good rookie season.
“I think he learned a lot about becoming a pro,” Watson said. “He has tremendous character and the willingness to get better every day. He is a good skating, puck-moving defenseman who will fit nicely into our culture and how we want to play.”
First Published September 1, 2020, 5:52 p.m.
