The Toledo Walleye unveiled a comeback campaign on Wednesday, as the team's reinvigorated officials expressed appreciation that a return to the ice is finally on the horizon.
With pro hockey on hold in the city for nearly 16 months, the Walleye organization will use the slogan “Back at Full Strength” for its 12th season as an ECHL franchise.
“I'm so excited,” said Neil Neukam, the Walleye's executive vice president and general manager. “I just can't wait. We're going to blow the roof off the place. Sixteen months-plus of not having any sort of hockey … it's going to be great. You can feel the enthusiasm from the fans.”
The Walleye had put together a string of five highly successful seasons, earning playoff spots each year before the coronavirus pandemic slammed the breaks on the organization in March, 2020.
Toledo had reached the conference finals twice and the Kelly Cup Finals in 2018-19 during that stretch. Coach Dan Watson had put together a roster that appeared capable of making another deep run in 2019-20 when the postseason was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The organization chose to opt-out last season as part of the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension program.
The much-anticipated return of Walleye hockey will come to an end on Saturday, Nov. 6, when Toledo hosts Kalamazoo in the home opener at the Huntington Center.
Watson, who enters his fifth season at the helm, said he is beyond ready to get back at it.
“It's been a long time,” Watson said. “We're trying to put together a really good team for this upcoming season knowing that the building is going to be full and we're going to be back at full strength. We have high expectations, and standards that we still want to meet. I'm excited to get the players back in here and get rolling.”
Besides the obvious penalty kill connotation, officials say it symbolizes the courage and tenacity of Toledoans. It also acknowledges the efforts of the first responders, healthcare workers, and those on the frontline during the pandemic.
Watson said the new slogan resonated with him as coach of the team's penalty kill unit.
“Then when you dive deeper into it, there is a bigger meaning for our city and our community and our organization. It encompasses what everyone feels,” he said. “We are back and open for business.”
Neukam, who came up with the “Back at Full Strength” slogan, said he wanted to find something synonymous with hockey but also acknowledged what the community has endured.
“The idea of back at full strength really hits home on that. It's a great term to describe where we are at as a community and how we've persevered,” Neukam said. “It means that while we’re looking ahead to our future, we’ll never forget where we've been.”
The last time the Walleye took the ice at the downtown arena was on March 11, 2020, when the team played in an empty arena due to coronavirus restrictions. Just days later, the ECHL season was canceled.
“That March 11 game really opened up people's eyes to what a special environment our fans create,” Watson said. “I will be nervous for opening night knowing how amped up our fans are going to be. I can't wait to get those chills again. I'll take it all in and our players will take it all in.”
Watson said he will continue to use the same blueprint while forming his roster. His recruits will have five key components: outstanding character and high hockey IQ to go along with good speed, skill, and size.
“I want to put a competitive team on the ice,” he said. “I want players who have a relentless work ethic. We want guys who care, guys who have high character. We're looking forward to putting a team on the ice that the city can be proud of.”
The organization also announced its second and third signings of the offseason. The team signed Sylvania native Gordi Myer, a defenseman, and rookie forward Brandon Schultz to deals.
Myer, who attended Northview High School as a freshman and sophomore, will finally be able to suit up for his hometown team after he had signed with the Walleye last offseason.
“This feels great,” Myer said. “I've been to a lot of games here as a kid and I've been to a couple of playoff games. They had the white T-shirts and the towels and the crowd was going crazy the entire game. I'm excited to play in front of these fans. I went to Storm games as a kid, too. Toledo hockey is special, and I'm excited to be the local kid playing for the team. They're the best fans in hockey.”
The 25-year-old defenseman played for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits last season after Toledo opted out.
Myer, who played at Ohio State University, appeared in 133 games for the Buckeyes and had 45 points with eight goals and 37 assists. He also finished with a plus-minus rating of plus-30 — the fourth-best for an Ohio State defenseman since 2001.
“I'm excited for him,” Watson said. “I know the fans appreciate the local connection. He will be a big part of our team. There is a lot of untapped potential for Gordi. I'm excited to help him in his development.”
Schultz recently wrapped up his college career at Northern Michigan University. The 25-year-old native of Estero, Fla., had 19 points (7 G, 12 A) in 25 games last season in his second year at Northern. He also played two seasons at Northeastern University and had 28 points (9 G, 19 A) overall in 72 college games.
The Florida native said he has trained at Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania every offseason while attending school up north.
“I trained with Gordi and [Walleye assistant coach] Alden Hirschfeld,” he said. “I came to a playoff game with Gordi as a fan. I was going nuts, too. It was a lot of fun. I didn't think this league had fans like that. Toledo is amazing.”
Watson said Schultz is a skilled forward who can make plays in tight areas.
“He can play under pressure,” Watson said.
Neukam said he is very confident Watson will put another quality product on the ice.
“He's done a great job since taking the reins. He's been lights out,” Neukam said.
The season also will include the return of Winterfest, featuring two outdoor games at Fifth Third Field. Toledo will host the Kalamazoo Wings on Dec. 26 and the Indy Fuel on Dec. 31 at the Mud Hens baseball stadium.
The Walleye will open the season at Kalamazoo on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Neukam said after more than 600 days without hockey, the term Back at Full Strength means more than just a return to the ice.
“It means we have unfinished business to attend to and we have a chip on our shoulders,” Neukam said. “We’re all here for one common goal this season — to win the Kelly Cup. After being silenced for 16 months … it’s the beginning of a new chapter for our team, our fans, and the entire Toledo community.”
First Published July 28, 2021, 10:03 p.m.
