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ECHL Teams
PREMIER “AA” HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Alaska Aces www.alaskaaces.com NHL Affiliation: Minnesota Wild & St. Louis Blues Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: Rob Murray 2013-14 Record: 45-19-3 Arena (Year Opened): Sullivan Arena (1983) Capacity: 6,399
Bakersfield Condors www.bakersfieldcondors.com
Cincinnati Cyclones www.cycloneshockey.com
Colorado Eagles www.coloradoeagles.com
NHL Affiliation: Edmonton Oilers Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: J.F. Houle 2013-14 Record: 36-30-2 Arena (Year Opened): Rabobank Arena (1998) Capacity: 8,782
NHL Affiliation: Florida Panthers & Nashville Predators Conference: Eastern Division: North Head Coach: Matt McDonald 2013-14 Record: 41-23-4 Arena (Year Opened): U.S. Bank Arena (1975) Capacity: 6,955
NHL Affiliation: Calgary Flames Conference: Western Division: Mountain Head Coach: Chris Stewart 2013-14 Record: 33-26-7 Arena (Year Opened): Budweiser Events Center (2003) Capacity: 5,289
Elmira Jackals www.jackalshockey.com
Evansville Icemen www.evansvilleicemen.com
Fort Wayne Komets www.komets.com
NHL Affiliation: Buffalo Sabres Conference: Eastern Division: North Head Coach: Jamie Russell 2013-14 Record: 24-40-3 Arena (Year Opened): First Arena (2000) Capacity: 3,784
NHL Affiliation: Ottawa Senators Conference: Western Division: Midwest Head Coach: Dwight Mullins 2013-14 Record: 31-30-4 Arena (Year Open): Ford Center (2011) Capacity: 9100
Florida Everblades (2012 Kelly Cup Champions) www.floridaeverblades.com
Greenville Road Warriors www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com
Gwinnett Gladiators www.gwinnettgladiators.com
Idaho Steelheads www.idahosteelheads.com
Indy Fuel www.indyfuelhockey.com
NHL Affiliation: New York Rangers Conference: Eastern Division: South Head Coach: Dean Stork 2013-14 Record: 39-27-2 Arena (Year Opened): BI-LO Center (1998) Capacity: 7,044
NHL Affiliation: Arizona Coyotes Conference: Eastern Division: South Head Coach: Rick Emmett 2013-14 Record: 29-38-3 Arena (Year Opened): The Arena at Gwinnett Center (2003) Capacity: 11,355
NHL Affiliation: Dallas Stars Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: Brad Ralph 2013-14 Record: 39-26-3 Arena (Year Opened): CenturyLink Arena (1997) Capacity: 5,006
NHL Affiliation: Chicago Blackhawks Conference: Western Division: Midwest Head Coach: Scott Hillman Arena (Year Opened): Fairgrounds Coliseum (1939) Capacity: 6,488
NHL Affiliation: Carolina Hurricanes & Tampa Bay Lightning Conference: Eastern Division: South Head Coach: Greg Poss 2013-14 Record: 37-27-3 Arena (Year Opened): Germain Arena (1998) Capacity: 7,186
NHL Affiliation: Colorado Avalanche Conference: Western Division: Midwest Head Coach: Gary Graham 2013-14 Record: 36-24-7 Arena (Year Open): Memorial Coliseum (1952) Capacity: 10,500
ECHL Teams
Kalamazoo Wings www.kwings.com NHL Affiliation: Columbus Blue Jackets & Vancouver Canucks Conference: Western Division: Midwest Head Coach: Nick Bootland 2013-14 Record: 42-22-3 Arena (Year Opened): Wings Stadium (1974) Capacity: 5,113
Las Vegas Wranglers www.lasvegaswranglers.com
Ontario Reign www.ontarioreign.com
Orlando Solar Bears www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com
Reading Royals www.royalshockey.com
NHL Affiliation: Independent Conference: N/A Division: N/A Head Coach: Mike Madill 2013-14 Record: 20-44-4 Arena: TBA Capacity: 7,773
NHL Affiliation: Los Angeles Kings & Winnipeg Jets Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: Jason Christie 2013-14 Record: 44-20-3 Arena (Year Opened): Citizens Business Bank Arena (2008) Capacity: 9,616
NHL Affiliation: Toronto Maple Leafs Conference: Eastern Division: South Head Coach: Vince Williams 2013-14 Record: 43-24-2 Arena (Year Open): Amway Center (2010) Capacity: 9555
NHL Affiliation: Philadelphia Flyers Conference: North Division: Atlantic Head Coach: Larry Courville 2013-14 Record: 46-22-2 Arena (Year Opened): Sovereign Center (2001) Capacity: 7,160
South Carolina Stingrays www.stingrayshockey.com
Stockton Thunder www.stocktonthunder.com
Utah Grizzlies www.utahgrizzlies.com
Wheeling Nailers www.wheelingnailers.com
NHL Affiliation: Washington Capitals & Boston Bruins Conference: Eastern Division: South Head Coach: Spencer Carbery 2013-14 Record: 43-23-2 Arena (Year Opened): North Charleston Coliseum (1993) Capacity: 6,712
NHL Affiliation: NY Islanders Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: Rich Kromm 2010-11 Record: 33-31-2 Arena (Year Opened): Stockton Arena (2005) Capacity: 9,737
NHL Affiliation: Anaheim Ducks Conference: Western Division: Pacific Head Coach: Tim Branham 2013-14 Record: 38-24-3 Arena (Year Opened): The Maverick Center (1997) Capacity: 10,207
NHL Affiliation: Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens Conference: Eastern Division: North Head Coach: Clark Donatelli 2013-14 Record: 39-27-1 Arena (Year Opened): WesBanco Arena (1977) Capacity: 5,406
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Coaching Staff
Derek Lalonde
Nick Vitucci
Born: August 18, 1974 Hometown: Brasher Falls, NY
Born: June 16, 1967 Hometown: Welland, ONT
Head Coach
Director of Hockey Operations
Lalonde is in his first season as head coach of the Toledo Walleye. He spent the previous three years as head coach of the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. In 2011-12 he led the club to the league title. During his time with the Gamblers, Lalonde served as an assistant with the U.S. World Junior U-19 team, which captured a gold medal at the 2012 World Junior “A” Challenge. He also served as head coach of the United States at the 2013 World Junior “A” Challenge. Prior to the Gamblers, Lalonde spent five years as an assistant coach at the University of Denver. During his tenure at Denver, the team never fell out of the national Top 15 rankings. Lalonde’s Division I coaching career began at Ferris State in Big Rapids, MI. Lalonde played collegiate hockey at Cortland State and received the Red Letter Award as team MVP his senior year. He graduated with a B.S.E in Physical Education and later received a M.A. in Education Administration from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 1998. Lalonde is married to Melissa, a former coach, and they have three children: Alex, Luke and Abby.
Derek Lalonde’s Career Head Coaching Record COACHING RECORD Season Team 2011-12 Green Bay (USHL) 2012-13 Green Bay (USHL) 2013-14 Green Bay (USHL)
REGULAR SEASON Games W L T 60 47 9 4 64 37 23 4 60 30 24 6
PLAYOFF Games W L 12 9 3 4 1 3 4 1 3
Dan Watson
Associate Head Coach Born: October 5, 1979 Hometown: Glencoe, ONT Watson begins his sixth season behind the bench for the Toledo Walleye. He was named interim Head Coach for the final 21 games of the 2013-14 campaign, compiling a record of 5-13-3. Watson played four seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL and played in 202 consecutive games. He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent in May of 2000, and played seven seasons as a pro in the AHL, UHL and ECHL, including the 2006-07 season with the Toledo Storm. Watson was team captain of the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL from 2004 to 2006. His career stats include 23 goals, 66 assists and 394 penalty minutes in 447 games played. Watson is married to Kim and dad to two daughters, Kenzi and Eilee. 16
Vitucci enters his sixth season as Director of Hockey Operations for the Toledo Walleye, serving more than four seasons as Head Coach. He guided the Walleye to postseason play during the 2009-10 and 2011-12 seasons, with an overall record of 149-158-34. Vitucci was named Head Coach of the Toledo Storm midway through the 2003-04 season, then guided the team to three straight playoff appearances between 2005 and 2007. He was named ECHL Coach of the Year in 2004-05. He was a goalie for the Toledo Storm from 1993-95, and 1997-98. Vitucci has the distinction of winning five ECHL championships, four as a player and one as an assistant coach, which is more than any other individual in league history. He’s also the only goaltender in the history of professional hockey to be credited with a goal against a guarded net. That happened on March 6, 1996 while playing for Charlotte against Louisville. Vitucci is married to Dawn and they have a son Keegan.
Matt Bollinger Assistant Coach
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Bollinger joins the Walleye bench as an assistant coach after three seasons leading the University of Toledo. He was named Tri-State College Hockey League Coach of the Year last season after he helped guide the Rockets to a 23-9 overall record, their best finish in over a decade. The UT alum, and former UT hockey player, compiled a three-year record of 78-28-2. Bollinger played his high school hockey at Sylvania Southview and worked as an assistant coach for five seasons at Southview before taking over the Rockets program. Off the ice Bollinger is employed as an Energy Analyst for the Palmer Energy Company. He lives in Toledo with his wife and his son Brayden.
Coaching Staff
Dave Aleo
Dan Jones
Hometown: Niagara Falls, ONT
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Equipment Manager
Aleo joined the Toledo Walleye in the inaugural season six years ago. His career includes more than 1,500 games over the course of 21 seasons in professional hockey. He has served as Equipment Manager for the Niagara Falls Thunder of the OHL, and was the Assistant Equipment Manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs (1994-2001) and the New York Islanders (2001) of the NHL. Aleo has also served as Equipment Manager for the Toledo Storm (2003-2006) and the Hamilton Bulldogs (20062008) of the AHL. He was selected to the staff of the 2000 NHL All-Star Game and the 2008 AHL All-Star Game.
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Jones is the founder of EAO Sports and has been training athletes for more than 20 years. He is a champion bodybuilder and expert on nutrition and holistic health, and has studied training styles from all around the world. This is his first year with the Walleye.
Ruth Ann Tetz, PhD Sports Psychologist Hometown: Pontiac, MI
Brad Fredrick Athletic Trainer
Hometown: Toledo, OH The Toledo native and Bowling Green State University graduate enters his sixth season with the Toledo Walleye. He handles the daily treatment, evaluation and rehabilitation of players. Fredrick was named the athletic trainer for the ECHL All-Star game in 2013. He also spent three seasons as the athletic trainer with the Toledo Storm. Prior to that, Fredrick spent nine years covering high school athletics through Sports Care Toledo.
This is Tetz’ first season with Walleye. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist by the State of Ohio. Tetz earned her doctorate from the University of Toledo. She runs her own practice, Psychological Directions and has been offering mental coaching to athletes for more than two decades to help them reach their desired goal.
Matt Roth, MD Team Physician
Hometown: Sandusky, OH Dr. Roth is in his sixth season as the Walleye team physician. He has been practicing medicine for 10 years, specializing in Family and Sports Medicine. Roth graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2004. He completed his fellowship in primary care sports medicine and family medicine residency at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.
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2014-15 Walleye Players
WALLEYE CENTER
TROY SCHWAB The first job “Schwaby” ever had was working on a farm. The Kindersley, Saskatchewan native is all smiles while walking his dog, cooking up some chicken, or listening to Garth Brooks. However his natural smile has a few gaps: he’s lost four teeth during his hockey career. Troy majored in marketing and management at Lake Superior State University.
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9
2
Contract No. Name
Position
Ht/Wt
Birthplace
2
Mike Leone
Left Wing
5’11”/190
Detroit, MI
9
Troy Schwab
Center
5’8”/190
Kindersley, SASK
11
Anthony Luciani
Right Wing
5’8”/190
Maple, ON
12
Mike Seidel
Right Wing
5’10”/175
Darien, IL
14
Tom Serratore
Left Wing
6’0”/195
Colorado Springs, CO 19
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2014-15 Walleye Players
WALLEYE RIGHT WING
Kyle Rogers If he wasn’t a pro hockey player, “Uncle Rog” would be an undercover cop. Born in the City of Brotherly Love, Rogers loves meeting new people through hockey. He likes to play against teams that have his friends on them. You can find him hanging out with his famiy in his down time, and Rog says getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR vehicle tops his bucket list.
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2
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16 Contract
No.
Name
Position
Ht/Wt
Birthplace
16
Justin Mercier
Right Wing
5’11”/180
Erie, PA
17
Kyle Rogers
Right Wing
6’3”/223
Erie, PA
19
Chris Knowlton
Right Wing
5’10”/185
Colorado Springs, CO
22
Josh Holmstrom
Right Wing
6’0”/190
Colorado Springs, CO
25
Dane Walters
Right Wing
6’0”/200
St. Paul, MN 21
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2014-15 Walleye Players
WALLEYE CENTER
First AJ Last Jenks “Jenksy” likes to hunt and fish in his down time. The Wolverine Lake, Michigan native describes himself as honest, fun and humble. Captain of the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers in 200910, he played alongside Tyler Seguin, who’s now with the Dallas Stars. His favorite team to play against: Windsor Spitfires. If he could be a superhero, he’d want to be the Hulk.
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5
4
7 2 Contract
No.
Name
Position
Ht/Wt
Birthplace
27
A.J. Jenks
Center
6’2”/205
Wolverine Lake, MI
4
Corey Fienhage
Defenseman
6’3”/215
Apple Valley, MN
5
Tyler Elbrecht
Defenseman
6’4”/220
Edwardsville, IL
8
Olivier Picard
Defenseman
6’1”/175
Waterville, PQ
24
Shane Sims
Defenseman
5’11”/192
East Amherst, NY 23
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2014-15 Walleye Players
WALLEYE GOALTENDER
First Jeff Last Lerg Numbers were a big focus for “Lergie” during his time at Michigan State University: he majored in finance while trying to maintain a low goals against average on the ice. The Livonia, Michigan native describes himself as nice, honest and hardworking. He’d want Matt Damon to play himself in a movie, and would title his autobiography: ‘It’s All About the Journey’.
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4
2 3
6 2 Contract
No.
Name
Position
Ht/Wt
Birthplace
26
Kevin Clare
Defenseman
6’1”/210
New Rochelle, NY
32
Cody Lampl
Defenseman
5’11”/183
Ketchum, ID
42
Joe Houk
Defenseman
6’0”/205
Richboro, PA
72
Joel Chouinard
Defenseman
6’1” /190
Sherbrooke, QC
1
Jeff Lerg
Goaltender
5’6”/163
Livonia, MI 25
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2014-15 Walleye Players
WALLEYE CENTER
First Alden Last Hirschfeld Born in Dallas, Texas, “Hirschbilly” would be climbing the charts as a country music singer if he wasn’t playing hockey. He’s met Luke Bryan, but he’d prefer to hear ‘Hillbilly Deluxe’ by Brooks and Dunn when scoring a goal. Topping his hockey charts: playing in the 2009 NCAA National Championship game during his freshman year at Miami of Ohio. Number one on his bucket list: running a deep sea fishing charter.
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2
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0 2 Contract
No.
Name
Position
Ht/Wt
Birthplace
*20
Scott Czarnowczan
Defenseman
5’10”/176
Macomb, MI
*7
Tyler Barnes
Right Wing
6’0”/198
Burnsville, MI
*23
Alden Hirschfeld
Center
6’1”/205
Dallas, TX
*10
Shane Berschbach
Left Wing
5’10”/165
Clawson, MI
*28
Kyle Bonis
Left Wing
5’11”/185
Lindsay, ON
* Assigned by Grand Rapids/Detroit
27
LET THE FUN BEGIN...
by Tom Gearhart
“This will be an event that brings families, People who poke their heads into Fifth Third Field come late December and early January will find a whopping surprise: the presence of a full-size professional hockey rink situated preposterously on top of the Toledo Mud Hens infield. Instead of hot sun and short-sleeve shirts, bundled-up hockey players and hockey fans will be chattering in the cold for an outdoor experience that, over 10 remarkable days, turns the seasons upside down.
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Winterfest 2014
T
wo blocks away, players and fans with the same love of
“This will be an event that brings families, neighbors and
the game will bask in the relative warmth of the
community partners together in a way we’ve truly never seen
Huntington Center as they too watch the battles royale taking
before,” said Randy Oostra, president and CEO of ProMedica.
place on the indoor ice rink there.
“Downtown Toledo will be teeming with activities that allow
Both venues will be swarming with dozens of youth, high school, college, professional, and alumni hockey teams locking
the community to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that excitement.”
horns, with up to 25,000 fans and families cheering them on,
The Winterfest games are part of a trend called stadium
inside and out.
hockey, wherein a full-size ice rink is built and installed
Together, the crowds that turn out for these wintry games will pack downtown Toledo as it has never been packed before.
temporarily in a ballpark or football field, giving fans and players a chance to relive the days when hockey was only played outdoors.
The occasion is Winterfest, a 10-day sports, entertainment, and event-filled party that amounts to a glittering holiday gift from the Mud Hens and the Walleye to the people of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
In the last few years, stadium hockey has attracted hockey fans across the nation, including last New Year’s day when the Detroit Red Wings faced off against the Toronto Maple
neighbors and community partners together...”
Don’t be surprised, however, to bump into hockey aficionados from southern Ontario, New York state, Wisconsin, Iowa, and other far-flung locations – not to mention the retired professional hockey teammates who will be in town to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the day that the Toledo Goaldiggers took home the International League’s 1974-75 Turner Cup championship.
Leafs at the University of Michigan’s Big House in Ann
Officially titled the Toledo Walleye Winterfest, presented by
Arbor, MI (shown above). Other ice arena games were
ProMedica, the singular extravaganza runs from Dec. 26,
played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Yankee
2014, to Jan. 4, 2015. This historic event promises to be one of
Stadium in New York, and Soldier Field in Chicago.
the city’s more memorable holiday celebrations. 29
Let the Fun Begin
This is the first time ever that the Walleye and ECHL have
Naturally, hockey is the prevailing reason for staging these
staged a winter hockey game outdoors. The opening match on
matches on the Hens’ and Walleye home turfs. But for diehard
Dec. 27 pits the Walleye against the Kalamazoo Wings,
and occasional hockey fans alike, there will be much more to
followed on Jan. 3 by the Walleye vs. the Fort Wayne Komets.
see and do for visitors over the 10-day course of Winterfest –
Added into the hockey mix are two college games that have
not only downtown but beyond.
Adrian College taking on the US 18 National U-18 team on
On any given day, ticketholders have their choice of events to
New Year’s Eve and then on Jan. 3, Bowling Green faces off
watch or participate in. We’re talking FanFest interactive games at
against Robert Morris University in a noon match.
the Huntington Center; a brewfest (below) with samples of more
In between will be scads of other professional and amateur games, both at the ballpark and Huntington Center. It’s a feast for hockey fans of every stripe, and a unique celebration of the sport itself.
than 250 craft beers offered in the Mud Hens’ main concourse and the upstairs suites; food and drinks galore everywhere you turn; nighttime fireworks; New Year’s Eve celebrations; live music played on a stage at home plate, and much more.
“There will be lots of unique beers, as well as craft beers
F
ood. Live music. New Year’s Eve parties. Dancing. Tasting
Nelson is also in charge of Brewfest, one of the highlights of
tables. Warming tents. More food – hot dogs, burgers,
Winterfest, on Jan. 2. It will be a beer lover’s paradise, with more
and bratwurst, but also winter grub like chili, beef stew, hot soups, and hot chocolate, spiced and unspiced, on a cold winter’s day. And beer. Lots and lots of beer. Craig Nelson is the man in charge of creating menus and marshaling chefs, servers, and other kitchen help for the onslaught of hungry people storming the ballpark eateries during the 10 days of Winterfest. He is president of A Cut Above Catering, official catering group for Fifth Third Field, and says that all restaurants on the main concourse, as well as the BirdCage Bar and Grill on the club level, will be open throughout the hockey extravaganza.
30
than 250 draft beers from 50 breweries around the country. The beer, served in 3-ounce sample glasses, will be available to ticketholders on the main concourse and at the VIP suite level. “There will be lots of unique beers,” Nelson said, “plus some national brands such as Samuel Adams and Goose Island, as well as craft beers from local brewers Maumee Bay and Black Swamp.” On the ballpark concourse, there will be tasting tables, warming tables, live music, a view of whatever action there is on the ballpark hockey rink, and of course, a connoisseur’s choice of the hops.
Winterfest 2014
Winterfest also has attracted a goodly number of community
called Frostology. Children-friendly projects involve the making
organizations that have hopped aboard the Winterfest
of liquid nitrogen ice cream and the art of festive paper
bandwagon. The Toledo Zoo, for instance, plans to extend its
snowflakes, created by Toledo artist Mary Gaynier.
sparkling Lights Before Christmas to accommodate Winterfestgoers and to show off its brand-new ice slide at the zoo amphitheatre. At Huntington Center, the Toledo Opera is bringing in a special Winterfest “Opera on Wheels,” a traveling
The Imagination Station also expects to treat Winterfest visitors to its next exhibit, “Dinosaurs Unearthed,” which features life-size animatronic creatures, including a walking baby T-Rex 8-feet tall and 12-feet long.
troupe aimed at introducing the joys of opera to k-to-8th graders through performances and music.
At the Valentine Theatre, holiday film buffs can drop by to see “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Dec. 28 at 7
There’s much more: the Toledo Museum of Art’s free “Great Art
p.m., followed by the movie “Happy Feet” on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.
Escape” with performances, storytelling, and hands-on activities throughout the galleries; The Andersons-sponsored two-day FanFest of interactive games, open skating, and opportunities to meet Toledo Walleye and Toledo hockey alumni.
All in all, the Walleye and the Mud Hens have put together a spectacular farewell to 2014 and a rousing welcome to 2015, built around 10 days of outdoor and indoor hockey, dozens of daily festivities, parties, celebrations, fan appreciation games,
Over at the Imagination Station, families will be able to explore
and exciting times inside and out. Let the revelry begin.
“the slippery science of snow” in a multi-faceted presentation
from local brewers Maumee Bay and Black Swamp.”
YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT One of Winterfest’s primary focuses is on upcoming hockey talent. The Toledo Walleye and Playmaker Sports USA, LLC are launching the inaugural Walleye Winterfest Youth Hockey Tournament, presented by St. John’s Jesuit, during the 10 day celebration. The tournament, from January 1-4 will be played at Tam-o-Shanter, the Ice House, and the Huntington Center, with the championship match happening on the outdoor rink in Fifth Third Field. Six age levels will be represented, with teams coming from Toledo, Sylvania, Fort Wayne, Ind., Cincinnati, Detroit, Dayton, Canada, and other locations.
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Miracle On Main St. Among the hockey players zipping across the ballpark ice during Toledo Winterfest will be Ted Tucker, a goaltender who began his professional hockey career in his native Canada and ended up, auspiciously, with coach Ted Garvin and the Toledo Goaldiggers. Stuck in a losing 1974-75 season, Tucker and the Goaldiggers overcame long odds during the playoffs by first upsetting Columbus and Dayton and then clinching the Turner Cup championship by thrashing Saginaw. The amazing win took place at the old Toledo Sports Arena on Main Street, and among the city’s fervent hockey fans both then and now, the victory will forever be known as “The Miracle on Main Street.” The 40th anniversary of that miracle will be celebrated in fine fashion during Winterfest 2014, with Tucker leading the way. In 2005, he rounded up his fellow Goaldiggers for the 30th year reunion, and he expects to track them down once again to celebrate the 40th anniversary. Tucker, who grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, liked Toledo so much that he moved here and still calls the city home. He worked in the body shop division of the Jeep Corp. from 1983 to his retirement in 2008.
The 40th anniversary of that miracle will be
In 1981, he hung up his professional skates, but he hasn’t given up hockey altogether: The 65-year-old will join his fellow retired Goaldiggers for a Jan. 3 Winterfest alumni match against the Fort Wayne Komets alumni. He also plays in a 50+ local league, and helps coach the Anthony Wayne High School hockey team. As for the idea of playing in the cold embrace of the Mud Hens ballpark, Tucker says: “Players who have never played outdoors probably will cherish this Winterfest experience forever. For those who, like me, grew up playing outside, this takes them back to when they were a kid. “My last year playing outdoors — we’re going back almost 50 years ago. My first seven years of 32
Winterfest 2014
hockey, I played outdoors. It’s cold up there in Canada, with natural ice and lots of snow. But it was a great experience.” As for the 40th year of the Goaldiggers’ sweetest season, Tucker says, “I’ve been on four championship teams, but my best memories came in the 1974-75 season. One of the reasons I wanted to stay here in Toledo was the town’s enthusiasm for hockey, the knowledge of the fans, and the friendliness of the people.” He also likes the city for its proximity to Columbus, Cleveland, and Chicago. Does he get back much to Canada? I’ve got to try to get back there real soon,” he said with a laugh. “I need to renew my passport!”
celebrated in fine fashion during Winterfest 2014!
ProMedica is proud to join the Toledo Walleye in bringing
organizing food drives that support our focus on basic
Winterfest 2014 to families and neighbors across northwest
community needs and providing health screenings at many
Ohio and southeast Michigan. Watch for us during this week-
sporting and special events.
long celebration for fun, family-focused activities in downtown Toledo and across the metro-Toledo area.
Our decision to move our headquarters downtown serves to strengthen our commitment to the success of the
As a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare organization,
downtown revitalization effort, and recognizes that through
ProMedica is driven by our Mission to improve your health and
a unified effort, we can accomplish great things. Not only is
well-being. For nearly 30 years, we have worked hard to earn
Winterfest 2014 a time for area communities to join in
your trust by providing high quality, patient-centered care.
celebration in a centralized location, but it is also symbolic
Today, that commitment extends beyond the walls of our
of our continued passion to unite our organization with
hospitals and doctors’ offices to connect with community
the communities we serve.
partners, such as the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens, who share our vision of a healthier and more vibrant region. Our partnership with these organizations has ranged from hosting special cancer and heart health awareness nights to
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, or visit us online for valuable tips to keep you and your family active, safe and healthy this winter. 33
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NATHAN MACKINNON #29 COLORADO AVALANCHE
THE LEGEND IS BACK
ACCELERATION FUELED BY HISTORY THE TACKS SKATES RETURN WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TAKING ACCELERATION & PERFORMANCE TO LEGENDARY LEVELS.
Explore the History:
CCMHOCKEY.COM/TACKS
Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins names and primary logos are registered trademarks of the NHL teams. ©NHL 2014. All Rights Reserved. CCM® is a registered trademark of CCM Holdings (1983) Inc. and is used under licence by Sport Maska Inc. and under sublicence by Reebok-CCM Hockey, U.S., Inc.
DEREK LALONDE: The Man Behind the Bench by Andi Roman
Before Derek Lalonde was known for leading Team USA’s U19 National Team to gold at the World Junior A Challenge; before becoming the coach to guide Green Bay to the USHL Championship; even before fans caught a glimpse of his skills between the pipes at Cortland State University, Toledo Walleye Head Coach Derek Lalonde was best known as ‘Kisser’.
Yes, that’s right, ‘Kisser’. He says you can laugh; people
Brasher Falls, New York is located about an hour south of
from his home do and they’re the ones who gave him this
Montreal right on the Canadian border. It’s where people call
‘nickname of endearment’.
pop “soda” and hockey reigns supreme. “It’s what everyone
“I don’t know who exactly gave me the nickname, or even what it means; I only know it stuck so well that everyone from
spend our snow days on the pond; it was awesome!”
my hometown knew me as ‘Kisser’ and that it had nothing to
Because of Brasher Falls’ proximity to Canada, Hockey Night in
do with kissing a young girl.”
Canada and the CFL were the programs of choice in the
While Derek’s career has taken him to such places as Massachusetts, Colorado, and Green Bay, it all began in classic small town America — Brasher Falls, New York: Population 2,000
Lalonde family. The Canadian influence also created a lot of die-hard Montreal (Canadiens) fans in Brasher Falls, the exception being ‘Kisser’.
— where a typical day had you hanging out with your buddies,
“Since everyone was a fan I wasn’t. I would root for anyone
riding bikes, playing hockey, and not coming home until mom
who played against them. I really started to enjoy hockey
called you in for dinner.
when John Vanbiesbrouck came on the scene and that’s when
“I loved my childhood; I love going back there. My parents still live there. One sister is a teacher. Basically everyone I grew up with still lives in the area.” 36
did, whether it was street hockey or ice hockey. We would
the Rangers became my team.”
LaLonde
One of his favorite memories is going to the 1986 Stanley Cup games. In fact, going to games was more the norm than the exception. “We’d carpool up. It was nothing to hop in the car and be at the Forum in about an hour. The old Forum was unbelievable!” Derek will be the first to tell you that when you come from a small town, you learn the importance of teamwork at a young age. Everyone needs to pitch in to get a team started. The structure he learned as a Brasher Falls quarterback, goalie and shortstop, taught him the habits and team building skills he hopes to instill in his players. It was the perfect backdrop to shape a career in coaching. Derek says his big break, personally and professionally, came when he met his wife, Melissa. They met when they were both coaching at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY. Melissa held the soccer head coach position and ‘Kisser’, a lowly hockey assistant. “We were very similar in where we were in our careers. We wanted to coach for a living. We spent a lot of time together.”
They were both coaching Division I programs at Ferris State University, when Derek asked Melissa to join his team for life. The Lalonde team has grown and today includes two sons, Alex and Luke, and daughter Abby. “It’s everything we had hoped for and then some. It’s been a blessing – all three of them.” For as long as Derek can remember hockey has been a part of his life, and it’s a part he’s excited to be able to share with his family. “There’s not a day that goes by I don’t feel fortunate to be able to coach for a living.” 37
LaLonde
Derek’s X’s & O’s What’s your ‘go-to’ food? “ I like steak. I like fish, white fish. I love food, any food. My wife loves cooking.
I love eating a lot. When I was younger I was into the New York strip because it was fatty but now I’m more into a lean, smaller, 7-ounce piece of steak.”
Do you call it soda or pop?
“It is called soda.”
A lot of coaches drink coffee, are you a coffee guy?
“I don’t drink coffee. I don’t like the taste. I am a green or English tea guy.”
What kind of music do you listen to?
“ I like what’s popular. I’m not a huge country music or hip-hop fan, but I don’t mind it. Dave Matthews and The Tragically Hip, a Canadian group, were my college bands I still listen to now.”
What do you like to do away from the rink?
“ I love biking. When I was in Denver I really got into mountain biking. I cycle all the time. My wife isn’t too impressed but I have the bike tights on all the time at the house. I find myself biking through Jermain Park once or twice a week.”
What’s your favorite type of movies?
“ My boys and I hit every kid’s movie that comes out, and I love them. It’s our thing. Mom and Abby usually stay home. Now they want to get into the PG-13 and we have to be careful.”
Do you like to read books?
“ I will read if someone brings me a book. Last book I read was Unbroken, about Louis Zamperini. I get touched by books. I probably should take more time and read.”
If you weren’t a hockey coach, what would you be doing?
“ I would have been a physical education teacher and a high school hockey coach. I got my masters degree in education administration. I had a vision of being an athletic director at a prep school or high school.”
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
“I have to say whining kids and bad refs annoy me the most.”
What’s the favorite place you’ve ever visited?
38
“ That’s a tie. I visited Key West with my wife and friends. It was so festive, cultural and fun. I also went mountain biking with some friends in Moab, Utah. That has the most diverse nature and best mountain biking.”
Get Behind the Scenes and Inside the Locker Room! WALL to WALL WALLEYE
A Blade Exclusive, Wednesdays in Sports. To subscribe, go to toledoblade.com/start or call 419-724-6300.
WALLEYE WISHING WELL The Walleye Wishing Well Fund is the official charitable fund of the Toledo Walleye, and is administered through the Toledo Community Foundation. Each year the Walleye Wishing Well assists local nonprofit organizations through a variety of fundraising efforts, including theme night game-worn jersey auctions. Last season, those auctions raised more than $65,000 for charity. Recipients of those proceeds included: the Toledo Fire and Rescue Foundation, MS Society, Wounded Warriors, ISOH/IMPACT, and the ASPO’s Walleye Sled Hockey team. The Walleye Wishing Well also provided $1,000 grants to three school districts to assist with their educational missions.
POWER PLAY PALS The Toledo Walleye Power Play Pals program provides game tickets and meals to needy children, which are purchased by our partners and distributed to local organizations serving children. Thank you to our generous partners: the Anderson’s, Heidtman Steel, IntelliShop, Teledyne, and Manpower. If you’re interested in becoming a Power Play Pals partner, contact Rob Wiercinski at 419-720-4400 or rwiercinski@toledowalleye.com.
41
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Toledo Walleye Affiliations
Detroit Red Wings
Grand Rapids Griffins
(National Hockey League) Joe Louis Arena (capacity-20,066) www.detroitredwings.com
(American Hockey League) Van Andel Arena (capacity-10,834) www.griffinshockey.com
Stanley Cup Champions
1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008
Calder Cup Champions Owner Head Coach
Owners President/CEO of Illitch Holdings, Inc. Senior Vice President, Alternate Governor Executive Vice President, General Manager Assistant General Manager Head Coach
Mike and Marian Illitch Christopher Illitch Jim Devellano Ken Holland Ryan Martin Mike Babcock
The Grand Rapids Griffins are the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. The franchise began in the International Hockey League in 1996 and merged into the AHL in 2001. Notable players in the team’s history include Jiri Hudler, Chris Neil, Valtteri Filppula, Niklas Kronwall, Sean Avery and Darren McCarty. Only one player has had his number retired by the Griffins (Travis Richards-24). After failing to make the playoffs in four of five seasons between 2007 and 2012, the Griffins won their first Calder Cup championship in 2012-13. Last season, the Griffins lost in the second round to the eventual champions, the Texas Stars.
The Detroit Red Wings are one of the “Original Six” franchises in the NHL, beginning operations in 1932. The Red Wings have won more Stanley Cup Championships (11) than any other NHL franchise based in the United States, and are third overall behind the Montreal Canadiens (24) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (13). The team has retired the numbers of seven players: Terry Sawchuk (1), Nicklas Lidstrom (5), Ted Lindsay (7), Gordie Howe (9), Alex Delvecchio (10), Sid Abel (12), and Steve Yzerman (19). Detroit has reached the playoffs in 23 consecutive seasons, most recently winning the Stanley Cup in 2007-08 and nearly repeating as champions the following season, losing in seven games to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, the Red Wings lost in the first round to the Boston Bruins.
2013 Dan DeVos Jeff Blashill
TOLEDO/NHL AFFILIATION HISTORY Detroit Red Wings (1991-99, 2000-07, 2009-present) Chicago Blackhawks (2006-07, 2009-14) San Jose Sharks (2005-06) Nashville Predators (2002-04) Tampa Bay Lightning (1999-2000)
FROM THE WALLEYE TO THE NHL
Thomas McCollum, Brian Lashoff, Luke Glendening, Petr Mrazek, Carter Hutton, Kent Simpson
43
VISIT PHPA.COM Your source for PHPA news, officially licensed collectors items, and PHPA merchandise.
PROUD TO REPRESENT PLAYERS IN THE AHL, CHL, AND ECHL
Huntington Center is managed by
Facility Facts: Year Opened........................................................................ 2009 Capacity............................ 7,431 for hockey/8,000 for concerts
Construction Facts: 13,500 cubic yards of concrete was poured within the building
Rink Dimensions...........................................................200’ x 85’
1,800 cubic yards of exterior concrete poured
Total Square Feet............................................................ 267,000
1,600 tons of steel erected
Suites........................................................................................ 20
267,000 total building square feet - (old Sports Arena approx. 50,000 square feet)
Club Seats.............................................................................1203 Rental Suites...............................................................................4 Restrooms........................................13 women, 9 men, 3 family Concession Stands......................20 (11 permanent/9 portable) Square Footage of Souvenir Stores................................... 2,832
Video Board is 20’ X 30’ (600 square feet) & Ribbon Boards extend around the entire arena (600’ X 2.5’) 5 miles of heat tubing under slab to keep cold from causing frost into ground and heaving slab
“The Swamp Shop”........................................ 2,005 square feet
10 miles of chilled water tubing and 8” concrete slab
“The Tackle Box”................................................714 square feet
1 ¼” thick ice surface
“Swamp Shop Express”..................................... 300 square feet
Ice temperatures: During games, 19 degrees Non-game, up to 27 degrees
Number of Locker Rooms...........................................................4 Height of the building.....................................................82 feet Size of Main Video Board...............................................20’ x 30’ Size of Video Ribbon Board....................................... 2.5’ x 600’
(Ice stays down all year, re-done 1-2 times per year)
3 Escalators & 4 main stair towers to move people between 3 levels 21 months spent on construction of The Huntington Center
Ice Temperature........................................................ 19 degrees Total attendance for Walleye games since 2009.................... 501,826 (as of 11/20/11) Total attendance for non-hockey events since 2009............. 411,692 (as of 11/20/11) Total attendance since 2009................ 913,518 (as of 11/20/11) Number of people it takes to make the ice surface............................................................14
** The Huntington Center has earned the prestigious LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Gold ranking is the second-highest ranking in the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) green building rating system. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. ** In 2011, Venues Today magazine ranked the top midwest venues (which includes 12 states) in terms of ticket sales for the 2010 calendar year.
Number of hours it takes to make the ice surface................. 48 Number of hours it takes to transfer from concert venue to hockey venue........................................8
In the 5,001-10,000 capacity, the Huntington Center came in number 1 with $6,717,517 in ticket sales. Ticket sales were so strong for the Huntington Center that if the venue was placed in the 10,001-15,000 seat capacity, the Huntington Center would have come in third behind Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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