Toledo, OH) - Toledo Arena Sports is pleased to announce that the name of the new professional hockey team in Toledo will be the “Toledo Walleye”.
The team will begin play in October of 2009 at the brand new Lucas County Downtown Arena which is currently under construction.
The name of the team will officially be announced at a press conference today at Fifth Third Field at 11:00 AM.
Toledo Arena Sports General Manager, Joe Napoli said, “There are the Biscuits of Montgomery, the Nuts of Modesto, the Lugnuts of Lansing, and of course, the Mud Hens of Toledo. What makes these team names amongst the most popular in Minor League sports? Not a whole lot, until you develop a word mark, logo and mascot that is unique, indigenous and fun for all age groups.”
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said, “Like so many hockey fans in Lucas County, I can’t wait to catch Walleye fever in our great new multi-purpose arena. This team will be a “reel” treat for all Lucas County families.”
Commissioner Pete Gerken added, “Lucas County’s hockey fans are only surpassed by the thousands of walleye enthusiasts who travel to this area each year. The Toledo Walleye will ensure that fans are “hooked” to great hockey games time and time again.”
County Commisioner Ben Konop said, “I am proud to see that Toledo Arena Sports has taken the advice of the public and chosen a name that is unique to our community. The Toledo Walleye is a proud representation of one of Northwest Ohio’s great trademarks. I look forward to seeing the Toledo Walleye on the Ice in 2009.”
Head Coach Nick Vitucci said, “A few years back, I was fortunate to be one of three judges for the Hockey News Minor League Logo of the Year contest in which I tried to look at my choices through the eyes of young hockey fans. I think all hockey fans will enjoy and embrace Toledo Walleye as they have with the names of the past.”
“The Toledo name and logo are unique,” said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “The name reflects strong local ties and the Walleye logo is a fresh new mark with a lot of potential.”
President of Toledo Arena Sports, Mike Miller said, “We look forward to having hockey back to Toledo in a first class facility that is consistent with the mission statement of the Walleye - fan friendly and affordable.”
The name Toledo Walleye was well-thought out and many criteria went into the decision making process including but not limited to the following:
· Will appeal to all age groups (men, women & children)
· Unique name - one of a kind
· There is a historical connection between the name and the region
· Logos can be easily embroidered and screen-printed for merchandise
· Not already trademarked or registered with the federal government
· Can be easily spelled and understood when spoken
· Name should include city name (Toledo) for regional and national identification
· Mascot names and characters can be developed from name
· Team colors are different from regional professional and major collegiate teams
Walleye fans can purchase merchandise for the new team at the newly launched team website at www.toledowalleye.com
Walleye Fun Facts:
As spring approaches, and the Great Lakes begin to thaw, warming waters send the signal to tens of thousands of walleye to start their annual migration to where their life began, The Maumee River.
During Spring Run time on the Maumee River, up to 50,000 people or more will arrive to participate in a seasonal ritual unparalleled on the Great Lakes.
The Maumee River offers the largest population of migrating walleye east of the Mississippi River.
Between late March and mid-April, the Maumee River swells from melting snow and rain, opening the way for a half-million walleye to swim upriver to spread their eggs among the protective gravel and cobblestone just below the Fallen Timbers Rapids.
Anglers will begin to wade in the river in late February or early March depending on river conditions.
Spawn usually takes place around the second week of April.
Pre-spawn and during spawn is a good time to get a trophy fish (10-14 lbs).
Post-spawn takes place usually the third week of April thru May and into June. This time of the run is when fish are hungry (after spawn).
Most of the fish will be males (jacks) because once spawn is over, the vast majority of females go back to the lakes they came from. Males will stay behind in the river and feed for weeks before going back to the lakes.
- Toledo Mud Hens / Toledo Walleye | Toledo, OH
jgriffin@mudhens.com | www.toledowalleye.com | (419) 725-4367
February 26th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Walleye, are you serious? This is the most ridiculous team name i have ever heard of.. The commissioners of Toledo are hilarious.. They NEVER 1 time thought about the public when they came up with this stupid name.. Well, thats what you get when you let some idiot name a team he has no clue about.. He runs a ball team named the MudHens for cripe sakes.. What a bunch of losers these Toledo people are.. The Toledo Hockey team will be the laughing stock of the ECHL now.. We are already getting hammered by other teams fans and this pitiful name has not even hit the ice yet.. What a bunch of lying pieces of crap you people are.. Hockey is dead in Toledo as far as i’m concerned.. If you people got out of your political shells to see what the Hockey people of Toledo want you would know how pathetic this name is.. Out of 1000 i have heard 1 person that thinks it’s ok but they don’t attend games and they fish(don’t count)… Nice job Toledo you FAILED again with the public….
February 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
The name “Toledo Walleye” is growing on me. I can’t wait for Toledo Hockey to start again. I loved the Storm very much and was very angry that the decision was made to shut down the team, and to tear down the stadium before a new one was even built (that was brilliant planning).
However, I am very proud of Toledo Hockey. We have always had strong Hockey in Toledo. I am confident, especially with Head Coach Nick Vitucci from the Storm following into the Walley team, that this team will rock.
Of the the 3 logos created thus far, I favor the 2nd one. The fish missing the tooth, with the hockey stick, without wearing the gear, as the best looking logo so far.
I am tired of people constantly barking angrily through their computers at how terrible things are here in Toledo. If you want to see change people, be a part of it. Stop crying.
February 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am
I haven’t lived in East Toledo in over 20 years, however it is still my home. Thanks to the i-net I can check weekly to see how my town is doing. In my years abroad, I can always say that I’m from Toledo, Ohio and of course the next thing that most say..”The Mud Hens?” The Walleye, may be a bit corny sounding, but it will stick with people, heck , “The Storm” name was about as out of touch as any name ever. I don’t agree with raising the Sports Arena and relocating down town, but since I’m not an active participant in the community, I don’t have a say. The shame is, there are proud Toledoans, who have the ability to raise educated concerns, and voice their opinions to local politicians, but don’t. If you’ve got a gripe, check your knowledge, plan a solution, and offer your suggestions. You hired those people, use them. The bar tender sure isn’t going to change policy.
March 1st, 2008 at 3:48 am
“shawn”,
We want to be part of the change but the a-holes running this pathetic show don’t want our opinions or suggestions.. There were 600 people that shared great team names with the city and they ignored the public input and still named the team a terrible name, in which they bought 2 years ago.. Nobody was going to change their mind obviously.. Regardless how many fisherman come through Toledo, not to Toledo but through it to fish for Walleye has nothing to do with Hockey. Walleye is just an overall TERRIBLE name for any Hockey team.. The city did all the things the people did not want here.. You don’t have to be a genious to see the name sucks. Just go to work, out to eat, go shopping, etc. and the public will tell you..Guarenteed just 5 of every 100 people think the name sucks and COULD give you a better option!!!! Once again Toledo just can’t get it right…
March 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I meant 5 of every 100 people will like it……….
March 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Scott, you “loosely” quoted 600 people with names submitted. I wonder how you came up with that round figure? If this is the case, how many of the 600 stuck to the criteria listed for possible names? Nevertheless, crying about it doesn’t matter after the fact. The only possible complaint you should have is the colors. You might still have a chance to win that fight, however I would guess that the attitude would be, “those,they,them” will do what they want with out input from fans so why even try. Sound like a anyone you know? More than half the town. I grew up with that negative attitude, that we were subjected to “powers” beyond your control. If I poled the LOCAL public asking which name they prefer for a sport nickname, the Storm or the Walleye, the Walleye wins hands down. We loved the Hornets,Goal Diggers,Storm and will fight for the right to be the Walleye. I wish they would change the color! Should be Scarlet and Grey.
March 4th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
By the way, what does the Storm name have to do with hockey?
March 12th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I believe the Toledo Walleye and the new logo is a good fit. Would it have been my first choice? Not neccessarily…I mean maybe something a bit more about the Glass City or Jeep influence, but I do understand where they got the connection for the new name. The logo is great compared to the Storm’s old one, definitely on par with the Mud Hens and other teams in the minor leagues. I think there is alot of potential there with a mascot for the kids and lots of merchandise possibilities to bring more people into the fold.
IMO, the Toledo Walleye name is no better / worse than the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks in the NHL and Greenville Grrrowl, Victoria Salmon Kings, Phoenix Road Runners in the ECHL to name a few… ;)
I’ll be buying a jersey when they come out…
March 21st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Daniel, “600″ people is easy.. Just go to commissioner Ben Konop’s blog and you can read ALL 600 people’s thoughts that were ignored by the county.. While i appreciate your input it changes nothing.. I am friends with a ton of avid Toledo Hockey fans that attend games on a regular basis and they all share the same thoughts, the name SUCKS.. “To poll the city on the name and Walleye wins hands down”.. Please who are you referring to cause it is not the Hockey fans. You are talking of city and county people.. As i said referring to Hockey people and not just your average joe who will attend 1 game a year, ask around, the name SUCKS.. Thanks for trying though Daniel…
April 10th, 2008 at 8:56 am
scott, you are obviously a very self centered individual who cannot let go of his resentments. 600 people in the public of Toledo is nothing. The name “Toledo Walleye” has been made official. What part of that statement do you not understand? They will not be changing it now. I agree with daniel that they should not have changed the colors to Michigan colors! But, I will not cry about it. Whats done is done. And I am proud to support my team. Finally, maybe you should stop crying through your keyboard and see a psych.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:11 pm
interesting…the Toledo Walleye merchandise ranks #4 out of 20 ECHL teams and they haven’t even dropped the puck yet.