Toledo ranks 18 out of 20 in Minor Leagues

The results are in and the Glass City is a Top 20 minor league market. When all of the numbers were tabulated, Toledo came out near the top of a recent list of the country’s top minor league markets, according to Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal magazine.

Toledo’s overall score was 57.85 with the following rankings in each category:

The rankings were formed with the following criteria in mind:
**Total attendance of teams indexed against total five-year population of the market (40% of overall score)–Toledo ranked 96th out of 238.

**Overall percent of seats filled indexed against total five-year population (30% of overall score)–Toledo ranked 26th out of 238.

**Franchise tenure in the city (15% of overall score)–Toledo ranked 15th out of 238.

**Attendance indexed against the market’s unemployment rate (7.5% of overall score)–Toledo ranked 24th out of 238.

**Five-year attendance change indexed against each market’s total per capita income (7.5% of overall score)–Toledo ranked 80th out of 238.

The Top 20 Minor League Markets (overall score):

1. Hershey-Harrisburg, PA (100.00)
2. Fort Wayne, IN (85.89)
3. Tulsa, OK (82.60)
4. Billings, MT (81.51)
5. Spokane, WA (66.69)
6. Peoria, IL (65.68)
7. San Bernardino County, CA (65.30)
8. Bossier City-Shreveport, LA (62.48)
9. Idaho Falls, ID (62.14)
10. Rochester, NY (61.16)
11. Sioux Falls, SD (60.91)
12. Visalia, CA (60.62)
13. Kinston, NC (60.54)
14. Manchester-Nashua, NH (59.89)
15. Wichita, KS (59.65)
16. Modesto, CA (59.64)
17. Midland, TX (58.66)
18. Toledo, OH (57.85)
19. Albany, NY (57.39)
20. Princeton-Bluefield, WV (57.15)

**The story from the August 24-30, 2009 issue of Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal is available online at http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/63333

Even before the first game Walleye rank 4th in season ticket sales...

The Toledo Walleye (ECHL) and Bullfrogs (arenafootball2) are pleased to announce that over 2,200 season tickets have already been sold for the 2009-10 season. This ranks the Walleye 4th out of 20 teams in the ECHL currently in season tickets sold.

With the start of the hockey season seven (7) weeks away, the fans have shown strong support for the team that will fill the void of professional hockey in Toledo over the past two years.

2009-10 season ticket plans range from 9-game packages up to full-season tickets for hockey and football (36 Walleye games & 8 Bullfrogs games). All packages of 18 games or more include tickets to Opening Night.

As of September 1, the Toledo Walleye/Bullfrogs ticket department has pre-sold over 110,000 tickets for the 2009-10 season.

Assistant General Manager/Ticket Sales & Operations Erik Ibsen said, “The support of Toledo Walleye hockey has been tremendous. We have talked to so many people over the last several months and the overwhelming response is that Toledo is excited for hockey to make its return to the area and fans are excited to see arena football for the first time. The new Lucas County multi-purpose arena is going to be a great place to watch hockey and football.”

The Walleye will be holding a special school day game on Wednesday, November 4th with a 10:30 am start time. Over 3,500 tickets have already been sold for that game alone.

Individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are also available now by phone (419) 725-WALL or online at www.toledowalleye.com.

Fans can see the new arena first-hand at a FREE Open House on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th from 12-4 pm each day. Concession stands will be open at this event and there will be live music and activities. Additionally, Toledo Walleye Head Coach Nick Vitucci will be holding a team practice on Sunday, October 4th from 1-4 pm.

The Walleye open its inaugural 2009-10 ECHL season on Friday, October 16, 2009 (7:00 p.m.) in the new Lucas County Arena. Season tickets are currently available. Call 419-725-WALL or log onto www.toledowalleye.com.

Walleye and Corn...

Well..kind of...

The Toledo Walleye and the Butterfly House at 11455 Obee Road in Whitehouse, OH are pleased to announce that there will be a Toledo Walleye themed corn maze for fans to enjoy and explore from Friday, September 12 until Saturday, October 31.

This is the 3rd year that the Butterfly House has created a corn maze and fans interested in learning more about the maze, hours and prices, can visit their website at www.whitehousecornmaze.com.

The Mud Hens will be handing out discount coupons for the corn maze at home games on Thursday and Friday at Fifth Third Field.

The Walleye open its inaugural 2009-10 ECHL season on Friday, October 16, 2009 (7:00 p.m.) in the new Lucas County Arena. Season tickets are currently available. Call 419-725-WALL or log onto www.toledowalleye.com.

Mud Hens Offer Chia Bobblehead Promo

This in via e-mail - there's still time to buy tickets!

The Toledo Mud Hens will be doing a never done before promotion to begin the month of September. Our home stadium, Fifth Third Field, has been recognized as one of the best stadiums in all of professional baseball. We will be honoring the man behind the care of the park’s field in a very special way.

Jake Tyler, the Toledo Mud Hens much-venerated groundskeeper, will be honored in a never-before-seen way at Fifth Third Field on September 3, 2009.

In a special pre-game giveaway, the first 2,500 fans will receive a Jake Tyler “Chia Plant” bobble-head doll. This “chia” bobble has never been done before. Fans can now grow the chia turf with the skill and grace that Mr. Tyler does the playing surface of Fifth Third Field.

Tyler really is a master of his art, earning numerous honors and awards as the caretaker of one of baseball’s most beautiful and well-kept fields. Here is a list of Tyler’s awards since joining the Mud Hens in 2005:

- Governor’s Cup Championship (2005)
- Governor’s Cup Championship (2006)
- International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2006)
- Triple-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2006)
- International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2007)
- Triple-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2007)
- International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2008)

*Tyler also has two more awards to his credit prior to joining the Mud Hens. While with Binghamton, he was named the Eastern League Sports Turf Manager of the Year (2002, 2004).

This unique giveaway is scheduled for the September 3 division matchup against rival Columbus. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

Jake is truly deserving of the attention. He takes pride in his work and, we believe, his attention to detail is virtually unmatched. We know the players like playing on the home surface, and repeatedly report that “there is no place like home”.

Toledo Walleye Announce first player...

The Toledo Walleye are pleased to announce the first player signing for the inaugural roster.

The Walleye have agreed to terms with Center Malcolm MacMillan, most recently of the Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). The Thunder Bay, Ontario native formerly played in the ECHL with the Florence Pride, Peoria Rivermen and Cincinnati Cyclones in 2003-04 before spending the following three seasons with the Reading Royals. The 27-year-old has also had short stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Albany River Rats and Hershey Bears.

Walleye Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Nick Vitucci said, “A warrior-type player that our fans will love. He brings energy and toughness to every shift and will contribute offensively. Malcolm was a player that I hated to play against while with the Reading Royals because of his tenacious work ethic and physical play.”

MacMillan expressed his excitement, “It is a wonderful opportunity for me. To play in a brand new facility with great fans will be a thrill. I remember playing in Toledo as an opponent and the fans are passionate. It will be nice to have them screaming for me instead of against me.”

MacMillan has been invited to the Grand Rapids Griffins training camp in the American Hockey League.

MacMillan has appeared in 223 career ECHL games with 33 goals, 67 assists and 715 penalty minutes. In 17 career ECHL playoff games, he has five assists and 78 penalty minutes. Statistically, his best ECHL season was 2006-07 with Reading, when he tallied 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 66 games. His career-high 12 goals came the previous year, also with the Royals.

MacMillan spent four seasons with three different teams in the Ontario Hockey League before turning pro in 2003. After the 2003-04 season, he spent the following year in the United Hockey League with the Port Huron Beacons before returning to the ECHL with Reading in 2005-06.

Go to www.toledowalleye.com to keep up to date with all of the latest player signings.

The Walleye open its inaugural 2009-10 ECHL season on Friday, October 16, 2009 versus the Florida Everblades at 7:00 pm at the new Lucas County Arena. Season tickets and individual tickets are currently available. Call 419-725-WALL or log onto www.toledowalleye.com.

Toledo Walleye Inaugural Season Schedule Announced!

Toledo Walleye Inaugural Season Schedule Announced!

The Toledo Walleye today released their 72-game schedule for the 2009-2010 inaugural season. The Walleye will open the season on Friday, October 16 vs. the Florida Everblades at the brand new Lucas County Arena.

The complete schedule and schedule breakdown is at the bottom of this release. Game times will be determined at a later date. Click to view the 2009 Walleye Schedule!

The Walleye will open the year with 15 of their first 21 games at home in October, November and early December with 33 of the team’s 36 total home games coming on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Toledo will play 13 games against the Kalamazoo Wings (their closest rival at 150 miles), 11 games against the Cincinnati Cyclones, and 8 games against the Johnstown Chiefs.

Toledo Walleye Head Coach, Nick Vitucci said, “We are looking forward to hitting the ice in October. The anticipation has been growing for two years in the community and we are thrilled to be part of the new chapter of professional hockey here in Toledo. We would also like to welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to the ECHL and look forward to continuing a rivalry dating back to the old IHL.”

Toledo Walleye General Manager, Joe Napoli said, “The Inaugural Walleye Season will be quickly upon us and we are absolutely thrilled to have such a strong schedule with so many weekend dates… the memories will last a lifetime.”

The Walleye will also play games against Charlotte (5), Elmira (5), Florida (8), Gwinnett (3), Reading (3), South Carolina (4), Trenton (6), and Wheeling (6).

Walleye season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are on sale now. Fans can order their tickets by phone at (419) 725-WALL.

Individual tickets will be placed on sale later this summer.

2009-2010 Schedule
Friday, October 16, 2009 Florida
Saturday, October 17, 2009 Florida
Sunday, October 18, 2009 Florida
Friday, October 23, 2009 Reading
Saturday, October 24, 2009 Trenton
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Reading
Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Kalamazoo

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Kalamazoo
Friday, November 6, 2009 at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 7, 2009 Cincinnati
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Florida
Friday, November 13, 2009 at Florida
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Florida
Friday, November 20, 2009 Cincinnati
Sunday, November 22, 2009 Cincinnati
Friday, November 27, 2009 Florida
Saturday, November 28, 2009 South Carolina
Sunday, November 29, 2009 South Carolina

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Florida
Friday, December 4, 2009 Kalamazoo
Saturday, December 5, 2009 Kalamazoo
Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Wheeling
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Wheeling
Friday, December 11, 2009 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, December 12, 2009 Elmira
Sunday, December 13, 2009 Elmira
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Cincinnati
Friday, December 18, 2009 at Johnstown
Saturday, December 19, 2009 Johnstown
Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Cincinnati
Sunday, December 27, 2009 Johnstown
Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Wheeling

Friday, January 1, 2010 Kalamazoo
Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Friday, January 8, 2010 Trenton
Saturday, January 9, 2010 Trenton
Sunday, January 10, 2010 Charlotte
Friday, January 15, 2010 at Wheeling
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Cincinnati
Sunday, January 17, 2010 Johnstown
Friday, January 22, 2010 Elmira
Saturday, January 23, 2010 Elmira
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Johnstown
Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Elmira

Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Charlotte
Friday, February 5, 2010 at Gwinnett
Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Gwinnett
Friday, February 12, 2010 Cincinnati
Saturday, February 13, 2010 Kalamazoo
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Wednesday, February 17 at Cincinnati
Friday, February 19, 2010 at Charlotte
Saturday, February 20, 2010 at South Carolina
Sunday, February 21, 2010 at South Carolina
Friday, February 26, 2010 at Johnstown
Saturday, February 27, 2010 Gwinnett

Friday, March 5, 2010 Trenton
Saturday, March 6, 2010 Charlotte
Sunday, March 7, 2010 Charlotte
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Trenton
Friday, March 12, 2010 at Trenton
Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Reading
Friday, March 19, 2010 Cincinnati
Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Cincinnati
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Wheeling
Friday, March 26, 2010 at Johnstown
Saturday, March 27, 2010 Wheeling
Sunday, March 28, 2010 Kalamazoo
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Johnstown

Friday, April 2, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Kalamazoo

Schedule Breakdown
Charlotte: Home-3, Away-2
Cincinnati: Home-5, Away-6
Elmira: Home-4, Away-1
Florida: Home-5, Away-3
Gwinnett: Home-1, Away-2
Johnstown: Home-3, Away-5
Kalamazoo: Home-6, Away-7
Reading: Home-1, Away-2
South Carolina: Home-2, Away-2
Trenton: Home-4, Away-2
Wheeling: Home-2, Away-4

October: Home-5, Away-2
November: Home-7, Away-4
December: Home-8, Away-6
January: Home-7, Away-6
February: Home-3, Away-9
March: Home-6, Away-7
April: Home-0, Away-2

Monday: Home-0, Away-0
Tuesday: Home-0, Away-1
Wednesday: Home-3, Away-4
Thursday: Home-0, Away-3
Friday: Home-11, Away-11
Saturday: Home-13, Away-11
Sunday: Home-9, Away-6

Toledo Walleye Announce Support Staff

This in via e-mail:

The Toledo Walleye are pleased to announce that they have hired a supporting staff for Head Coach Nick Vitucci for the 2009-10 campaign.

Joining Vitucci will be Dan Watson (Assistant Coach), Craig Furstenau (Assistant Coach), Dave Aleo (Equipment Manager), and Brad Fredrick (Athletic Trainer).

Walleye Head Coach, Nick Vitucci said, “I am thrilled to have the chance to work with Dan, Dave and Brad again and welcome Craig to the professional ranks. Dan is a true professional both on and off the ice and will work hard with all of our players. We would be hard pressed to find an equipment manager as good as Dave Aleo anywhere in professional hockey. Having Brad back puts us in a position where our players will be getting the best of care throughout the season. To be able to work with people that I know and trust will only enhance the experience of our players. Craig has great experience and we look forward to working with him this year.”

Dan Watson (Assistant Coach)
Watson (30) is a native of Glencoe, Ontario and most recently worked at Puckmasters in Cleveland, OH as Head Coach. Watson played three seasons with the Sarnia Sting (OHL) and appeared in 202 consecutive games. He was named the 1998-99 Scholastic Player of the Year at Sarnia and the 1999-00 Defensive Player of the Year (Sarnia). Watson also played in the 1998-99 OHL All-Star Game.

Watson signed as free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets (May of 2000) and played seven professional seasons in the AHL, UHL, and ECHL. His career statistics include 447 games played, 23 goals, 66 assists, and 394 penalty minutes. Watson was named the 2004-05 Defensive Player of the Year (Long Beach Ice Dogs, ECHL) and was Captain in Long Beach for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.

Craig Furstenau (Assistant Coach)
Furstenau (31) played for Oakland University as team captain until 2001. He joined the Oakland coaching staff as an assistant in 2002 and then was named Head Coach of the Grizzlies halfway through the 2002-2003 season.

In three years at Oakland, his team went 77-15-6. He won two regular season titles, two playoff titles, one national title, and one national runner up. He currently has multiple school records for wins in a season (30), wins in a row (20), games without a loss (23), best single season record (30-3-3) and overall best win percentage (.875). In 2004, he was Central Region coach of the Year and a Team USA coaching candidate for the World University games.

He left Oakland University to join the Little Caesars organization where he coached from 2006-09. In the three years under his leadership, Little Caesars won eight tournaments, were back-to-back-to-back state finalists (winning two of the three), a national quarter finalists, and national champions at the Midget level in 2008.

Dave Aleo (Equipment Manager)
Aleo (44) spent three seasons as Equipment Manager with the Toledo Storm (2003-2006), before joining the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL (2006-2008). Dave started as an Assistant Equipment Manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL (1994-2001) and also the New York Islanders (2001).

Was a member of the Hamilton Bulldogs team that won the 2007 Calder Cup Championship. Was selected to work the 2008 AHL All-Star Game and the 2000 NHL All-Star Game. Also participated in the World Under-18 Championship as Equipment Manager for Team Canada that went on to win the Gold Medal.

Brad Fredrick (Athletic Trainer)
Fredrick (37) begins his first season with the Toledo Walleye after serving the same role with the Toledo Storm for three seasons. Brad handles the daily treatment and evaluation of all Toledo Walleye players. He also manages player injury rehabilitation and workouts.

Prior to joining the Toledo Storm, the Bowling Green State University graduate spent nine years covering high school athletics through Sports Care in the Toledo area. Brad graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1995 with a degree in athletic training.

The Toledo Walleye will begin the regular season on Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM vs. the Florida Everblades at the Lucas County Multi-Purpose Arena. Season tickets and mini-plan packages are on sale now and group outings are being reserved. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL for more information.

Fireworks from last night's Mud Hen's game

Fireworks are challenging to try to photograph, especially with a regular digital camera, but I thought this one particular photo that I took last night of the fireworks show after the Mud Hens defeated the Yankees was an interesting one...

Mud Hens return home tomorrow!

This in via e-mail from the Toledo Mud Hens:

The Toledo Mud Hens return home on Monday, July 20 for a ten-game homestand versus the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals) and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (New York Yankees).

Toledo Mud Hens Promotions for July 20-27

Monday, July 20
(Syracuse, 1st Pitch at 7:00 PM – Gates open at 6:00) – The Mud Hens will host the Syracuse Chiefs in the first game of their homestand. It is the only visit of the year for the top affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Come meet Ronald McDonald, Birdie the Early Bird, Grimace and The Hamburglar at the game as McDonald’s celebrates the 30th Birthday of the Happy Meal. The contest between the Mud Hens and Chiefs can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA.

Tuesday, July 21
(Syracuse, 1st Pitch at 7:00 PM – Gates open at 6:00) – The Hens host the Chiefs in the second of a four-game set. For Bad Hair Night, wear your most Hair-iffic styles! The first 3,000 participating fans receive a free comb! Bring on the crazy hair styles and don’t forget to tease it, gel it, flip it, flat iron it, roll it, mousse it and spike it! Just stroll your strands on down to the game! Game 2 between the Mud Hens and Chiefs can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA.

Wednesday, July 22
(Syracuse, 1st pitch at 7:00 PM – Gates open at 6:00) – The Mud Hens continue a series with the Syracuse Chiefs. The contest between the Hens and the Chiefs can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA.

Thursday, July 23
(Syracuse, 1st pitch at 7:00 PM – Gates open at 6:00) – The Mud Hens will host the Chiefs in the final game of a four-game series. Captain America is making an appearance at Fifth Third Field! There are free hair cuts from Great Clips (charitable donations accepted) on the main concourse during the game. It is also Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Awareness Night. The contest between the Hens and the Bats can be heard on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA and seen live on BCSN.

Friday, July 24-Doubleheader
(Scranton-WB, 1st pitch at 6:00 PM – Gates open at 4:30) – The Mud Hens will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, who are the top affiliate of the New York Yankees. It is their only visit to Fifth Third Field. Due to an earlier rainout at Scranton/WB, the Mud Hens and Yankees will play a double-header – two games for the price of one! Both games will be seven innings; Scranton/WB will be the home team for Game 1. It is Komen Race for the Cure Night (wear Pink Night); there will be a Pretty in Pink Jersey Auction during the second game. Following Game 2 there will be post-game fireworks and a Ballriech’s Chips giveaway upon exit. The games between the Hens and the Yankees can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA and seen live on BCSN.

Saturday, July 25-Doubleheader
(Scranton-WB, 1st pitch at 5:30 PM – Gates open at 4:00) – Due to an earlier rainout at Scranton/WB, the Mud Hens and Yankees will once again play a double-header – two games for the price of one! Both games will be seven innings, and Scranton/WB will be the home team for Game 1. There will be post-game fireworks and a scout sleepover. The games between the Hens and the Yankees can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA and seen live on BCSN.

Sunday, July 26
(Scranton-WB, 1st pitch at 6:30 PM – Gates open at 5:00) – The Mud Hens will host the Scranton/WB Yankees to continue the homestand. It is Latino Heritage Night: Ven a la celebración Latina! Also, Mud Hens thunderstix will be given away to the first 1,000 kids to enter the game. As part of “Design-A-Sign Night,” cheer on your Mud Hens by designing your very own sign at Fifth Third Field! Selected Mud Hens players will be signing pre-game autographs, and following the game kids can run the bases and there are post-game fireworks. The contest between the Hens and the Yankees can be heard on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA and seen live on BCSN.

Monday, July 27
(Scranton-WB, 1st pitch at 12:00 PM – Gates open at 11:00 AM) – The Hens host the Scranton/WB Yankees for the final game of the homestand. Fifth Third Field will also host a very special guest for the first time! Something fishy is going on….hmm, what could it be? As part of Summer Rec Day, it is a special noon start time. The contest between the Hens and the Yankees can be heard on Fox Sports Radio 1230, WCWA and seen live on BCSN.