Toledo Walleye unveiled
Published on February 20, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release
(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.
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