ECHL Toledo Walleye

Walleye Add Defense

Published on August 13, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release


TOLEDO, OH - Defensemen Kevin Clare, Olivier Picard and Joe Houk have agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2014-15 season.

"All of these players come from elite programs," Head Coach Derek Lalonde said. "Each one knows what it takes to be on a winning program and succeed at a very high level."

Clare joins Toledo after completing his college career at the University of Michigan. In 111 games over four years, the native of New Rochelle, New York posted three goals, 21 assists and was a plus 13. He had a career high 10 assists last year and blocked a team best 81 shots. The 6'1", 195 pound defenseman was part of Michigan's CCHA regular season championship team in 2010-11 and helped that team reach the Frozen Four as a freshman. Prior to his college hockey, the 22 year old played for the US National Under 18 and Under 17 teams, gaining 116 total games with 10 goals and 17 assists.

Houk spent the last two years at the University of UMass-Lowell where he picked up 19 points (4G, 15A), 90 penalty minutes and was a plus 19 in 74 games. The native of Richboro, Pennsylvania also spent two years playing for Hamilton College in Division III. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2010-11 with 17 goals and 16 assists while leading Hamilton in scoring. The 6'0", 205 pound defenseman helped lead UMass-Lowell to the 2012-13 Hockey East Championship.

Picard hails from Cowansville, Quebec and was team captain of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for 2013-14. In 63 games last season, the 21-year-old posted a career high seven goals and 26 points while tying a career best 19 assists. In four total seasons in the QMJHL, the 6'1", 172 pound defenseman had 77 points (15G, 62A) while playing as a plus 60 over 224 contests. In post season play, Picard in a plus 22 in 53 career games.

Opening Night and single game tickets are on sale now. Opening Night ticket gets you into FinFest- the pregame party the entire family can enjoy! Tickets are available at both the Mud Hens and Huntington Center box office, by phone (419) 725-WALL (9255), or online at www.toledowalleye.com.

Check out the Toledo Walleye Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from August 13, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central