Red Wings, Toledo Walleye extend affiliation partnership

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The Detroit Red Wings and the Toledo Walleye announced today that the two organizations have agreed to a three-year extension for their affiliate agreement.

The 2018-19 season will be the ninth year of the Wings’ and the Walleye’s partnership – the extension keeps the two together through at least the 2020-21 season.

“The Walleye have proven to be an ideal affiliate for nearly a decade, and their recent record of on- and off-ice success speaks for itself,” said Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin. “Toledo plays a critical role in the development of our prospects, and offers top-notch facilities, an excellent staff on the hockey and business side, a fanbase that continually fills the arena and provides an energetic atmosphere, and a commitment to contending for championships that makes it one of the most successful markets in all of minor-league sports. We’re excited to extend this relationship to aid the development of future Red Wings and Griffins, and continue the Walleye’s winning culture in an effort to bring an ECHL championship back to the city of Toledo.”

With their affiliation, the Red Wings provide NHL-contract players to the Walleye, as well as signing players to AHL/ECHL contracts for the Grand Rapids Griffins/Toledo.

Sixteen players who have skated in Toledo have played in at least one NHL game, including Jared Coreau, Martin Frk, Luke Glendening, Nick Jensen, Brian Lashoff, Tom McCollum, Petr Mrazek and Andrej Nestrasil.

“The relationship between Detroit, Grand Rapids and Toledo is one of the strongest in professional hockey, and we look forward to its continued growth over the next three years,” said Toledo Walleye general manager Neil Neukam. “As we celebrate our 10th season of Walleye hockey, we are honored to have an affiliate who has entrusted us in the development of their future players, but also cares about the growth and winning aspect of our team.”