Toledo Walleye coach Dan Watson spoke with the Walleye’s website to give a mid-summer “state of the team” address:
101 wins in two seasons.
Dan Watson has set the bar high when it comes to winning as a head coach in the ECHL. That’s exactly how he wants it.
“We have established a culture of winning here in Toledo, and it all starts with recruiting,” says Watson. “We want players who have been successful at the college or junior level with excellent leadership skills and great character, who want to get better on and off the ice.”
According to Watson, former players are often his best recruiters. “People we talk to will call former Toledo players and ask them about their time here. We really try to make sure every Walleye player is having the best experience possible. We also take care of visiting teams as best we can to show everyone we have a professional operation here in Toledo.”
Watson says his best recruiting tool is the tremendous fan support. “Guys like to play in front of a sold-out crowd, and we have plenty of those here in Toledo. A player thrives in that type of atmosphere and we have a true home ice advantage thanks to our fans.”
