The Toledo Walleye have signed two forwards for the 2018-19 season, starting with Bowling Green State University forward Tyler Spezia…
Walleye ink BGSU forward Tyler Spezia
(Toledo, OH) – Forward Tyler Spezia (SPEE-zhuh) from the Bowling Green Falcons has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2018-19 season.
Spezia joins the Walleye after a stellar career for the Falcons, appearing in 147 games while scoring 34 goals with 38 assists for 72 points and 103 penalty minutes. During his four-year career, the Clinton Township, Michigan native posted a plus 34. As a senior Assistant Captain, he scored 10 goals (tied for third most on team) with six assists and was named WCHA Player of the Week when he picked up a hat trick plus an assist at Lake Superior State on January 29.
“Tyler brings an exciting skill set to our team for the upcoming season that we will look forward to on the ice,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “The experience he gained playing for a terrific program and coach Chris Bergeron will help him make the transition from college to professional hockey.”
The 25-year-old forward set a career-high as a junior when he collected 30 points (8G, 22A) with 53 penalty minutes and a plus 13. His 22 assists led the Falcons in the 2016-17 season. Twice Spezia was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team for his work in the classroom. Prior to joining Bowling Green, the 5’10”, 171 pound forward spent back to back years in the USHL with Dubuque then Youngstown. With the Youngstown Phantoms in 2013-14, he had 73 penalty minutes with 22 points (10G, 12A) in 58 games.
Walleye sign big forward Ben Storm
(Toledo, OH) – Forward Ben Storm has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2018-19 season.
Storm, the 6’7”, 230 pound forward was a member of the Colorado Eagles Kelly Cup Championship team this past season in his first pro season. In 69 regular season games, the Laurium, Michigan native scored eight goals with 19 assists and 140 penalty minutes for the Eagles. He also appeared in seven contests for the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL with no points.
“Storm is a big body that showed last year playing in Colorado that he can succeed at this level,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “We look forward to continuing his development into a strong forward.”
Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 6th round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Storm played four seasons at St. Cloud State where in 121 games he scored four goals with 13 assists and 72 penalty minutes playing mostly as a defenseman. The 24 year old was Captain of the Huskies in his senior season (2016-17) in which he collected 29 penalty minutes in 29 games. Prior to St. Cloud, Storm skated 52 games for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL with a pair of goals, 10 assists and 82 penalty minutes.
Get to know Ben
Q: Who was your favorite player growing up?A: “Tomas Holmstrom. He played a simple but effective style. There was nothing flashy about him, but he worked hard and was an important part of the Red Wings cup-winning teams.”
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do away from the rink?
A: “I like to play the guitar. Growing up my family was very musical, and I learned to play guitar when I was 13.”
Q: How are you spending the off-season?
A: “I went home to the U.P. (Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) for about a month to unwind. Then I moved to Bloomington, Minnesota where I’ve been training and playing hockey with a group of friends. It’s nice to have guys to train with, to push you.”
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: “No pets, but we did have some dogs growing up. I like dogs, not much of a fan of cats.”
Q: What’s your go-to food?
A: “I love food, but my favorite thing has to be a pasty. They’re very big in the U.P. Meat and veggies inside a pastry. I also have to say mom’s lasagna.”
Q: What did you study at St. Cloud State University?
A: “I majored in mechanical engineering. I’ve always wanted to work in the auto industry. I’ve always been interested in designing things and contributing to society.”
Q: Why are you excited about coming to Toledo?
A: “I’ve heard a lot of great things about Toledo and the Walleye organization. Being affiliated with the Red Wings helps, and it’s closer to home.”
Q: Describe winning the Kelly Cup with Colorado this past season.
A: “It was an unbelievable experience. I’ve never won the last game of a season before. It truly was a team effort and I learned a lot about overcoming adversity.”
