From the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye:
Forward Nolan LaPorte has agreed to terms with the Walleye for the 2020-21 season.
LaPorte, 28, spent last season overseas racking up 39 points (16G, 23A) in 47 games for the Glasgow Clan in the Elite Hockey League.
The Chicago native played his first professional season with Quad City in 2016, and also appeared in one game that season for the American Hockey League’s Iowa Wild. After one season with the Florida Everblades, the 6-foot, 192 pound forward signed with Atlanta for the 2018-19 season where he set career-highs in goals (19) and penalty minutes (107).
A former captain for the NCAA’s Western Michigan University, LaPorte skated in 133 games, tallying 33 goals and 37 assists for 70 points and 176 penalty minutes. As a Bronco, he skated two seasons with Toledo’s Shane Berschbach from 2012 through 2014.
Update: The Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe weighs in:
In 47 games for the Glasgow Clan in the Elite Hockey League last season, LaPorte posted 39 points (16 G, 23 A). Walleye coach Dan Watson said Laporte will bring a wealth of experience to his team.
“He is very versatile and can play in all situations for us,” Watson said. “I think the fans will enjoy his style of play, as he brings a relentless work ethic and high compete level each and every game.”
LaPorte was a captain at Western Michigan University where he skated in 133 games. He produced 70 points (33 G, 37 A) to go along with 176 penalty minutes. The 6-foot, 192-pound forward also played two seasons at Western Michigan with Walleye veteran Shane Berschbach.
In his first pro season with Quad City in 2016-17, LaPorte had 44 points (14 G, 30 A) in 65 games. He then played for the Florida Everblades in 2017-18 and had 11 points (4 G, 7 A) in 22 games. LaPorte then played in 52 games for Atlanta in 2018-19 season where he set career-highs in goals (19) and penalty minutes (107). He finished with 38 points in 52 games for the Gladiators.
The Walleye, who are scheduled to start the 2020-21 season on Jan. 15, have now signed 20 players this offseason.
The forward grouping is led by veterans T.J. Hensick, Shane Berschbach, and Kyle Bonis. The other forwards signed so far are LaPorte, Brett Boeing, Conlan Keenan, Marcus Vela, Luke Sandler, Brandon Hawkins, Hunter Garlent, and Keeghan Howdeshell.
The defensemen that the team has signed this offseason are Butrus Ghafari, Ryker Killins, Ryan Lowney, Chris McKay, Gordi Myer, Kevin Spinozzi, Randy Gazzola, and Connor Walters.h
