DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills penned a write-up from today’s press conference introducing Pat Mikesch as the Toledo Walleye’s new head coach:
Walleye President & CEO Joe Napoli said Dan Watson, (former Walleye head coach) Nick Vitucci, (Griffins general manager) Shawn Horcoff and Lalonde each played a role in the comprehensive coaching search.
“We really feel that we went through a wonderful process to select Pat,” Napoli said.
According to Mikesch, the interview process helped him gain a better understanding of the Walleye.
“The process was great for me,” Mikesch said. “It was very detailed. I had to prepare myself. The three coaches were very involved in the process. I learned a lot about the organization through those three. So to be the fourth [head coach], it’s an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to follow in Dan’s footsteps.”
Last season, Toledo finished with a 45-19-3 regular-season record before falling to the Idaho Steelheads in the Western Conference Finals of the 2023 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
“The expectations are there,” Mikesch said. “We talked a lot about that this entire process. With a fanbase like we have in Toledo, there’s an expectation we keep moving forward.”
