Toledo Walleye coach Pat Mikesch is in Traverse City this weekend to take in the Red Wings’ 2023 Prospect Tournament, but the Walleye’s new bench boss spoke with the Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe regarding his team’s signings, and its emphasis on creating offense this upcoming season:
“We’re happy with our forward group,” Mikesch said. “I think we’re going to be able to play a fun brand of hockey. What our fans are accustomed to is a great transition team. I think we’re going to be a very deep group up front.”
The Walleye have signed 13 players this offseason, including 2022-23 leading scorer Brandon Hawkins. Forward Kirill Tyutyayev, who ranked third on the team in scoring, also returns along with Conlan Keenan (seventh on the team in scoring) and Sam Craggs.
“I’m really excited,” said Hawkins, who set a franchise record for goals scored in a season with 39. “We’ve got some really talented players coming in that can play at an extremely high level.”
Mikesch said that group will get a big boost with the additions of high-scoring forwards Orrin Centazzo and Bowling Green State University product Brandon Kruse along with Carson Denomie and Mitchell Lewandowski.
“We like these pieces,” Mikesch said. “We’re getting the right players around Hawk.”
