The ECHL’s Toledo Walleye signed All-Star defenseman Jalen Smereck today, bolstering the Walleye’s attack going into the 2024-2025 season. According to the Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe, the 27-year-old Smereck signed with the Walleye for two reasons–for winning’s sake, and for family:
The 27-year-old Detroit native played for one of Toledo’s rivals, the Cincinnati Cyclones, last season. Smereck led all ECHL defensemen in scoring with 70 points in 71 games. Smereck also had the second most assists (57) among all ECHL players.
Smereck also had the most shots on goal (216) and shorthanded points (4) among all ECHL defensemen.
The 6-foot and 190-pound defenseman led the Cyclones in scoring and also had 84 penalty minutes. Smereck earned a spot on the ECHL All-Star team and was named to the All-ECHL first team.
“I’m excited. It’s going to be great,” Smereck said. “Playing in the arena there, it gets loud and crazy, which is great. I can’t wait for that first home game and to get that first fish on the ice. I have night one marked on my calendar. I can’t wait to get going in the fish tank.”
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Smereck said he has known Walleye star forward Brandon Hawkins since he was 9 and reunited with him when they both made the ECHL all-star team in January. He also played with Walleye forward Mitch Lewandowski and defenseman Grant Gabriele growing up in Michigan.
“With that connection there, they told me it’s an unreal organization,” Smereck said. “They treat you well. The city and the fans are great. The facilities are top-notch. They told me I’d love it here. Toledo is so close to home and I wanted to be closer to my kids and family,” said Smereck, who grew up and lives in east Detroit. “Family is everything to me.”
