Red Wings, Toledo Walleye Announce a Three-Year Extension to Affiliation Agreement

The Red Wings have extended their ECHL affiliation with the Toledo Walleye for three seasons

On Monday afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings announced a three-year extension to their ECHL affiliation agreement with the Toledo Walleye.  That agreement now runs through the 2026-27 season.

"We’re very pleased to continue our partnership between the Red Wings and the Walleye,” offered Red Wings general manager and executive vice president Steve Yzerman in a press release. “Toledo continues to be an outstanding organization both on and off the ice, and playing in front of a passionate fanbase and a commitment to a winning culture has been vital for the development of our young players. We’re looking forward to seeing the Walleye continue their pursuit of a Kelly Cup championship.”

Under first year coach Pat Mikesch, the Walleye (24-6-2-3) currently lead the ECHL's Central Division by 14 points, despite having played two fewer games than the second place Fort Wayne Komets.

The Walleye have enjoyed tremendous success during their affiliation with the Detroit organization, winning five division championships and three Brabham Cups as ECHL regular season champions.  They have also qualified for nine Kelly Cup playoffs, reaching the final twice.  Last spring, the Walleye fell in the Western Conference Final to the Idaho Steelheads.

The Red Wings have not just leaned on Toledo as a site for player development; the Walleye have also been a cradle of coaches for Detroit.  Current Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde began his professional coaching career in Toledo, where he compiled a 97-35-7-5 record between 2014 and 2016.  Meanwhile, current Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson was promoted to GR last summer after replacing Lalonde as Walleye coach in 2016.

“The relationship between the Red Wings, Griffins and Walleye is one of the strongest in professional hockey,” said Neil Neukam, Toledo's GM and executive vice president. “This extension is a testament to their trust in our coaching and support staff as well as the passion of our great fans, who make Toledo such a great place for young players.”

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