For many in northwest Ohio, the home opener marked one of the busiest and most anticipated nights of the year for local sports fans.
TOLEDO, Ohio — It was a packed house at the Huntington Center on Saturday night as the Toledo Walleye opened their 2025-26 home season, thrilling fans with a 6-2 win over the Indy Fuel.
For many in northwest Ohio, the home opener marked one of the busiest and most anticipated nights of the year for local sports fans.
“It’s a great team, great success, and overall the experience is unbelievable,” said Ryan Spangler, a longtime Walleye fan. “Everybody’s just excited to be there and go Walleye.”
The Walleye have built one of the strongest followings in minor league hockey, selling out 80 consecutive home games dating back to 2023.
“We’re lucky enough to have the best fans in the ECHL, or even all of minor league hockey,” said Kate Langenderfer, the team’s director of marketing. “They love the team, they love showing their support, and we have a great group behind the scenes putting on a great experience for everyone.”
Fans filled the arena with optimism for what could be a championship season after Toledo’s latest run to the Kelly Cup Finals.
“They’ve made it a couple times the last few years, and they just can’t win the finals,” said Ryan Houck, another fan. “I’d like to see them win the cup this year.”
The Walleye will hit the road next Friday to face the Kalamazoo Wings before returning home to the Huntington Center next Saturday.
With the season underway and momentum already building, fans hope this year might finally be the one when the Fish bring home the Kelly Cup.
This article was published by Dominique O’Neill on 2025-11-01 23:55:00
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