Wally The Walleye introduced at the Toledo Zoo

 Head Coach, Nick Vitucci said, “Wally is a great choice to be the official mascot of the team.  He has a great work ethic, a superb slapshot, and a winning attitude.  I know that he will be excited to welcome all of the hockey fans when they visit him at the Zoo.” 

Wally theWalleye’s Story
Wally’s journey certainly hasbeen an interesting one.  It all started on February 20, 2008 when the officialword came thatToledo’s ECHL team would be known as the ToledoWalleye.  Head Coach, Nick Vitucci found himself looking for some inspiration.

After checking out theconstruction progress, Vitucci was taking a stroll along the Maumee River,eyeing some of the local fish when, lo and behold, one in particular literallyjumped to get his attention.  Vitucci took the bait - hook, line and sinker! Nick looked at his feetand there was Wally.

Impressed with his moves, Nickknew this fish would have the talent&heart to be the official team mascotbut where would he live?  Nick knew he needed a good home with lots of water andpeople who could take good care of him.   That’s when it hit him like a ton offish food…the Toledo Zoo. 

Wally will make his home at theLake Erie Exhibit in the Toledo Zoo’s Aquarium and fans are encouraged to visithim year round.  Wally is excited and slightly overwhelmed with ideas to helpmotivate and entertain his new fans.  His problem is that he really would be “afish out of water” if he tried the things he was hoping to do.  Therefore, inthe months to come, Wally will be doing his own recruiting for other teamrepresentatives that he can send over to the arena to execute his cheertactics.

*Wally The Walleye’s™ name was picked based on suggestions from a “Name The Mascot” contest in conjunction with the Toledo Blade & The Andersons.

Other famous live mascots include Uga (University of Georgia Bulldogs), Bevo (University of Texas Longhorns), Ralphie (University of Colorado Buffalos)

Toledo Walleye on-ice replica jerseys are officially in stock at the Swamp Shop!

Official jerseys and practice jerseys are available in home and road colors, adult and youth sizes. Jerseys make great holiday gifts, and the Swamp Shop is stocked full with Mud Hens and Walleye jerseys!

Don’t forget to come downtown to the Swamp Shop for other Toledo Walleye, Toledo Mud Hens, and new Toledo Bullfrogs gear!

The Swamp Shop is open for the holiday season with extended hours; Monday-Friday 11A-5P, Saturdays 10A-3P, and Sundays from 12P-3P. Get official Mud Hens and Toledo Arena Sports merchandise online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.mudhens.com/swamphop. For more information please call 1-800-736-9520.