The Toledo Walleye delivered a commanding performance Sunday evening, defeating the Wichita Thunder 5-1 at the Huntington Center whereas simultaneously setting a new franchise record for shots on goal. The Walleye peppered Wichita goaltender Gabriel Carriere with 58 shots, surpassing the previous team best and solidifying their position as a force in the ECHL. This victory marks the Walleye’s continued success, building on a recent run of strong performances.
Ryland Mosley led the offensive charge with two goals, marking his first professional multi-goal game. Brandon Kruse orchestrated the attack with a four-point night – one goal and three assists – reaching a significant milestone in his Walleye career. The team’s consistent pressure and scoring depth proved too much for the Thunder to handle, resulting in a decisive victory.
Mosley opened the scoring 5:37 into the first period, capitalizing on a turnover and firing a shot past Carriere. Assists on the goal came from Sam Craggs, and Kruse. The Walleye continued to dominate the first frame, outshooting Wichita 19-6, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
The second period saw Toledo extend their lead. Mosley scored again at the 4:15 mark, assisted by Kruse and Colin Swoyer, during a delayed penalty. Just over a minute later, Tanner Dickinson added another goal, his 17th of the season, pushing the Walleye’s advantage to 3-0. Kruse’s third assist of the night not only contributed to the score but also brought his career point total with the Walleye to 100, according to the Toledo Walleye official website. Brandon Hawkins is now just six points away from tying Shane Berschbach for the all-time Walleye points lead.
Thunder Find the Net, But Walleye Respond
Wichita managed to break through at 14:29 of the second period when Nolan Kneen scored his second goal of the season, cutting Toledo’s lead to 3-1. Yet, the Walleye quickly regained control in the third period. Brandon Kruse scored his first goal of the season at 3:57, assisted by Sam Craggs, restoring Toledo’s three-goal advantage. Less than a minute later, Tanner Kelly found the back of the net for his 22nd goal of the season, extending the lead to 5-1, with assists from Denis Smirnov and Tanner Palocsik. Kelly has now scored in five consecutive games.
Despite a late penalty shot awarded to Wichita’s Michal Stínil with 1:17 remaining in regulation, Walleye goaltender Nolan Lalonde stood tall, denying the attempt and preserving the 5-1 scoreline. Lalonde stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced on the night.
Record-Breaking Offensive Performance
Toledo’s 58 shots on goal not only set a new franchise record but also highlighted their relentless offensive pressure. The team’s 24 shots in the second period were a season-high, falling just short of the all-time record of 26 set in 2011 against Reading, as reported by Pro Hockey News. The Walleye’s penalty kill unit also proved effective, successfully neutralizing both Wichita power play opportunities.
The three stars of the game, as selected by Local 245, were Brandon Kruse (1 goal, 3 assists), Ryland Mosley (2 goals), and Sam Craggs (2 assists).
The Walleye’s dominant performance underscores their strength and offensive capabilities as they continue their season. The team will look to maintain this momentum in their upcoming games. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to spot if the Walleye can continue their high-scoring ways and build upon this impressive victory.
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