The Toledo Walleye have faced significant roster changes this offseason, with several key players moving on. However, one cornerstone remains firmly in place — two-time consecutive ECHL MVP Brandon Hawkins. The star forward is returning for his fifth season with the Walleye, bringing his elite talent and leadership back to the pond.
A Look Back at Hawkins’ Career
A native of Michigan, Hawkins began his college hockey career at Bowling Green State University before transferring to Northeastern University. Over 141 NCAA games, he tallied 46 goals and 62 assists for a total of 108 points. His early promise was evident: he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2014–15 and later to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team in 2018–19.
Though undrafted, Hawkins began his professional career with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in spring 2019, finishing the season before being assigned to the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. In 47 games with Wheeling, he logged 16 goals and 17 assists, establishing himself as a key contributor.
Toledo Roots and a Championship Detour
Hawkins signed with the Toledo Walleye in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of their season. Seeking playing time, he joined the Fort Wayne Komets, where he helped capture the 2021 Kelly Cup. That season, he played 37 games, notching 23 goals and 16 assists, while also making a 10-game AHL stint with the Cleveland Monsters.
Walleye Legacy Cemented
In 2021, Hawkins returned to the Walleye and began one of the most dominant stretches in team history. His first season saw him score a career-high 35 goals. He outdid himself the following year with 39 goals and 81 points, continuing to earn AHL call-ups, including a six-game stint with the Chicago Wolves.
By his third season, Hawkins was named alternate captain, further cementing his leadership role. In 2023–24, he had his best season yet, with 40 goals, 53 assists, and 93 total points.
Accolades and Records
Hawkins so far with Toledo is one of the most decorated players in franchise history:
- Most career goals: 151
- Most career playoff assists: 54
- Tied for most assists in a single playoff: 18
- Most career game-winning goals: 26
- Most career power-play goals: 52
- Most career first goals: 24
- Tied for most career overtime goals: 3
- First Walleye player to exceed 1,000 career shots: 1,267
- Most career playoff points: 90
- Most career playoff power-play goals: 11
Across 343 ECHL games, Hawkins tallied 190 goals and 190 assists for 399 points so far. In 28 AHL games, he added 3 goals and 4 assists.
His ECHL accolades include:
- 2020–21: Kelly Cup Champion, March Player of the Month
- 2021–22: Playoffs Points Leader (33)
- 2022–23: First All-Star Team
- 2023–24: All-Star Captain, MVP, Most Goals (40), Most Points (93)
- 2024–25: MVP, First All-Star Team, Most Points (89), Playoffs Most Assists (18), Playoffs Most Points (24)
What’s Next for Toledo?
There’s no sugarcoating it—losing the players Toledo has is a major blow. With Bliss, Bednar, and Spezia, played a critical role in Toledo’s playoff success, helping capture both the Western Conference and Central Division Championships in recent years
As the Walleye look ahead, rebuilding will be essential to maintain their elite status. With a passionate fan base behind them and a proven organizational structure, Toledo remains in the fight, but there’s no denying the Hawkins era leaves big skates to fill.
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