ECHL Central Division Semifinals: Toledo Walleye Sweep Indy Fuel

Toledo Walleye Complete Commanding 4-0 Sweep Over Indy Fuel

The Toledo Walleye didn’t just win their opening-round series—they dominated it. In a methodical, high-execution performance from top to bottom, the Walleye swept the Indy Fuel in four straight games in the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs Central Division Semifinal. From the net out, Toledo showed depth, speed, and a lethal power play that made Indy pay nearly every time they took a penalty.

Here’s how the Walleye advanced to the Central Division Final in emphatic fashion:

Game One – Opening Blitz in Toledo

Huntington Center | April 17, 2025
Final: Toledo 6, Indy 3
Shots: TOL 30, IND 27 | PP: TOL 1/3, IND 0/3

Toledo jumped on Indy early with a relentless forecheck and special teams superiority. Trenton Bliss opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal just 4:32 into the first period, followed less than two minutes later by a power-play snipe from Brandon Hawkins.

Indy responded in the second period with goals from Owen Robinson and Bryan Lemos, briefly narrowing the gap, but Toledo struck back every time. Jalen Smereck, Sam Craggs (twice), and Cameron Swoyer contributed five straight goals between them. Craggs was dominant, crashing the net and finishing with two goals and one assist, while Cameron Ambrosio registered four primary assists, including two on transition rushes.

Jan Bednar made 24 saves in the win.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Cameron Ambrosio – 4A
2. Sam Craggs – 2G, 1A
3. Trenton Bliss – 1G, 1A

Game Two – Hawkins Headlines Another Home Win

Huntington Center | April 18, 2025
Final: Toledo 5, Indy 2
Shots: TOL 24, IND 18 | PP: TOL 2/2, IND 0/3

Brandon Hawkins continued his offensive rampage, posting one goal and three assists in a game where Toledo’s power play was perfect. Mitchell Lewandowski scored twice, the first coming just over three minutes in from a feed by Bliss and Hawkins.

Defenseman Jalen Smereck tallied again, sneaking down from the point. Bliss then notched a power-play goal midway through the second to extend the lead. Despite efforts from Matus Spodniak and Ethan Manderville, the Fuel were held at bay.

Carter Gylander got his first playoff start, stopping 16 of 18 shots.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Brandon Hawkins – 1G, 3A
2. Mitchell Lewandowski – 2G
3. Jalen Smereck – 1G, 1A

Game Three – Toledo Explodes in the Second

Fishers Event Center | April 21, 2025
Final: Toledo 5, Indy 3
Shots: TOL 30, IND 24 | PP: TOL 3/7, IND 2/4

Returning home didn’t help the Fuel. After a relatively quiet first period, Toledo exploded for four goals in the second—including three on the power play. Brandon Hawkins scored twice and added two assists, dominating the man advantage with quick puck movement and sharp-angle shots.

Lewandowski added another power-play tally and two assists, while Carson Bantle scored his first postseason goal on a backdoor feed.

Indy showed life with two power-play goals from Kevin Lombardi, who was their best forward all series, and a second-period strike from Bryan Lemos. Still, Jan Bednar made timely saves when needed.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Brandon Hawkins – 2G, 2A
2. Mitchell Lewandowski – 1G, 2A
3. Carson Bantle – 1G (PP)

Game Four – Sweep Secured with Complete Team Win

Fishers Event Center | April 22, 2025
Final: Toledo 4, Indy 2
Shots: TOL 20, IND 25 | PP: TOL 1/8, IND 0/3

Facing elimination, Indy threw everything they had—but Toledo absorbed the pressure and countered with clinical precision. Matt Anderson opened the scoring in the first period, and Lewandowski buried a power-play goal in the second to give the Walleye a 2-0 lead.

In the third, Carson Bantle struck shorthanded—his second of the playoffs—on a turnover created by Sam Craggs, who later iced the game with an empty-netter. Despite late goals from Ethan Manderville and Kevin Lombardi, Toledo’s structure held. Carter Gylander stopped 23 of 25 shots.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Sam Craggs – 1G, 1A
2. Matt Anderson – 1G
3. Carson Bantle – SHG

Series Summary

Toledo’s Top Performers

• Brandon Hawkins: 4 goals, 6 assists – Dominant on the power play and leader in ice time up front.
• Mitchell Lewandowski: 4 goals, 4 assists – Finished every key chance and created space for linemates.
• Sam Craggs: 3 goals, 2 assists – High-motor playmaker and finisher with key moments late in games.
• Cameron Ambrosio: 6 assists – Toledo’s primary puck distributor and zone entry specialist.
• Carter Gylander: 2 wins, .920 SV% – Calm and composed in net, making clutch stops when momentum shifted.

Next Up: Central Division Final

With the sweep complete, the Walleye will now face the winner of the Fort Wayne Komets vs. Iowa Heartlanders series in the Central Division Final. They carry in the confidence of a deep lineup, red-hot special teams, and goaltenders who look playoff-ready.

Toledo heads into the second round rested, red-hot, and backed by elite special teams, rock-solid goaltending, and one of the most balanced playoff rosters in the league.