ECHL Kelly Cup Final- Game 1 Recap : Trois-Rivières Lions vs Toledo Walleye

The 2025 Kelly Cup Final kicked off in Ohio, where the Toledo Walleye welcomed the Trois-Rivières Lions in Game 1. It was a night of firsts, as the Trois-Rivières Lions made their inaugural appearances in the Kelly Cup Final, and these two formidable teams clashed for the first time in history. Both teams, having triumphed over previous Conference champions, have proven their mettle. Goaltending starts strong with Toledo’s 6-2 Jan Bednar starting, Trois-Rivières calls on 11-4 Luke Cavallin.

First Period

Puck drops, thirty-three seconds in, and we see the game immediately escalate into a physical battle, with scrums breaking out that could require a dentist’s appointment. The Lions, however, maintain their strategic play, making smart passes and cautious plays. Both teams are mapping each other’s plays, learning one another as the period winds down. Halfway through, the Lions are leading the Walleye in shots 7-5. The control in this game was evident when the first icing call of the night came with 5:28 left in the period. Neither team was able to get past the goalkeeper, both making incredible saves.

Forty-two seconds left in the period, and Toledo’s Tyler Spezia gets called for roughing, when he sent Kyle Havlena to the ice. The Lions head to part of the power play with 1:18 left to start the second. The period ends tied at naught. The teams are well-matched through the play, with the Lions leading the Walleye in shots, a promising 10-9, giving the audience hope for their performance in the next period.

Second Period

Still on the power play, the period starts with Toledo a man down. The Lions are unable to capitalize on the man advantage; they return to full strength. Eighteen seconds later, Lions Tyler Hylland scores the first goal of the Kelly Cup Final, making it 1-0. 4:23 in, Toledo fights back when they see their first power play of the game. Results of Lions Kirby Proctor’s high-sticking of Toledo’s Tyler Spezia. On the power play, Trenton Bliss ties the game 1-1.

9:47 in Tommy Cormier deals the Lions their second penalty of the night with a tripping call. Toledo’s Sam Craggs takes full advantage of the power play, giving the Walleye their first lead of the night, making it a 2-1 game. The Walleye have some incredible shots on goal, either ending in Cavallin’s glove, off the bar, or wide. Trois-Rivières was not able to find a way back to the lead by the end of the period, trailing in shots 9-12 and goals 2-1.

Third Period

The period gets underway, and no one is making friends tonight. Right off the first shot on goal, the teams come together for words. Setting the tone for the rest of the period. Tight back-and-forth hockey kept the shots to 5-3 Lions in the first half. Both Goaltenders once again shone with the usage of their physical prowess blocking.

The second half of the period saw the powder keg start to bulge, hits that shook the boards, shots blasted by. Toledo is coming at Cavallin with everything they have. In comparison, Bednar finds himself facing down what could have been many opportunities if it wasn’t for the Walleye’s consistent pressure and puck handling skills. Luke Cavallin is pulled from the net with 2:14 left. With 1:55 left, Carson Bantle gives Toledo an empty net goal, making it 3-1. With twenty-four seconds left, Xavier Cormier with the Lions puts the Walleye back on the power play, called for cross-checking. On the power play, Jalen Smereck and Tommy Cormier come together behind the net, throwing jabs, and the play continues.

With twelve seconds left, all hell breaks loose. Resulting in the Lions: Tommy Cormier 10-minute misconduct-continuing altercation, Morgan Adams-Moisan 10-minute misconduct-continuing altercation, and roughing two minutes. Toledo: Jalen Smereck 10-minute misconduct-continuing altercation, Nolan Moyle elbowing. Ten seconds later, things would boil over again, with the teams coming together, resulting in penalties on both sides once again. Lions: Tyler Hylland roughing, Kirby Proctor roughing. Toledo: Conlan Keenan roughing; Brendon Michaelian roughing. The officials get control of the game, and the Toledo Walleye take the game 3-1. Luke Cavallin with 25 saves for the Lions, Jan Bednar 24 for the Walleye.

Stars of the Game

First Star: Jan Bednar (Toledo)

Second Star: Sam Craggs (Toledo)

Third Star: Trenton Bliss (Toledo)

Upcoming

With the Walleye looking for their first hockey title since 1994, they are fighting to bring glory back to Toledo. This drive is a little different than Trois-Rivières determination. With it being the inaugural Kelly Cup Final for the Lions, they are going to fight back harder than any team the Walleye have faced before. The Walleye will need to continue with the consistent pressure if they want to take the first two games. Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals takes place Monday, June 2nd, 7:15 pm EDT in Toledo.