The Toledo Walleye are reloading their blue line with one of their most dynamic players. Defenseman Riley McCourt, 25, has signed for the 2025-26 ECHL season, returning to a city and team where he’s already been a difference-maker.
Proven Producer from the Blue Line
McCourt has built his reputation as a defenseman who can change a game in transition. In his most recent season with Toledo (2023-24), he scored 52 points in 67 games, ranking among the league’s top-scoring blueliners. He added another seven points in 14 playoff contests, proving he can produce when the stakes are highest. His ability to quarterback the power play, thread passes through traffic, and jump into the rush makes him a constant threat every time he’s on the ice.
A Year in Europe
After lighting it up in Toledo, Riley McCourt looked for a new challenge. Last season, he took his talents overseas to Germany’s DEL, where he played 50 games for the Augsburger Panther. There, he collected 22 points (4G, 18A) while adjusting to a different style of play. The experience forced him to move faster in all three zones, rounding out a game already known for its speed and creativity. His 57 penalty minutes reflected his willingness to engage physically.
Consistent ECHL Impact
Returning to North America means McCourt brings back more than just international experience—he brings a proven track record. Over 173 regular-season ECHL games, he has recorded 33 goals and 88 assists for 121 points, paired with a +64 rating and 171 penalty minutes. In Toledo alone, he’s tallied 78 points in 107 regular-season games while helping drive the team’s puck-possession game from the back end. In the playoffs, he’s chipped in 15 points in 27 games, showing he can step up in high-pressure situations.
Junior Roots and Offensive Breakout
That ability to create offense didn’t appear overnight. Before turning pro, McCourt developed in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Flint Firebirds. His offensive instincts exploded during his final junior season in Flint, where he posted 62 points in 63 games and emerged as one of the league’s top offensive defensemen. That breakout year foreshadowed the playmaking skills he continues to bring to the pro level.
Looking Ahead
With McCourt returning, Toledo gains a proven playmaker, a reliable power-play quarterback, and a defenseman capable of logging big minutes in all situations. His mix of international experience, playoff success, and offensive skill will be a critical piece of the Walleye’s push for another deep postseason run.
The Walleye kick off their 2025-26 season on Saturday, October 18, traveling to face the Indy Fuel at Fishers Event Center. Puck drops at 7:00 PM EDT as Toledo looks to open the year with a statement win—and McCourt is ready to lead the charge from the blue line.
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