ECHL: Tanner Kelly Brings Big Ten Titles and Grit to the Walleye

From the Big Ten to the ECHL—Tanner Kelly is heading to Toledo.

The Toledo Walleye have signed forward Tanner Kelly for the 2025-26 season, adding a high-character competitor fresh off a championship run with Michigan State. The 23-year-old joins the roster after a five-year NCAA career at Michigan State University. Born in San Diego, California, and holding dual USA/Canada nationality, Kelly stands 5’10” and 174 pounds, shoots right, and brings a reliable, high-motor game to the forward group. With nearly 180 collegiate games under his belt, he arrives in Toledo ready to make his mark in his first pro season.

Spartan Swagger

Tanner Kelly’s growth at Michigan State was fueled by consistency, versatility, and timely execution. As a freshman in 2021-22, he scored three goals across 34 games, including a pair against Ohio State. In his sophomore year, he logged 18 points (4G, 14A) in 38 games and became a go-to in shootouts, notching a penalty-shot game-winner and a career-best three-assist performance against LIU.

His junior campaign marked a turning point. Kelly finished with nine goals, 18 points, and a +13 rating in 35 games, tying for third in the Big Ten with four game-winning goals. He delivered under pressure, scoring twice in the Big Ten Championship win over Michigan and picking up an assist in the NCAA Tournament opener against Western Michigan. (Michigan State University Athletics, 2024).

Senior Season Highlights

Tanner Kelly wrapped up his final season at Michigan State with his most complete performance yet. He played in all 37 games, tallying eight goals and nine assists, including a pair of power-play markers and a game-winner. Kelly posted a career-high 71 shots on goal and was dominant in the faceoff circle, winning 63% of his draws. He earned Big Ten Third Star of the Week honors in October after a four-point weekend against Canisius and kept producing in key moments throughout the year.

Kelly recorded an assist in the final home series against Penn State (Feb. 21–22) and later added a goal in a double-overtime win over Ohio State that clinched the Spartans’ second straight Big Ten title. Whether setting up his teammates with highlight-reel finishes or grinding out shifts against top opponents, Kelly had delivered reliable, high-energy hockey in every zone. (Michigan State University Athletics, 2024).

While at Michigan State, Tanner Kelly helped the Spartans capture three Big Ten titles over two seasons—winning both the regular-season and tournament championships in 2023-24, followed by another tournament title in 2024-25. His role on a veteran-driven, high-performing roster gave him valuable experience in some of college hockey’s biggest and most pressure-filled moments.

Before the Spartans

Kelly’s road to the pros started in the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he racked up 47 points in 53 games during the 2020-21 season. He also made waves earlier with the Little Caesars AAA program, including a monster year with 101 points in 69 games.

What to Expect

Kelly is a player who thrives in high-energy situations. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, physical, and always in the mix. Whether it’s the forecheck, the corners, or the backcheck, he’s going to put in the work—and Walleye fans are going to love it.

Opening Night

Toledo hits the road to kick off the 2025-26 season on Saturday, October 18th, taking on the Indy Fuel at the Fishers Event Center. Puck drops at 7:00 PM EDT.