As a 10-year-old franchise, many players have come through the Toledo Walleye organization. However, there are a few special players who created highlights and moments that will live forever in the minds of fans. Some may have been in Toledo a season, some four. Regardless of their tenure, when it comes to the elite players in the history of the Walleye, four players come to mind when Mount Rushmore is discussed. Below are my four choices to represent Toledo Walleye hockey. What is your Mount Rushmore?
Brandon Hawkins
Coming back for his fourth Walleye season, Brandon Hawkins is a special player who was the 2024 ECHL MVP last season. During his special season, he posted 40 goals and 53 assists for 93 points. The 5-foot-10 and 198-pound Macomb Township, Michigan native ranks near, or at the top, of many offensive categories in Walleye history. The captain of the 2024 ECHL All-Star classic, he has been nothing but consistent in a Toledo jersey. In his Walleye career, he has 114 goals and 124 assists for 238 points in 188 games. He does not slow down for the playoffs, as he has registered 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points and is a +21 in 48 games.
Hawkins has set the tone for offensive players who may come to Toledo shortly. His 188 games are seventh in franchise history (188), third in assists (124), second in points, second in power-play goals (40), and second in game-winning goals (19)- a good player who is building quite the resume with the Walleye.
Shane Berschbach
The best player in franchise history, Shane Berschbach defied the odds and became an elite player despite his size. At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, he battled against much bigger opponents to make a play and create offense. He came out on top most of the time, resulting in scoring chances. The Clawson, Michigan native came to Toledo from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League and has not looked back. He recorded 116 goals and 277 assists for 393 points in 376 regular season games. In the playoffs, he was as good, posting 23 goals and 50 assists for 73 points in 79 games.
He is in the top five of most offensive categories in Walleye history. His 126 goals are the most in franchise history, as are his 393 points. He has played the most games in Toledo history (376), he has the most assists (277), he is first in power-play goals (41), and is fourth in game-winning goals (16)- one of the more special players to wear a Walleye jersey.
Jeff Lerg
Standing between the pipes at 5-foot-6 and 163 pounds, Jeff Lerg was massive in the crease. His acrobatic style is the reason for many key saves during his Walleye tenure, including being ranked first on SportsCenter’s top ten list for a backhanded save against the Fort Wayne Komets. The Livonia, Michigan native played 93 games for Toledo, posting a record of 63-22-7 with a .897 save percentage and a 3.48 goals-against-average. His 31 wins in 2014-15 are a franchise record, and his 93 games are second most in franchise history.
He ranks second in wins (63), shutouts (7), minutes played 5,509, and points (3). While he did not receive a promotion to the American Hockey League, his play in Toledo stood out to many who were lucky to see him play. Now retired, he runs a goaltending school to keep himself busy away from the ice.
Evan Rankin
Evan Rankin will go down in Walleye history as one of the more influential players away from the ice, promoting community events around the city. Rankin was productive in the Glass City, scoring 111 goals and 103 assists for 214 points. The 6-foot-1 and 185-pound Rankin also had a 0.90 points per game average, 154 penalty minutes, and was a +47.
Rankin ranks third in games (238), goals (111), points (214), and game-winning goals (16). He ranks fourth in plus/ minus with a +47 and in power-play goals with (27). He ranks fifth in assists with 103. A player no longer with the team that fans will never forget.
