The ECHL announced Wednesday that the Toledo Walleye have been selected as the 2024-25 recipient of the ECHL Hockey Operations Department of the Year Award. Voted on by league coaches, the honor is presented annually to the team recognized for excellence in player development, roster management, and overall operational success.
Toledo earned the top spot following a standout season in which the Walleye finished with a 44-17-11 record, collecting 99 points and securing the Central Division regular-season title for the second consecutive year. It marks the franchise’s seventh division title in the past ten seasons, further solidifying Toledo’s status as one of the league’s most consistently dominant teams. The Walleye’s front office and hockey operations staff were lauded for their leadership, vision, and ability to build a competitive and cohesive roster from start to finish.
The recognition also aligns with individual honors within the organization, as head coach Pat Mikesch was named the Western Conference coach on the ECHL Midseason All-Star Team—highlighting the strong synergy between the team’s management and its performance on the ice.
The Jacksonville Icemen, South Carolina Stingrays, Florida Everblades, and Kansas City Mavericks also received votes, finishing behind Toledo in the final rankings. Jacksonville, who won the award in 2023-24, finished second in this year’s voting.
This marks Toledo’s second time receiving the honor in the past four seasons, joining the 2021-22 team as previous winners of the award. Past recipients include the Idaho Steelheads (2022-23) and Jacksonville Icemen (2023-24), showcasing the rotating excellence among ECHL franchises.
The ECHL Hockey Operations Department of the Year Award celebrates more than just wins—it recognizes the foundation of every successful season. For the Walleye, it’s a testament to the dedication and precision of the team behind the scenes, building a winning culture that fans can be proud of.
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