The Toledo Walleye are marching towards the playoffs and are heading down the final stretch. With the offense playing at an elite level and the defense holding their own, the goaltending will be the position to watch as the playoffs near. However, there is still hockey in the regular season. A few Walleye players are having great seasons and are within milestones this season.
Walleye players reaching milestones before season’s end
While the ultimate goal is the team winning the Kelly Cup, some individual players will be hitting a personal mark before the start of the playoffs. Two defensemen and two forwards are within reach of some special hockey moments as professional hockey players. All are close to reaching milestones that mean something to them early in their hockey careers. This is just the beginning for some of them, with more milestones to achieve in their careers.
Defenseman Riley McCourt is one defenseman to reach one of those this season, as he has 97 games played and is only three short of playing 100 games as a professional. He has played for the Wichita Thunder and the Newfoundland Growlers as part of his professional hockey career while playing for the Colorado Eagles and Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Forward Trenton Bliss is also well within reach of the 100 games as a professional, as he has played 95. Bliss has played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, who are the affiliate of the Walleye and the Detroit Red Wings. He is second in team scoring behind Brandon Hawkins with 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points. He should reach this milestone, as he has been durable, dependable, and consistent in offensive production.
Forward Orrin Centazzo, meanwhile, has already accomplished that feat and has surpassed 150 professional points. He has played for the Growlers of the ECHL and the Marlies and Belleville Senators of the AHL. In his first season in Toledo, he has produced 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 43 games. A proven scorer, he is a good middle-six forward who may be counted on as the end of the season winds down and the playoff picture becomes clearer.
Defenseman Grant Gabriele only has 34 points between Toledo and the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. He has also suited up for the Providence Bruins and Rochester Americans of the AHL. His milestone that is within reach is not an offensive one but one that will see him play his 100th game as a professional at some point this season, as he has 95 games played so far. This season for the Walleye, he has nine points, all assists, in 22 games but is also a +16. A good, solid defenseman who could see some critical time in the coming weeks. These four players may play a pivotal role in where the Walleye play in the postseason, as they have been unsung heroes to a successful Toledo team this season.
Forward Chase Gresock played his 50th professional game on Sunday, February 23, in a 3-2 loss against the rival Fort Wayne Komets. He has quietly had a good season, producing 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 50 games.
