The Toledo Walleye have re-signed forward Dalton Messina to a contract for the 2024-25 season. Messina joined the Walleye late last season, posting three goals and two penalty minutes in 10 regular season games, but was held scoreless in four playoff games.
Messina played most of last season with the Ohio State Buckeyes of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) before joining Toledo for the final few weeks. He scored six goals and eight assists for 14 points and 14 penalty minutes in 38 games. The 26-year-old Macomb, Michigan native finished his five-year career at Ohio State with seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 86 games. He is from the same hometown as Brandon Hawkins, and they played roller hockey together.
Messina is the latest player to sign with Walleye for the upcoming season. Messina, Hawkins, Sam Craggs, Conlan Keenan, Trenton Bliss, Brandon Kruse, Darian Pilon, and newcomer Casey Dornbach. With these signings, the Walleye have 3/4 of their forward group for next season.
Messina adds secondary scoring and a bit of grit and is good in the defensive zone. He is what Toledo needs after adding much scoring to the lineup, someone to take care of all three zones and play a penalty- kill role- a good, solid depth player who will play a key role on this edition of the Walleye. Messina excelled in the neutral zone, breaking up plays and using his stick to get into passing lanes.
The Walleye have reloaded from last season and look to be as dangerous as last season. While the team needs to add some defense, the roster is looking good for next season. Goaltenders for next season will be added at training camp, as the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League will send down one or two netminders to play between the pipes for Toledo. Next season is shaping up to be a good one.
