Toledo Walleye forward Sam Craggs joins forward Brandon Hawkins in returning to the Walleye for their fourth season in Toledo. Hawkins announced on Monday, while the Craggs announcement was earlier today.
Craggs was a vital part of the Toledo high-scoring offense and was a key player down the stretch, He was efficient in the offensive zone, posting career highs across the board. He posted 28 goals and 28 assists for 56 points, along with a +18. His play was crucial on special teams, tying the Walleye record for short-handed goals in a season with three last season, but the first Toledo player to score two in one game.
Before turning pro, he played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Waterloo Black Hawks and the Youngstown Phantoms, combining two goals and 11 assists for 13 points during the 2016-17 season. He played collegiate hockey for Bowling Green State University, producing 30 goals and 34 assists for 64 points in 181 games with the Bowling Green Falcons. He then turned pro with the Walleye in 2021-22 and recorded one goal and four assists for five points in 11 games.
The Elmhurst, Illinois native joins Hawkins in returning to form a dynamic duo that brings point production back to a team that has lost a lot of players this off-season. Craggs and Hawkins will be counted on for leadership as they rebound from last season’s loss to the Kansas City Mavericks. They will to lead Toledo back to the playoffs in another attempt at the Kelly Cup.
