Photo by Angie Marie
As the training camp for the Toledo Walleye continued this morning at the brand new Lucas County Arena, they had a late addition to the team, free agent defenseman Ryan Stokes.
The 6'4" Corruna, Ontario, native played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, splitting his time between the Barrie Colts and the Mississauga IceDogs. He made his physical presence known to the league, tallying 349 penalty minutes in the three seasons combined.
In 2004, Stokes joined the ECHL, playing in 59 games with the Pensacola Ice Pilots before he was promoted to the American Hockey League to play for the Houston Aeros. He continued to be a gritty defenseman, recording 164 and 158 minutes in the box in the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons respectively.
More recently, Stokes played for the Rockford IceHogs and the Providence Bruins in the AHL and was invited to the Buffalo Sabres training camp in the NHL, but released from the team on September 22, 2009.
Stokes joined the team on the ice this morning for practice sessions and a scrimmage. With the arena glass issues corrected from yesterday, the players were able to complete a quick game as head coach Nick Vitucci looked on. The players are continuing to tighten up their squads, with noticable improvement in their defensive play and communication skills.
Comments
phone number for the Walleye is 419 725-WALL (not 625)
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