The Toledo Walleye hockey team took the place of the Toledo Storm, established in 1991 and based in Toledo, Ohio. The new name for the ice hockey club was announced in 2009, so the 2009-2010 season is considered to be the year of the foundation of the Toledo Walleye franchise. Under the new name, the Walleye has already won three Regular Season Titles, two Conference Titles, and six Division ones, which makes it one of the strongest competitors in the Central Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL.
After the Storm became the Walleye, the new franchise has established two strong affiliations: the NHL one with the Detroit Red Wings, and the AHL one with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The design of the Walleye’s logo is based on the team’s name. So it is worth mentioning where the name came from. The team needed a name with a strong regional appeal. Naming sports teams after animals is a long-standing tradition, so the franchise’s choice fell on the walleye. It is a fish that is found in abundance in the area and is popular with thousands of anglers.
Spike, the anthropomorphic yellow fish mascot of the Walleye, was introduced to the public in 2009 and became super popular among the fans of the club. However, it is not the only character, which is present in the games of the franchise. Spike has an enemy — Cat Trick; and the two large costumed dolls often have funny fights during the games.
The logo incorporates a personified yellow walleye fish wearing a hockey helmet and holding a hockey stick. One tooth is missing, which produces a comic effect.
The wording “Toledo Walleye” in white is placed against a navy blue background. The whole image is surrounded by a powder blue border.
It is fair to say that a cartoonish animal with a hockey stick and a missing tooth have become clichés. Yet, the Walleye managed to develop a unique indigenous logo that appeals to fans of all age groups and, what is no less important, helps merchandise sales.