The Thunder Bay Walleye finished their first full season after re-branding and relocating with a record of 24-37-5, good for second-to-last in the SMJHL standings. It was not quite the new start the team was hoping for after finishing third overall the previous year with a 41-24-1 record. However, this setback was somewhat expected as some major names had left the team. These significant roster changes that the Walleye had undergone left them with only 75% the TPE of the previous season’s Elk. There was a talent gap and the Walleye’s new young talent would have to grow to fill that missing gap.


As last season was always going to be a step back, perhaps the move to Thunder Bay was timed with this in mind. Leaving Regina on a high note allowed the team to preserve their legacy while they begin anew in Thunder Bay with fresh dreams and aspirations. The team rewarded their hometown fans in their opening season though posting a winning record at home 17-14-2. This stood in stark contrast to the 7-23-3 road record. Management will definitely be looking into the impact travel has had on the team and hopefully they will be able to get better results on the road. 


As the new season approaches though there is a lot of hope surrounding the team. Players like Tip Toasty and Chaos Giraffe had strong rookie seasons last year despite a lack of general team success both managing to put up 40+ points. Their talents gave the new fans in Thunder Bay a glimpse of what the future holds for the Walleye’s young core. If the team is going to make any significant strides it will require the forward group to make up the sixty-six goals lost from the previous season.


The Walleye’s star in net, and Esa Anrikkanen recipient, Grand Berd numbers may not look as impressive as his previous year, but there’s more to that than any sophomore slump. The netminder faced almost 40% more shots, including a higher percentage of high danger chances. As the Walleye’s young defence continues to grow and mature those numbers should be more reflective of Berd’s true talent and the award winning goaltending they are capable of delivering.


In the latest draft they have selected three new defensemen in Jack Ellul, Benjamin Crawley, Benjamin Theodore as well as winger Heaver McLovin. Not only will this help increase the team’s Benjamin-per-sixty but will strengthen their defensive core to give Berd the support he needs. To back Berd up, the Walleye has also signed IFA Nicholas Scalice. There is clearly a focus from management to strengthen the defensive core and supplement the offensive talent they have secured this far.


Ultimately the Thunder Bay Walleye are a rebuilding team both on and off the ice. The team is looking to find a strong identity and play “Thunder Bay” hockey. What that looks like will depend on how the team develops. Moving into this new season they will need their young talent to take another major step forward and continue to lead the way.

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If Myers has million fans, then I’m one of them.
If Myers has one fan, then I’m THAT ONE.
If Myers has no fans, that means I’m dead.

66-0 here we come