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The Thunder Bay Walleye home opener was also their season opener, and going into a season after some growth last year, the fans felt the energy. It was a nearly full house as the players make their way onto the ice for warmups ahead of their game against Ottawa Highlanders. Tip Toasty comes out getting mentally prepared for his first game on the top line in a new position, moving to left wing. As he stepped to the ice, he had to shut out the noise and interaction from the fans along the tunnel, turning his attention to getting straight to the rink and getting in some warmups. After the pregame shoot around, Toasty made time to sign a few autographs before the opening lineups and anthems. Unfortunately for Toasty and the walleye, the anticipation seems to have got the better of them, as the Highlanders take the season opener 8-0. Toasty was visibly frustrated at times during the game, seemingly at his own play, as he finished with 0 points and -2 plus/minus. Good thing there are 65 more games to go.