The thirst for the Kelly Cup is palpable among teams that have never claimed the prestigious trophy before. Both the Toledo Walleye and the Trois-Rivieres Lions are on a quest to secure their first ECHL championship in franchise history, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the series unfolds.
In an electrifying opening game of the Kelly Cup Finals, the Toledo Walleye emerged triumphant with a 3-1 victory against the Trois-Rivieres Lions. The match took place before a spirited crowd of 8,600 at the Huntington Center, marking a pivotal moment in both teams’ journeys toward their championship dreams.
The Walleye’s goal-scoring tactics were instrumental, with two of their three goals coming from power plays. Goaltender Jan Bednar showcased remarkable skill, stopping 24 out of 25 shots, solidifying his critical role in the game. “I was just trying to stay calm, just stop the next puck,” Bednar reflected post-game, attributing his composed performance to a focus on making saves. “Except for the one in the second period, I did that, so very happy with the win.”
This was not only a battle of skill; it was also a tactical encounter between two teams that had not squared off since the Lions entered the ECHL in the 2021-22 season. The opening period served as both teams’ opportunity to gauge one another’s strengths. Although there were several chances for teams to take the lead, the first stanza ended in a scoreless tie, with each goaltender standing tall.
Forty-two seconds before the end of the opening frame, a penalty against Toledo provided the Lions an opportunity to score first. The Walleye successfully killed off a part of the ensuing power play, but just a minute and thirty-six seconds into the second period, Tyler Hylland capitalized on a defensive lapse by Toledo, giving Trois-Rivieres a quick 1-0 lead. Remarkably, this goal marked Hylland’s fifth consecutive game scoring streak.
However, the Walleye refused to be deterred. Following a high-sticking call against Tyler Spezia that resulted in a power play for Toledo, they capitalized almost immediately. An initial shot from Brandon Hawkins hit the left post, allowing Trenton Bliss to net the rebound and tie the game at 1-1 just 5 minutes and 39 seconds into the middle frame.
The momentum shifted further in Toledo’s favor as they scored a second power-play goal, this time from Sam Craggs, who fired in a one-timer from the top of the circle, putting the Walleye ahead 2-1. Bednar continued to shine, making several pivotal saves to maintain the lead as the Lions aimed to respond.
Despite the Walleye’s attempts to extend their lead, featuring a breakaway opportunity for Colby Ambrosio, the Lions’ goaltender Luke Cavallin kept his team in the game, preserving the scoreline at 2-1 as the period came to a close. Historically, the Walleye possess a strong record, boasting a perfect 9-0 when leading after two periods prior to this matchup.
As the final period unfolded, both teams engaged in a fiercely competitive and defensive contest. The physicality of the game was palpable, with tensions escalating, particularly in the closing minutes. The Lions pulled Cavallin in a last-ditch effort to equalize, but it was the Walleye’s Carson Bantle who sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, pushing the final score to 3-1.
With their Game 1 win, the Walleye have claimed an advantage in the series—a statistic that favors teams taking the first game of the Kelly and Riley Cup Finals, with a historical win rate of 73.5%. However, the series is far from over, as every match holds the potential for turnarounds.
The opening game’s physical nature set the tone for what promises to be a fierce and competitive series. Numerous misconduct penalties and roughing calls reflected the intensity both teams are willing to exhibit as they chase their championship dreams. “We could see what kind of series this is gonna be, and it’s gonna be tough,” said Toledo’s head coach, Pat Mikesch, noting his team’s improvement over the course of the game. “I thought we got better as the game went on with our 5-on-5 play, (and) a couple of power-play goals to get us going.”
With Game 2 scheduled for Monday night at 7:15 PM ET in Toledo, fans can expect another nail-biting encounter between these two teams eager to etch their names in ECHL history. As the quest for the Kelly Cup continues, both the Walleye and Lions stand ready to give their all, making each moment on the ice monumental in their pursuit of glory.
The story of the Kelly Cup Finals is just beginning, and for Toledo and Trois-Rivieres, it’s a chance to seize an elusive dream. In a battle where every game counts and each moment can change the tide, fans will no doubt be on the edge of their seats for what lies ahead.
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