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Walleye fans flood downtown Toledo excited for season opener

Everyone was decked out in their gear and ready to cheer on the Fish Friday night in their first game of the season against the Wheeling Nailers, which they won 3-2.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Adults and kids showed their love for the Walleye's home opener on Friday night, decked out in their game gear and ready to root for the Fish, who ultimately beat the Wheeling Nailers 3-2.

The game, also the season opener, brought hundreds of people to downtown Toledo, adding more energy to the excitement.

"You have so many people that come downtown for this kind of experience,” said fan Darrell Tucholski. “We've traveled to other places and they don't have to crowd that we do so it's awesome."

It's not just the fans who are walking with a pep in their step. Business owners are, too.

Jeff Jones is the owner of Whiskey Red Saloon, which opened in July opposite the Huntington Center on Jefferson Avenue.

"The reason we opened up is for events like this, we're excited to be a part of it,” Jones said.

Jones said the crowds during Walleye home games have a definite impact on business at his country-themed bar.

"You start getting busy early at 4 o'clock in the afternoon compared to 7 or 8 o'clock at night, and with the Walleye having the schedule that they have, we'll be busy like this hopefully more than just Friday and Saturday night,” he said.

It's Jones' first Walleye season as a downtown business owner, but he's been a Fish fan for a long time and was happy to be surrounded by fellow longtime fans.

Martin, a Walleye fan, said, "All my life, I had buddies that brought me to this arena and had fun, just grew up with hockey."

No matter what fan you ask, they're confident that at the end of the season, their Fish will be skating away with a Kelly Cup Championship trophy.

"On paper they definitely have the team to do it," said fan Travis Focht. "It's just a matter if the bounces go their way."

The Walleye play their next game on Saturday when they host the Cincinnati Cyclones. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

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