Experience on the blue line should be a strength for the Toledo Walleye this season, and that team defense stood out in their preseason game on Friday night.

Newcomers Nate Roy and Chad Hillebrand scored goals, and veteran Brandon Hawkins added an empty netter in the Walleye’s 3-0 exhibition win over Kalamazoo at the Huntington Center.

Returning goalie Carter Gylander earned the shutout with 20 saves as the Walleye yielded just 12 shots on goal through the first two periods.

The Walleye allowed a very low shot total (20) despite just four days of work in training camp.

“I like that defensive group as a whole,” third-year coach Pat Mikesch said. “Being familiar with them, we know we're going to get on a nightly basis.”

All seven of the team’s defensemen have suited up for the Walleye i

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