Posted August 6, 2026
Toledo Walleye revitalize jerseys, modernize brand
A team of new players, fresh hockey sticks, and clean skates are not the only additions in store for the 2026-2027 Toledo Walleye hockey season. Fish fans will also see four re-designed jerseys fashioned on the ice.
The Deep Water, Frozen Water, River Blue, and Golden Era jerseys “elevate the Walleye brand” by staying rooted in the “Toledo hockey tradition” and also “pushing forward,” according to designer Dan Royer.
Royer, Mud Hens and Walleye Creative Director, said the re-design process kicked off over two years ago.
“Honestly, I've been itching to do this,” Royer said. “But as you can probably expect, you have to put in time for some of these changes, and do these things years in advance. I notified the league, worked with the jersey vendors, and part of the initial phase is figuring out what is possible with the jerseys.”
As Royer played with the jerseys’ designs, he said the goal was to create a modern, yet bold collection to “energize” not only the players, but the fans.
The Deep Water and Frozen Water jerseys are for home and away games. Described as “fluid” and “sharp,” these jerseys include “non-traditional striping” on each of the sleeves, the classic Walleye hockey emblem, and crest.
“It’s not a line that goes from one side to the other, it’s sharp and angular,” Royer said. “The light blue on the sleeves has water accents in it, and that is something we’ve never done before. Where you see that yellow sharp angle coming down on the side of the jersey, it gives the impression of a fish gill.”
Alternate jerseys, River Blue and Golden Era, encompass the “classic,” “bold,” and “energetic” feeling of Toledo hockey. Both jerseys have a more traditional style of hockey striping on the sleeves, according to Royer.
The River Blue jersey center showcases a fin splashing into the water, with the Golden Era fashioning a striking walleye.
“Dozens and dozens of concepts were put on paper and reviewed internally with myself and others to get feedback,” Royer said. “Something I was trying to do is take where we've been, look at how we can enhance that visually … and make a more current looking jersey.”
Royer said Pat Mikesch, Walleye Head Coach, Neil Neukam, Walleye General Manager and Executive Vice President, and Craig Katz, Vice President of Merchandise and Licensing, provided feedback throughout the re-design process.
Former and existing Toledo Walleye standouts like Brandon Hawkins, Sam Craggs, Simon Denis, and Alden Hirschfeld filmed teasers for fans before the reveal on August 5. Royer said seeing their reactions to the new jerseys was exciting.
“There’s a little bit of nervousness for myself when it comes to this because obviously we all love the Walleye and the brand,” Royer said. “We love what it stands for and we care about how it looks … so I wanted to do that justice. My hope is that fans see the time and the effort, and that it overall hits the mark.”
All of the new jerseys are available for purchase on the Swamp Shop website.