TOLEDO -- The Toledo Walleye are turning to a Hancock, Mich., native and former assistant of Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde to lead Detroit's ECHL affiliate in the 2023-24 season and beyond.
On Thursday, the Walleye named Pat Mikesch the fourth head coach in franchise history. Mikesch replaces Dan Watson, who on June 14 was named the head coach of the Red Wings' American Hockey League-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.
"It's great to be part of this great organization and sports community," Mikesch said in his introductory press conference at Toledo's Huntington Center on Friday morning. "I just can't wait to move forward."
"I just can't wait to move forward."
We introduced Pat Mikesch, our fourth head coach in franchise history, at today's press conference.
The 50-year-old Mikesch was previously general manager and head coach of the United States Hockey League's Green Bay Gamblers from 2014-22, compiling a 214-200-48 record.
Mikesch spent 11 seasons with Green Bay, joining the organization in 2011 as associate head coach and director of scouting under Lalonde. After Lalonde was named the Walleye's head coach in 2014, Mikesch was promoted to head coach of the Gamblers.
"I was on staff with Pat for three seasons, winning a USHL championship together," Lalonde said in a statement. "Pat is a diligent worker, detailed and organized. He will continue the recent success of the Walleye. Great hire by the organization."
Prior to his time in Green Bay, Mikesch was an assistant coach at Michigan Tech, his alma mater, from 2004-11. He skated collegiately for the Huskies from 1992-96 and spent eight professional seasons in the AHL, International Hockey League, ECHL and in Germany.
Walleye President & CEO Joe Napoli said Dan Watson, (former Walleye head coach) Nick Vitucci, (Griffins general manager) Shawn Horcoff and Lalonde each played a role in the comprehensive coaching search.
"We really feel that we went through a wonderful process to select Pat," Napoli said.
"It's Hockeytown of Ohio. There's just no doubt about that."
According to Mikesch, the interview process helped him gain a better understanding of the Walleye.
"The process was great for me," Mikesch said. "It was very detailed. I had to prepare myself. The three coaches were very involved in the process. I learned a lot about the organization through those three. So to be the fourth [head coach], it's an amazing opportunity. I can't wait to follow in Dan's footsteps."
Last season, Toledo finished with a 45-19-3 regular-season record before falling to the Idaho Steelheads in the Western Conference Finals of the 2023 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
"The expectations are there," Mikesch said. "We talked a lot about that this entire process. With a fanbase like we have in Toledo, there's an expectation we keep moving forward."
