Walleye ink BGSU forward Tyler Spezia

(Toledo, OH) – Forward Tyler Spezia (SPEE-zhuh) from the Bowling Green Falcons has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2018-19 season.

Spezia joins the Walleye after a stellar career for the Falcons, appearing in 147 games while scoring 34 goals with 38 assists for 72 points and 103 penalty minutes. During his four-year career, the Clinton Township, Michigan native posted a plus 34. As a senior Assistant Captain, he scored 10 goals (tied for third most on team) with six assists and was named WCHA Player of the Week when he picked up a hat trick plus an assist at Lake Superior State on January 29.

“Tyler brings an exciting skill set to our team for the upcoming season that we will look forward to on the ice,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “The experience he gained playing for a terrific program and coach Chris Bergeron will help him make the transition from college to professional hockey.”

The 25-year-old forward set a career-high as a junior when he collected 30 points (8G, 22A) with 53 penalty minutes and a plus 13. His 22 assists led the Falcons in the 2016-17 season. Twice Spezia was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team for his work in the classroom. Prior to joining Bowling Green, the 5’10”, 171 pound forward spent back to back years in the USHL with Dubuque then Youngstown. With the Youngstown Phantoms in 2013-14, he had 73 penalty minutes with 22 points (10G, 12A) in 58 games.

Get to know Tyler

Q: Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?

A: “Pavel Datsyuk. He was a magician with the puck and played hard 200 feet. As good as he was offensively he was even better defensively. He was a model player.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do away from the rink?

A: “I like to hang out with the guys, play some video games. Fortnite is the game to play right now. When I’m bored I like to go shopping, head to the mall.”

Q: How have you been spending the off-season?

A: “I’ve been doing a lot of training in Bowling Green. I’ve also played in a couple of roller hockey tournaments in St. Louis and Atlanta.”

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: “Back home, my mom got a dog every time a sibling left home. She has five dogs. The dog she got when I left is a maltese/poodle mix named Cole.”

Q: What your go-to food?

A: “I love Japanese food, grilled steak or chicken with some fried rice.”

Q: What was your major at BGSU?

A: “I was a finance major. I’ve always been interesting in money investment and how important that is to help prepare you down the road.”

Q: Why are you excited about coming to Toledo?

A: “I’ve been to many games at the Huntington Center. The atmosphere is ridiculous. 8,000 fans a night packing the place, and the fans are passionate and know the game. I fell in love with this area, and it’s close to home, so my mom can come watch games.”

Q: Did you play in Winterfest while at BGSU?

A: “That was my freshman year. The weather made it crazy fun, because it was cold and rainy. I sat on the bench a lot because I was a freshman, so I got soaked. It was awesome playing a game in the middle of a baseball field.”