Veteran defenseman Schmitz returns to Toledo

Toledo, Ohio – Defenseman Beau Schmitz has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2017-18 season.

The Walleye are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings and the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins.

Schmitz set career highs this past season with 31 assists and 35 points for the Walleye, his second season in Toledo. The native of Howell, Mich. has appeared in 135 games over two seasons for Toledo while posting 48 points (9g-39a) with 90 penalty minutes and a +26 rating. Schmitz has played 197 career ECHL games with Toledo and Florida with 61 points (10g-51a) and 125 penalty minutes.

During the 2014-15 season, Schmitz skated in 38 games with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers recording seven assists and 26 penalty minutes. Since turning professional, the 26-year-old has appeared in 82 AHL games, all with Charlotte, posting 23 points (6g-17a) and 56 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning professional, Schmitz picked up 152 points (35g-117a) over four years and 244 games with Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League. He was an OHL Third Team All-Star in 2011-12 when collected career highs in goals (14), assists (40) and points (54). Schmitz was team captain over his final two seasons with the Whalers.