Walleye add pair of forwards

TOLEDO, Ohio - Forwards Zack Phillips and Abbott Girduckis have agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2019-20 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.Phillips was seleced in the first round (28th overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. While never making the NHL, the 26-year-old has extensive pro experience with 260 career AHL games spanning four full seasons. Phillips has spent the last three seasons playing in Sweden, Germany and Austria amassing 103 points (36g-67a) and 48 penalty minutes in 158 games.The native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, has appeared in seven career ECHL contests, suting up with Atlanta and Kalamazoo during the 205-16 season.In the AHL, Phillips posted his best numbers during the 2013-14 campaign when he posted 33 points 12g-21a) in a career-high 76 games for the Iowa Wild. He has also skated for Houston, Providence and Chicago in his AHL career.

Prior to turning professional, Phillips spent three years with Saint John in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League that included back to back QMJHL championships (2011 and 2012) and a CHL Memorial Cup championship in 2011. His 23 assists during the 2012 playoffs led all players.

Girduckis, a native of Bellville, Ontario, rejoins the Walleye after tallying five points (3g-2a) in seven games late last season. He joined Toledo after completing a four-year career at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Serving as team captain last year, he posted nearly a point-per-game with 36 points (11g-25a) in 38 games played. Girduckis appeared in 146 games for the Tigers with 93 points (30g-63a). His point production increased in each season as a member of the Tigers.The 23-year-old was a member of the R.I.T. team that won a league championship (AHA) in the 2015-16 season. Prior to his college days, Girduckis played junior hockey for the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. In three seasons, he collected 113 points (55g-58a) in 150 games. His final season (2014-15) was his breakout year with 29 goals and 32 assists over just 45 contests.