TOLEDO -- An announcement was made today that for 10 days ending 2014 and beginning 2015, downtown Toledo will be transformed into a winter wonderland culminating with the first ever outdoor professional hockey game at Fifth Third Field.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital presents the Toledo Walleye Winterfest 2014. The event will run from December 26, 2014 to January 4, 2015.

Joe Napoli, president and General Manager of the Toledo Walleye, commented on the announcement of Winterfest.

"Today was a community celebration…We have been contemplating this day for probably three years now and making sure that we can pull it off in a major way."

The Walleye Winterfest will be a community celebration what will showcase Toledo and all of the finest attributes Toledo has to offer. The Toledo Walleye will headline the event with the first ever ECHL, East Coast Hockey League, outdoor hockey game at Fifth Third Field.

There will be ten days of activities and events for the community to participate in at both Fifth Third Field and Huntington Center. 

Napoli commented about the events saying, "we certainly do not want to disappoint the community, so we took our time, did our due diligence and are very excited about hosting Winterfest."

Kevin Webb, of ProMedica Toledo Hospital, commented on what the public will enjoy at Winterfest

Webb said, "…to take advantage of the winter weather in Toledo and getting people to celebrate all the great things that Toledo is all about."

Napoli also comments, "I think what is going to happen is that it is going to be like opening day of the Walleye and opening day of the Mud Hens, they have become annual traditions…we are very encouraged and excited."

Jim Nill, assistant general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, commented on the Walleye Winterfest.

Nill said, "This is very exciting, it is exciting for the franchise down here, the East Coast League, the Walleye. They have done a great job of regenerating the East Coast League franchise…It has been a big part of the community."

The rink will be standard size 200’ x 85’ and will stretch across the infield. Center ice will be located at 2nd base, with the goals near the 1st base and 3rd base line. To see a preview of the rink visit www.toledowalleye.com/winterfest

Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens game plan holders will have the first opportunity to reserve tickets for the Walleye Winterfest events. Additional information regarding tickets and special Walleye Winterfest events will be released at a later date.

Ticket prices will be announced at a later date.

Interested fans can visit www.toledowalleye.com/winterfest or call 419-725-WALL (9255)