The Blackhawks announced yesterday via the IceHogs that they have renewed their affiliation with the ECHL’s T0ledo Walleye for two more years. The 2012-2013 season will be the fourth season of the affiliation, which has seen players such as Peter LeBlanc and Rob Flick suit up for both teams.

The Walleye are owned by Toledo Arena Sports, Inc., which is presided over by GM Joe Napoli. They also operate a Triple-A team, the Toledo Mud Hens. The Walleye had a 28-38-2-4 last season under the coaching of Director of Hockey Operations Nick Vitucci. They finished last in their division and 11th (out of 12) in their conference, mostly due to an inconsistent season that ended in a 7-game losing streak. Part of this inconsistency can be blamed on the goaltender switch, as Carter Hutton was called up to Rockford and he impressed there, so we’ll have to see how this season goes.

Having lost the Chicago Express, we’ll have to travel farther to see them, however. Road trip to Fort Wayne to see the Komets, anyone?