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Toledo Walleye viewing party at Fifth Third Field attracts diehard hockey fans

Despite fan support, the Walleye lost 4-3 in game one against Newfoundland Growlers.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Walleye fans watched Saturday night's game in a baseball park in 80 degree weather.

"It's a little warm today. I would actually be down at the Huntington Center. A little cooler. We're sticking it out," Roger Clark said. 

The fish battled the Newfoundland Growlers two thousand miles away in Canada for the Kelly Cup. 

The first base side of Fifth Field was filled with rabid fans viewing the game on the park's 2500 square food LED scoreboard. 

But despite fan support, the Walleye lost 4-3. 

"I could watch it at home but I will come down here with 1500-2000 of my closest friends and enjoy the game," Jerry Zalecki said.

"It's just great to be here with the crowd and all the energy," Beth Couch said. 

 It truly was the next best thing to being in Canada as this is more than just a hockey game.

It was a bonding experience for fans cheering on their hometown ice heroes as the team tries to bring home a championship and victory parade through downtown Toledo.

"There's nothing better to do. Gotta watch our fish and pray to God they win," Amy Clark said.

"We're taking it home. We're bringing the Kelly Cup home,' William Balough said.

Ron Bennett showed his Toledo pride with a colorful Walleye tattoo on his right arm. 

"Just the tradition. The hockey tradition.They represent Toledo well," he said. 

So does Ron: on his left arm is a Mud Hens tattoo.

There's another viewing party Sunday night at 5:30 p.m. for Game 2.

Game 3 of the Kelly Cup Finals will be played at the Huntington Center Wednesday night. 

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