Hawkins, Denis sign deals with Walleye

Toledo, Ohio - The Toledo Walleye have signed forward Brandon Hawkins and defenseman Simon Denis for the 2022-23 season.Hawkins played his first season in a Walleye uniform in 2021-22 and led the team with 35 goals, which was one goal shy of the Walleye single season record. His 64 points in 52 games ranked second on the team. The 28-year-old went on to lead all ECHL players in the playoffs with 33 points (15g-18a) in 21 games while setting team playoff records for goals (15), assists (18) and points (33).In his ECHL career, Hawkins has averaged a point-per-game with 136 points (74g-62a) in 136 regular-season games with Toledo, Fort Wayne and Wheeling while advancing to the Kelly Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons.

Prior to turning professional, he skated with Bowling Green and Northeastern, totaling 108 points (46g-62a) in 141 career contests. 

Denis returns to the Walleye for the first time since 2017-18 after playing the last three seasons in Japan. The native of Burnaby, British Columbia, has appeared in 119 games for the Walleye with 90 points (21g-69a). His +40 in the 2016-17 campaign remains a single-season Walleye record. He also is tied with JC Sawyer for the most career goals by a Walleye defenseman with 21 and his 69 assists is a Walleye defenseman career record.Over the last three years, Denis has appeared in 111 games with 94 points (23g-71a).

Prior to turning professional, the 30-year-old played college hockey at Ferris State University, appearing in 141 games with 60 points (15g-45a) while helping the Bulldogs to a WCHA playoff championship in 2016.