If charismatic Walleye forward Evan Rankin ever decided to run for may-or of Toledo, he would garner his fair share of support.

� e a� able veteran player has already etched his name all over the Walleye record books. And his phenomenal pro-duction on the ice is matched by adora-tion from the community.

Rankin has played in parts of � ve seasons, competing in 232 games for To-ledo’s pro hockey team. He is the organi-zation’s all-time leading goal scorer (109) and overall point producer (211).

� e forward is so widely respected that he received a proclamation from Toledo City Council in January.

In November, Rankin appeared twice on ESPN’s SportsCenter for remarkable individual scoring plays.

� e latest accolade for the veteran right winger came via an exclusive online poll conducted by � e Blade. Rankin, a 31-year-old from Portage, Mich., earned the most votes in the “My Favorite Wall-eye” poll. His support included votes from not only the Toledo area, but Flor-ida, California, and Canada.

Rankin received 55.7 percent of the 10,417 votes that were cast in the poll. He  earned 5,798 votes, including one cast by Walleye fan Am-ber McCullough.

“He is always so genuine whenever I get to meet the team,” McCullough said. “He always seems to care. He is amazing at hockey and cares about his team.”

Another supporter, Dyana Newton, said Rankin is “a stand-up individual.”

“He is a great player but also shows his fans how much he cares and the kids are drawn to him,” New-ton said. “He knows these kids idolize him and he shows how much it means to him. He cares about the community he represents.”

Kari Chevalier said Rankin is “a great hockey player and a nice and humble guy.”

Another fan, Stephanie Schwartz, said she likes

the enthusiasm of Rankin.“Evan is very personable talking to fans and tak-

ing his time, especially with children. He is also dedicated to the game and Toledo,” Schwartz said.

Sylvania native and forward Alden Hirschfeld re-ceived 1,446 votes (13.9 percent) in the poll. A total of 2,188 votes went to write-in candidates, includ-ing 1,977 for forward Carter Sandlak. � e other top vote-getters were: Shane Berschbach, A.J. Jenks, and Jake Paterson followed closely by brothers Tyson and Tylor Spink.

On Jan. 28, Rankin received a resolution from To-ledo City Council at its meeting in recognition of his 100th career goal.

Rankin has played in 232 games for the Walleye and has 102 assists (third-most in team history). � e clutch performer has scored the most game-winning

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TOLEDO, OHIO, SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

goals in franchise history with 16. Rankin has tallied six game-winners this season.

He has scored more power-play goals (26) than any other player in Walleye history.

He also has scored the most � rst goals (21) in games and is second in overall shots on goal (689).

Rankin holds the mark for most goals scored in a game, having poured in � ve goals in one game on two separate oc-casions.

Entering the second to last weekend of the 2016-17 season, Rankin has scored 26 goals and dished out 26 assists for 52 points in 60 games.

Prior to turning professional, Rankin spent four years at the University of Notre Dame. He had 41 points (20 G, 21 A) in 143 games.

Rankin had a 32-goal season in his � rst season with Toledo (2009-10), which was also the franchise’s � rst year of existence.

Now in his ninth year as a pro, Rankin also has skated in 221 games at the American Hockey League level (56 G, 59 A).

Rankin became  the franchise’s all-time leading overall point producer in a 5-4 road win over Alaska on  Jan. 21. Rankin scored a goal to post his 178th career point, surpassing the record held by his former teammate and Walleye

Hall of Fame member Kyle Rogers. Rankin still trails Rogers in all-time games played (319).

Walleye coach Dan Watson  called Rankin a true professional who cares about the city.

“He has been a point-per-game player for us,” Wat-son said. “He has a knack for scoring big goals at key times.”

� e upbeat Rankin also is committed to char-ity work with the organization. A devout Christian, Rankin always has a positive mindset. � ough he seri-ously contemplated retirement after last season. He is working for a � nancial � rm, TDC Companies in Mau-mee, during the season and is married to Oregon na-tive and local television reporter Jenna Lento.

“Toledo feels more and more like home,” he said. “� ere is no other city I’d rather be in. It’s a huge fam-ily here.”

The Rankin FileBy MARK MONROEBLADE SPORTS WRITER

Evan Rankin celebrates his third goal against the Atlanta Gladiators during the second period at the Huntington Center on Nov. 16, 2016. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Evan Rankin scores against Kalamazoo’s Nick Riopel during an OT shootout Nov. 18, 2016. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Evan Rankin scores against Kalamazoo’s Nick Riopel Evan Rankin scores against Kalamazoo’s Nick Riopel during an OT shootout Nov. 18, 2016. during an OT shootout Nov. 18, 2016. during an OT shootout Nov. 18, 2016. during an OT shootout Nov. 18, 2016. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCHTHE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCHTHE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

TOLEDO, OHIO,