By putting together a four-game winning streak, the Walleye moved to the top of the ECHL standings. But defenseman Jacob MacDonald and his teammates purposefully were unaware.

Most professional hockey teams have a board in the dressing room that lists the current standings. Toledo does not.

“I did not know we were in first, but it’s cool to hear that,” said MacDonald, the Walleye’s top scoring defenseman. 

The Walleye (12-3-0) have climbed to first overall in the ECHL with 24 points and lead the Western Conference and Central Division. It is the best start in the franchise’s eight-year history, one point ahead of the 2014-15 team that went on to post 50 victories in winning conference and division titles.

But coach Dan Watson and his players break down the season into five-game segments. A 6-2 home win Saturday against Kalamazoo capped the most recent block with a 4-1 record.

“We only worry about those five games. We understand we need to win that segment and we move on to next one,” MacDonald said. “You don’t worry if you’re 10 points ahead or two points behind. We don’t have that extra distraction. We just go out and play.”

MacDonald’s play has spoken for itself. The 23-year-old native of Brighton, Mich., leads Toledo’s defensemen with 11 points. He has scored four goals and added seven assists, and is tied for sixth among all ECHL defensemen in points.

Watson acquired the rights to MacDonald in the summer to complete a trade made with Elmira late last season. MacDonald earned a spot on the All-ECHL rookie team in 2015-16 playing for the Jackals. The 6-foot, 210-pound defenseman produced 37 points with 17 goals and 20 assists in 72 games for Elmira.

Watson said MacDonald has exceeded expectations.

“He possesses a quick, hard shot,” Watson said. “His skating ability allows him to break plays up quickly, break pucks out and the ability to join the rush. He transitions the puck up the ice very well.”

MacDonald said the transition to a new team has been as smooth.

“It’s been phenomenal. It’s been a lot of fun,” MacDonald said. “The big thing I noticed when I first came here was that they had a winning culture. You get the sense that they’ve been in this situation before and love to win. You see that from the way we play.”

MacDonald’s skill set as a versatile, two-way defender fits well into Toledo’s up-tempo, quick transitioning system.

“I have the ability to jump into the rush and play an offensive game,” he said. “That mobility also allows me to be in the right spots in the defensive zone. I’m able to play in all three zones effectively.”

The Walleye lead the ECHL with 4.33 goals per game. MacDonald said it feels like the team is never out of any game.

“I’ve never been on a team like this. The way we play is so fun,” he said. “I love being able to pass it up to the forwards. They take off and I get to take off.”

Toledo has scored six or more goals in six of their 15 games, including twice last week.

“We’ve been down 3-0 twice and came back and won,” MacDonald said. “We’re never out of a game. We can put up three to five a period and go from there. Once we get going, we roll. Having that confidence is huge.”

“It’s great not being on the bus traveling through the night,” MacDonald said. “It’s a blast playing in front of these fans. They’re the best fans I’ve played in front of. Toledo is very loyal and supportive of their teams, like they are with the Mud Hens. We appreciate that support. Sometimes you need that little extra from the crowd. When the first one goes in, the crowd explodes. The fish gets tossed on the ice and we get rolling.”

MacDonald is one of eight Walleye players that have played in every game. Last season, he was the only player in Elmira that skated in all 72 contests.

“The only goal I had to start my [pro career] was to play in every single game,” he said. “I figured if I did that, I’d gain experience quickly. I take pride in my durability. It’s a factor for success. I want to play in every game.”

MacDonald attributed his quick and successful transition to pro hockey to the coaching he received playing at Cornell University. He collected 21 points (4 G, 17 A) in 104 college games.

MacDonald grew up in Washington state and played forward. He became a defenseman when he moved to Michigan at age 12 to pursue a college and pro hockey career.

“Coach Watson has put me in a position to succeed, and I’ve taken advantage of that opportunity,” MacDonald said. “He’s put the whole team in position to win and it’s been a blast so far.”