Admirals Crew

As the Admirals look ahead to their 10^th season in the American Hockey League, let’s take a look back at what lot of longtime Admirals followers may remember as their first and perhaps most cherished days of professional hockey fandom. Before joining the AHL in 2001-2002, the Admirals spend over two decades as members of the now defunct International Hockey League. The IHL saw many milestones throughout Milwaukee’s organizational history. For example, the Admirals current affiliation with the Nashville Predators began while they were still playing in the league. Before becoming Calder Cup champions in 2004, the Admirals chased dreams of hoisting the Turner Cup, named in honor Joe Turner, killed in battle during World War II, after serving as a goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings. Though the Admirals never captured the Turner Cup, they came close several time, fashioning one of the league’s most competitive teams over the course of the mid-90s. From the 92-93 season to the 95-96 season, the Ads boasted Midwest Division crowns in 3 of the 4 years, having only won one division title in their previous IHL tenure which dated back to 1977. Their first Midwest Division championship in 1983 resulted in their only Turner Cup Finals appearance. (more…)

With the 2010 NHL Entry Draft just a few weeks ago, newly minted Predators prospects may find themselves moving up and down the Nashville farm system, some making extended stays in the Milwaukee area. Any player selected by the Nashville brass faces the very real possibility of donning an Admiral uniform at some point, particularly a younger player not ready for the high speed of the NHL or the grindingly extensive schedule. Here’s a look at the first few rounds of prospects hoping to eventually become valuable assets to the Predators organization.Round 1, Pick 18: Austin Watson, Left Wing, Peterborough (OHL) Watson is a gritty player on the offensive and defensive end. His strong hands give him an authoritative shot, but he still has touch on the pass. Watson plays an aggressive game, finishing checks and unafraid of lying down in front of the puck. As a middle of the first round selection, it is likely Watson may bypass minor league affiliates jumping straight to the big league roster. (more…)

Just a year after accruing the most points in the entire Western Conference in 2009, the Admirals took a minor step backwards last season, finishing just 4^th in the conference’s West Division. Sitting in the middle of pack at regular season’s end, the Admirals barely qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs, securing the West Division’s final seed going into the tournament. On their way towards qualifying for the playoffs, the Admirals amassed a total of 41 wins, 30 losses, 2 overtime losses and 7 shoot out losses, rounding out at 91 points on the season. Perhaps most telling is the Admirals 17 goal differential, well above some of the teams that out rank them in the standings, indicating that the offensive firepower, talent and defensive tenacity was there, though undermined by a lack of focus and grit to pull out close games. (more…)

While last season didn’t full live up to the promise of its predecessor, 2009-2010 saw another admirable effort from Admiral goaltender Mark Dekanich. It what’s become commonplace for Admirals fans, Dekanich treated home crowds to yet another impressive puck-stopping performance game in game out on his way towards ranking among the best in the AHL in Goals Against Average, posting a 2.33 for 5^th in the league. In just his second season between Milwaukee’s pipes, Dekanich saw his minutes rise while appearing in 19 more games over the course of the season. During his rookie year with the Admirals, Dekanich set club single season records for both Save Percentage and Goals Against Average, turning in exemplary .923 and 2.09 marks, respectively. Last season saw the young netminder get a taste of his first playoff action as well. Though his overall numbers dropped during the seven game series against the Wolves, his playoffs were not without bright spots. Coming up big in game 3, Dekanich stopped all 26 Chicago shots on the way to his first career postseason shutout. It was a crucial game for the Admirals as they already faced a 2-0 deficit and needed to avoid falling in an insurmountable 3 game hole. (more…)

Though the Admirals are a proud group in their own right, Milwaukee has the fortune of serving as the NHL’s Predators top affiliate. As the same general manager makes decisions for both teams, Nashville’s success greatly impacts what happens on the ice for the Admirals. The 2010 season saw the Predators advance to the playoffs for the 5^th time in the past 6 years, continuing a string of relative success that is beginning to define the franchise. Since the 04-05 NHL Lockout cancelled season, the Predators have qualified for post-season play 4 of 5 times, after advancing to late April in only 1 of their previous 6 seasons of existence. Still, last season ended in a way Predators fans have become all too accustomed to, making their exit in Conference Quarterfinal play, marking their 5^th first round defeat in 5 chances. Once again failing to make it to the second round of competition for the first time in franchise history, the Predators season ultimately fell victim to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. The Preds put up as valiant an effort as any of the Blackhawks post season foes, taking the series to 6 games, but unable to prolong their upset bid. Chicago proceeded to knock out the Canucks in 6 games as well before issuing a 4 game sweep to the Sharks on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Flyers followed suit going down in 6 games as no team could push the Blackhawks to the brink of elimination. (more…)