Disclaimer - the words/graphics on this page do not reflect the views of anyone other than the moron who runs this site. If you're easily offended, go away.
|
Kerry Fraser battles helmet hair
|
November 30, 2006
I found myself laughing my ass off this morning at a video clip I found on tsn.ca
Paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: (File -> Open URL)
http://www.tsn.ca/audio_video/av_loader.asp?reel=28477
or go to www.tsn.ca/nhl/ and look for the "Where is Kerry Fraser?" link in the audio/video section halfway down the page. Get it while you can, as it'll eventually disappear.
|
|
Karl's first time up
|
 November 26, 2006
Funny how things happen sometimes.
After a terrible start to his season, Karl Goehring finds himself as the backup goalie for the Nashville Predators. The 28 year old suddenly found something to be thankful for as he got the call to join the Predators late Thanksgiving night after Tomas Vokoun injured his thumb. It's the first time in his career he's been on an NHL roster.
Whether or not he'll see any ice time is yet to be seen. Nashville is searching for a more experienced backup as Vokoun may be out for up to 6 weeks, so his stay there may be short. In the meantime, you can imagine that Karl is loving the experience.
The planets had to align for this chance to happen for him. Not only did a Nashville netminder need to get hurt, he also needs to thank the fact that Pekka Rinne is still rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery.
In the meantime, the Admirals are in good hands after calling up Frederic Cloutier from Rockford to work alongside Scott Reid. Cloutier has played parts of three AHL seasons with Houston and Bridgeport and was in Milwaukee's training camp in September. Freddy came within about a minute of recording a shutout Saturday night in Manitoba.
Something to ponder... 4 of the Admirals 7 wins have been in overtime.
Also, let me take this time to fill you in on some work I've done on the site.
- (in progress) Each Admiral will have a 'bio' page. At first, I'm putting a basic page for each player with a few photos, but will add to each of them after I get them all established. You can find them by clicking on the names on the 'Players' page.
- The stats spreadsheet I update after each game has been expanded. I'm now keeping track of more information... including opposing goaltenders, referees, shot totals, road attendance, scoring by periods, penalty shots, and game misconducts.
- A few weeks ago, I added a list of all the former (and current) Admirals who have appeared in the NHL this season on the bottom of the Almanac page. Feel free to let me know if I've missed anyone, or if anyone gets called up in midseason that I might miss.
|
| Recent user comments
|
Oilersfan writes...
I was wondering what your opinion is of the Nashville Predators organization in general. Are you content with their current relationship with the Admirals? What (if anything) could be done to improve relations between the two clubs and make it a mutually beneficial partnership? What could the Preds do differently to help the Ads and the Milwaukee hockey market in general? Providing us with a preseason game is the first thing that comes to mind, but I think it would be great if the Predators could somehow do more to promote the Admirals and hockey here. I know that we don't want to make a big deal out of the fact that we are a minor league hockey team (that seems to hurt public image a little bit) but I still believe that associating the Admirals with the Predators more in marketing/publicity, if done the right way, could generate some interest. What do you think about this situation? Any ideas?
|
Overall, the relationship between the Predators and Admirals isn't terribly bad. Some NHL teams do not do nearly as much player development as Nashville, instead relying on the veteran free agent market to improve their roster from year to year. Nashville actually uses their farm club, so we get to see more future NHL players pass through the system.
With that said, it would be nice for the Predators to show some appreciation for what they have here... which is a winning environment in a 'big league' arena within a short flight of Nashville. A preseason game in Milwaukee would be a start (many NHL teams do that for their AHL teams), but why not think outside the box? How about trying to schedule a stopover in Milwaukee for a pregame/postgame autograph session during a Predators road trip?
Now before I catch flack from Nashville fans... I'm not anti-Predators. Far from it. What set me off this week was hearing Paul Fenton say that Milwaukee's win/loss record doesn't concern them. Even if that's what he/they believe, he shouldn't have said it on an Admirals radio broadcast.
|
Jay Lewin writes...
I recently did a road trip to Nashville and saw the Wild & Blue Jacket games. I wore my Ads #7 Suter sweater. I was approched many times regarding my sweater asking where it was from. I told them I was from Milwaukee and wanted to see some of our former players who made it into the NHL. The Nashville fans are very friendly and appreciative of our Admirals team and also gave Coach Claude Noel & Alexander Radulov great reviews!
The attendence for the Preds games were good = 10,000 and 14,500 fans. The Gaylord Entertainment Center is a cool venue right in the heart of downtown Nashville. There are numerous bars, grills and BBQ places nearby. There are also quite a few Hotels in the area which offer Preds' fan / media disounts. All you have to do is simply ask for it. We drove to Nashville which took about 10 hours. In the local newspaper, I found out that SouthWest Airlines offers round trip fares out of Chicago Midway for approximately $100. Next time I'm flying! Go Ads'!
|
Thanks for the overview of your trip Jay. I've heard similiar stories about Milwaukee fans being warmly welcomed by the GEC crowd. Mapquest puts it at about a 9 hour drive (doing the speed limit), so you must have hit some traffic in Chicago. I bet I can make the drive in 7 hours!
|
Clarkie writes about Friday's game...
Three fights... Wilson lost the first one... Segal looked like he was winning the second - until he got blistered and cut with a great shot to the left eye area... and Ramzi Abid kind of shoved his guy off his feet to his back before any punches were thrown... Aaron Sims, Ads play - by - play guy early in the third, "They (Admirals) are running around like they don't have a clue!"...
So, whatever...it was interesting...the Moose had this "5 best fights recently" thing sponsored by some "Fast Signs" Company. You know that the 'new look' NHL is NOT promoting this...but, it was cool to see some Manitoba fights on video on their screen to rev up the crowd...you would NEVER see that in an American rink...or would you?
|
The Hockey News recently devoted a cover story to the "Death of the Goon". Very sad to read. Refreshing to hear that some people in the business of selling hockey tickets still realize what entertains.
|
|
Forget the turkey, the Predators feast on the Canucks instead
|
November 23, 2006
I'm listening to the Predators game online tonight as they host the Vancouver Canucks on Thanksgiving night. Nashville is dominating, as Alexander Radulov and Shea Weber each contributing to the 6-0 lead late in the second. I didn't realize the Preds were in action until I was settling in for the night and checked the hockey headlines online. They were the only game in the league today.
Listening to this game brings me back to a road trip I took in 1998. The Admirals were still in the IHL and had a Thanksgiving evening game in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was about two months into the first season Milwaukee affiliated with Nashville after being an independent club since 1992.
A few weeks earlier, I took in an Admirals game in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and met a Detroit Vipers scout. I ended up with a free ticket to the Fort Wayne game from the scout who had connections with the Komets. Having only two relatives in the central time zone, holidays don't mean as much to me, so I jumped at the chance to go to Fort Wayne.
Having no reason to stay home that morning, I left plenty early and arrived at the rink about 4 hours before the gates were to open. I took some time to drive around the town... ate lunch at IHOP... and noticed the movie theater was open. It was a no-brainer to kill a few hours before game time by taking in a flick. 'Very Bad Things' came out that week, and was the only thing on the marquee that interested me.
The Komets fanbase is about as loyal as they come in minor league hockey, and they let me know it as their team spanked the Admirals 6-3. Despite the outcome, I'm glad I went. A trip I'll not soon forget.
Yep, I sure miss those IHL rivalries.
As for the current day Admirals... things are seeming to click. A huge win in Rochester last night after a decent effort at home on Tuesday. Tonight the Predators are stomping on the Canucks... this weekend the farm clubs go at it. Let's hope the Admirals can mirror what Nashville has done.
|
| Recent user comments
|
Clarkie writes...
I was approached by a guy in a Preds jersey tonight (Tuesday). Says he goes to all the Ads games. Saw my Ovechkin/32 Moscow Dynamo sweater...liked it. He talked about going to Noel's 'chalk talk' discussion with fans prior to tonight's game. Noel said something to the effect that we 'don't have the Gamaches, the Fiddlers, the Zanons, and the Haydars this year', and, we need someone special to "step - up"'. My sentiments exactly.
I am not upset with the team. I don't get angry anymore. They genuinely seem to enjoy playing with one another, and are having fun. Heck, I don't even want a Philly Flyers 'dead to the world' look for my home team... Like I told my lady - friend (with whom I will say - I WON the "kiss cam" tonight!)...we just are not that talented, and no one has 'stepped - up' to be that special player at forward. I was so used to the two out of three season Calder finals Admirals, that I forgot what it was like to just be a fan, for your team...
Ramzi Abid needs to be that special player. Period. Peverly is the second leading scorer next to Radulov. But, he is not experienced enough to carry that load. Brandon Segal? I don't know where he went after the fourth game...
Abid looked like the calm, carry the guys on his back guy with his first period goal...he was out there and looked to want to take that shot with less than 1:30 left in the game, down by a goal... But, six or seven goals 12 games is not what we need from him...we need more... Koistenen? Fanned on like three shots tonight. Don't get it.
|
Although I remain optimistic that the season isn't a lost cause, I remember warning everyone about 6 weeks ago to be prepared for a letdown season. It happens to even the best teams every so often, and many Milwaukee fans haven't been around long enough to know what it's like to just be a fan for your team.
Unfortunately, the Predators are not worried about Milwaukee's win/loss record (as stated by Paul Fenton recently)... instead focusing only on player development. But to ensure the longterm future of the team here in Milwaukee, we need to see a winning team much more often than not, as most area sports fans are bandwagon riders. If the Predators really like the relationship they have here, they need to realize that. It would be nice if the Predators were to find a gem of a minor league free agent who can give this team the spark it needs. Perhaps the Predators European scouts can find a homesick North American to ship to Milwaukee.
|
|
Bacon tastes good... pork chops taste good
|
November 16, 2006
I'll lead off this entry with a question from a reader...
|
Jack writes...
What are your thoughts on Rockford getting a new AHL franchise?
From what I've heard, it looks like it is going to happen. I think this is
awesome because it'll create more local rivalries between the Admirals, the AHL
IceHogs, and the Wolves. This could really help fan interest, especially among
the casual fan. It could also give us the opportunity for some great road
trips. I love all of the opportunities I could see coming out of this Are you
as excited about this as I am?
|
Excited? Yes... but cautiously. I've seen my share of 'done deals' fall apart in the world of minor league hockey. The Rockford story is still in it's infancy. Here's a breakdown:
The owners of the Rockford downtown MetroCentre arena want to renovate the building to the tune of around $20 million. I do not know the reasoning behind their plan, but a critical part of their project is to have an AHL team in their new and improved building. To complete their project, four things have to happen:
- Buy the Icehogs from the current owners
- Get an AHL affiliation agreement from the Chicago Blackhawks
- Buy an existing AHL franchise (from Norfolk?)
- Get the approval from the local government to receive funds
The cost of the construction would be covered with 20 year bonds. Annually, the bonds would be paid with $912,000 from city taxpayers, $450,000 from the county, $400,000 from arena revenue. The bonds would total $23 million, which includes the estimated cost of the AHL franchise (which may be too low of a figure).
The current owners of the Icehogs were apparently blindsided by this news (although there are reports the Blackhawks and arena officials have talked about this for some time). Apparently, they refused the initial deal to sell the team, but a more lucrative offer has since been made.
The first (tiny) step has taken place, where a county board committee approved the deal last night. The matter could be approved by the city board and county board early next week. Many board members have expressed their worries of voting on a project that doesn't have everything set in place (affiliation agreement and purchase of a franchise), so the plan may be shot down before it gets off the ground.
The Blackhawks understandably do not want to commit to a deal with the Icehogs until it appears that the local government approves the project. Their affiliation with Norfolk ends after this season, but it could be extended if the Rockford plan fizzles. The Hawks have been tight-lipped this week, so as not to hurt relations with Norfolk.
As expected, there has been a mixed reaction from the Icehog fans... some feel excited to see a higher calibur of play with near-NHL talent, while others feel betrayed and do not want to lose 'their' team. Among those opposed to the deal, I've read disparaging remarks about the AHL and thoughts that the UHL is not much different than the AHL.
Oookay. I've seen a handful of UHL games, and none of them has shown me that the UHL is nothing more than a 'Class A' league. And that's not a bad thing... it is what it is, and is a part of what minor league sports are. The fans of Rockford have embraced their team since year one, and have become one of the few success stories in recent years in the world of minor league hockey. There's no reason that will have to change if they make a move to the AHL. If the project goes through as planned, I hope the enthusiasm of the Rockford fanbase carries over to support the AHL Hogs.
Of course, I'd love to see another regional rival. The downside, the Admirals would lose their nearby lower affiliate in which to send players down for ice time or to call up emergency fill-ins. They would either have to strike a new deal with a nearby UHL/ECHL team, or stick with a long distance deal like they have now with New Mexico.
I've always felt that AHL fans in New England have it made, with half of the league within a reasonable drive... with Rockford added to the mix, we would come one little step closer to that... having Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Iowa, and Grand Rapids within about 5 hours of here. Too bad teams in Cincinnati and Indy are no longer around.
I'll be following the story in the Rockford media and will let everyone know when it appears it's a done deal or a dead deal.
I don't really feel like talking about last night's Admirals game. Between the small crowd, the lack of a working gameplan early in the game, and the end result (a 4-2 loss), I left the BC feeling like I could have entertained myself better watching TV or a crappy movie. I don't feel that way often, as I love Admirals hockey, but last night wasn't doing anything for me.
However, I'll throw out a few observations...
- Two referees worked the game. In recent years, the AHL has tested the two referee system used by the NHL at a small number of games. I haven't heard news of that still happening, or seen a list of what games will be affected, but evidently last night was one of them. I don't believe it's happened in Milwaukee before, but I seem to remember it happening at a road game once... forgive me if I'm wrong. It was interesting to see that system work, although it required a deeper discipline by the players to adhere by the rules.
- As I figured, Jason Guerriero earned an automatic one game suspension for his late game fight in Grand Rapids, and Brandon Segal didn't play or participate in the pregame skate, so I'm convinced he is injured from the Griffins game. Unfortunately, my hopes to see Daniel Widing added to the lineup didn't happen. Shane Endicott and Kelsey Wilson got the nod instead. Widing must have done something to piss off Coach Noel, as he apparently is a healthy scratch (since October 20).
Those of you, like me, who were planning on watching the Nashville Predators take on the Minnesota Wild on TV tonight... it's not gonna happen (without the Center Ice package). Fox Sports North will not be showing the game in Wisconsin, instead showing high school football championship games (Divisions 4-7 today, 1-3 tomorrow). Understandable. I support them covering those games, but it would be nice if a taped replay of the NHL game could be shown overnight.
Also, today the team announced a promotion for December 17, a Sunday game starting at 5pm against Grand Rapids. All upper deck seats will be $2, with proceeds going to charity. Tell all of your cheapskate friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors about this great deal.
|
|
Goal, goal, goal, goal, goal, goal, goal, goal!!!
|
November 14, 2006
After wishing that I would've planned a trip to Grand Rapids today to see the Admirals matinee game, I am also kicking myself for at least not buying into the online video broadcast for six bucks... because this time, it would have been worth every cent.
Eight goals. Three fights. Six points for Radulov. A big road win.
At least I was entertained by Aaron Sims radio call of the game... I know several of you out there were stuck at work or school and unable to do even that. I feel for you... you missed a good one.
A few highlights:
- Jonathan Ericsson levelled Brandon Segal during an Admirals power play, ending Segal's game due to injury. Kevin Klein wasted no time in throwing down the gloves and showing Ericsson what he thought of the hit. Totally uncharacteristic of Klein, who is rarely in the box for anything, let alone a fisticuff. The ref gave Kleiner 17 minutes and tossed Ericsson from the game because his sweater came off during the fracas. Klein came back rested and scored his first two goals of the season in handing out further payback.
- Sheldon Brookbank got the Gordie Howe hat trick, with a second goal to boot. Things got ugly late in the game after the Admirals blew the game up with a 7 goal lead. Tempers flared, and Brookbank took on Dan Smith with about 2 minutes left in regulation to cap off the Gordie Howe hat trick and got a head start to the showers.
- Karl Goehring faces 26 shots for the third game in a row, and only allows one to slip past him... lowering his GAA to a more respectable 3.68.
- Jason Guerriero will likely miss a game for getting an instigator misconduct for his fight in the closing minutes. He squared off with Evan McGrath. I wonder if Evan is related to the 'cheap sonuvabitch' from Slap Shot.
- Despite 5 non-power play Admiral goals, Ramzi Abid and Rich Peverley were a -1 on the game. Peverley managed a power play goal, but Abid was held without a single shot on goal.
- Cal O'Reilly, on the same line with Radulov, finished with a goal and three assists.
- The Griffins were undefeated (5-0) in previous schoolday games. The 8,000+ sized crowd was primarily made up of children from area schools, a practice that has been done in several other minor league hockey cities, but never in Milwaukee. Normally, both teams behave themselves with so many kids in attendance, but this game got ugly. According to Aaron Sims, the arena was nearly empty late in the game as most of the children were already ushered back to school.
- The eight goal total was the most for Milwaukee since a 9-3 win over Cincinnati in November 2004.
The Admirals now have the 5th highest points percentage in the conference (.550), but are still listed near the bottom of the standings due to an uneven number of games played. Tomorrow night, the Houston Aeros fly north, and we will see if Milwaukee left a few goals in reserve for that game. The Aeros have 15 returning players from last season (including former Admirals Curtis Murphy and Bryan Lundbohm), so they will be a familiar foe to the fans at the BC.
With Segal possibly hurt, and Guerriero possibly suspended for a game, this may be a good opportunity for Daniel Widing to re-enter the lineup and show what he's capable of doing.
|
| Recent user comments
|
chance writes...
I love the new logo and color scheme, but they need a tweak. You're
spot-on with the legibility problems.
Ice blue numbers on a gray sweater and black numbers on black sleeves are
impossible to read. Make them both white outlined in ice blue, and you've got
a real winner.
|
I'm guessing the readability of the Admiral jerseys came into play today, as several edits were made to the boxscore during the game. I'm neither for nor against the new look, but it needs to be sensible. Outline the numbers with white, or change the color of the numbers to white (or light gray).
|
|
