Fleet Communications

New Coach, New Captain, New Season

2007-10-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee Admirals had a large turnover during the off season including the loss of head coach Claude Noel. Noel finally got the call to the NHL, going to Columbus to be an assistant coach to his good friend Ken Hitchcock. Enter Lane Lambert. Lane was the Admirals assistant coach last season, and had been brought on board to follow up Claude if he should get an NHL position. A former second round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, Lambert played for 18 seasons including 283 games in the NHL. Admirals fans most likely remember him from the Cleveland Lumberjacks and Houston Aeros of the IHL days.

Assessing his team before the home opener, Lambert observed, "I think we've got a lot of tools to work with, it's just a matter of putting them in the right places. Rome wasn't built in a day, but we have the tools to work with, we've got some bullets."

The team's biggest asset at this time? Returning goalie Pekka Rinne, who moved one step closer to the NHL himself with the off season trade of Tomas Vokoun. Lambert observed, "Right now, our strength is goaltending. He played real well in Peoria, and he played well in training camp in Nashville as well. He's going to play a lot of minutes for us, in Peoria he kept us in the game when we weren't very good at the start."

Rinne welcomes the work, "You always want to be in (a leadership) situation, you always try to take a bigger spot on the team. I'm not too much of a locker room guy, yelling around, I just try to be a good example by working hard and playing well. "

He feels better after a full camp and off season to rest from the injury that cost him half of the season last year. Rinne welcomes the load being put on him this season as the team builds chemistry, "Players always want to be in a big role for their teams. I think always when you play goalie, you are under pressure. But I don't I don't see it as additional pressure. It's the same job I've done the last two years, I just have to try to play well."

When reminded that he is now one of the "old men" on the team, Rinne chuckled, "Not really, but we have a young team. This is my third year, so I think I've been the longest on the team though I'm only 24. It's a strange situation, but that tells you its a good team because players change: going up to the NHL and such."

New captain Alex Henry leads a blue line corps that is large: averaging 6'4" and 217 lbs. Joining Henry from last season is the massive Nolan Yonkman (6'6" 248 lbs). The new comers include Richard Steklik (6'4" 245 lbs), Cody Franson (6 '5" 219), Mark Matheson (6'2" 205), Alexander Sulzer (6'1" 198), Janne Niskala (6'0" 187). Lambert had this to say about his blue line corps:
"We do have some size back there, we do need to continuously work on our mobility back there. We have big guys, and we want to move the puck up to our forwards. We've got a lot of speed and we want to get the puck to them. We'd like to see them play physical."

One of the players counted on to help lead the team both on and off the ice this season is Rich Peverley, who led the team in scoring last season with 68 pts despite 13 games in Nashville. Peverley observed about the team's season opening loss to Peoria, "I think the first game was an eye opener for a lot of guys, their first game in the league and a lot of guys came over from Europe. That first game kind of burst our bubble and we realized we've got to be a better all around working team."

"Last year we were a little hurting for offense," Peverley continued, "this year they brought a lot of guys over from Europe and guys coming in on entry level contracts from college. They brought in a lot more talent, so I think our offense is going to be a bit more potent."

Brookbank Returns From Nashville

2007-02-15T22:58:00.000-06:00

Captain Brookbank

2006-10-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

Let the Games Begin!

2006-10-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

The 2006-2007 Milwaukee Admirals are in many ways a brand new team for Claude Noel, almost as if he was traded: A new uniform, mostly new players, new goalie, new assistant coach, and new locker room. “A lot of new stuff. And on top of that it was a pretty short summer. A lot of our players have gone up to Nashville or have left. (Darren) Haydar of course went to Atlanta (and now Chicago). (Simon) Gamache is in Switzerland, so we’re missing some people. A lot of new players,” he said during camp. “It’s going to take a little time for us to get things in order.”

How has he coped? “What it does for us is that it forces us to coach a lot more. It’s usually a lot easier when you have players returning, because they know what’s going on, they know the drills, they know the system, they know what the coaches expect from the players. That’s usually spread through the locker room. With only seven guys back it will be a bigger job for the coaches, we’ll have to sell the system all over again. It’s going to be a bigger challenge. I’ve got a new assistant coach, so that will require a little change there as well.” Noel added, “One of the biggest tasks for us as coaches will be how quickly we can build team cohesion. It’s going to be a real challenge for us, but we’re welcoming the challenge and are looking forward to it. Our goals have remained the same. We have the vision of getting back to the finals this year, and being victorious in that vision. But it’s October and every team feels that they can get to the finals. We’ve been there two of the last three, and we want to make it three of the last four.”

Noel addressed the fans on Media Day, “I know people will judge us early: they don’t have this, they don’t have that. I think the biggest task for people for people watching the game is going to be patience. Watch the transformation from what we are in the beginning and what we are after Christmas. I see us as having a lot of question marks, but there will come a time when we have a good vision of what we are, and where we are going. The big question is going to be where we will be come February, will we be a well oiled machine? That’s our goal.”

“It was a very hard task, to sit here in our building and watch somebody else lift the cup that we had visualized taking here in our building. We had done it to somebody else three years ago in Wilkes-Barre, so maybe it was payback,” mused Noel, then his eyes steeled and he went on, “but we want to go back and get it done. It was a tough summer, trying to deal with losing in the finals: getting to the finals, and not being able to get it done. And trying to figure out what the answers to the questions that I had, and why we lost: could I have done anything as a coach? For me, it’s the hunger that fuels us.”

Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank agreed, “It’s definitely a change. A new locker room, a lot of new players: it just seems like almost everything is different. Claude’s till here, running things his way, so that’s going to be huge for us: he obviously knows what he’s doing, he’s had success every year he’s been here.”

When asked to comment on Claude Noel’s success, Brookbank summed it up, “It’s just the details. He truly wants the players to get better, and he won’t accept a guy not trying to better himself, and not trying to achieve his goals. (Noel) will stay on a guy until he does his job the way the way it needs to be done. A lot of coaches start out like that, but will let it go writing a guy off as a lost cause. (Noel) doesn’t just give up on guys; he sticks with them until he gets it done. And that’s how it’s got to be.”

Brookbank also felt the foul taste last June, “It was the hardest thing for me so far in hockey, to get that close. It’s such a long grueling season, with all your buddies and team mates, to get that close, and then you watch these other guys and nothing against them, but you still want to kill half of them. They are raising my cup in front of me and my fans. It left a really bad taste in my mouth. But that’s in the past, we have a new Milwaukee Admirals, a new look, and we’re going to start something new.”

Brandon Segal has found himself as the sole surviving player to have played in the Calder Champion Winning game (Nathan Lutz was injured) on the team after only two seasons. “It’s pretty neat. I’ve won a championship, and know what it takes to win one so some of the guys will be looking to me to really step up. I like that leadership responsibility, I thrive on that stuff so I’ll be ready to go this year,” said Segal. “It’s a different atmosphere. Guys are really excited this year; we’re going to have a really good year.”

Addressing his new expanded role, Segal added, “I’m going to be one of the go to guys, I’m one of the older guys here this year, I know what it takes. I want to jump up to Nashville and play in the NHL, so I’m going to do whatever it takes: weather that’s killing penalties or on the power play and putting up the points.”

Regarding losing in the finals, Segal didn’t mince words, “It’s a terrible feeling. It’s our barn. We battled here the whole year, we played 101 games or something like that and then to watch another team carrying around what you were thinking of as your cup. It’s a learning experience, and you have to take it in perspective.”

Segal summed up his outlook on the new season, “(I) Worked hard this summer, added some muscle mass I’m ready to go, I’m ripped for the season. I’m one of the experienced guys now, with two Cup Finals under my belt, so I will have to help teach some of the new guys what to do. But also myself personally, I want to go out there and contribute, and have an outstanding year.”

Perhaps the hardest adjustment for fans will be new winger Ramzi Abid. Abid had played for the hated Chicago Wolves previously, and was one of the guys who fans recognized, and thus vent venom upon in the past. Now he’s one of the local boys.

“That’s the way it is,” said Abid, “I’ve had some battles with guys in this locker room and we end up room mates, and have a few drinks together.”

“I play my game, I try to create room for myself out there and contribute offensively,” said Abid, “but Claude Noel and the coaches are going to keep me in check. My defensive game is going to have to improve. I’m going to have to play really well in order to get a lot of ice time.”

Rich Peverley is one of the guys from last season who is looked to for a big year this season. “I got to learn a lot last year from a lot of guys last year; from guys who had been there, won the Calder Cup, so I will take that into this year and hope for the best.”

“It’s going to be weird,” Peverley said of facing former team mate Darren Haydar, “it was even weird in exhibition. I saw him out there, and I sorta glanced twice.”

“He was almost an Admiral Killer last year,” Peverley said of new teammate Abid, “he had a good campaign against us. He’s an awesome player.”

Victor Uchevatov is a big defenseman at 6’4” 226 lbs. He comments on the adjustment from Europe to the AHL, “The adjustment is pretty different. The size of the rink is different; the hockey is way faster here. You have to think faster, and make your decisions faster. With the new rules you have to skate more, you can’t do a lot of the things we used to do. You have to adjust your game and play more cleanly.”

His first impressions of Claude Noel? “I think he’s a great coach. He’s got a great record obviously, and what he explains. He makes it very clear what you need to do, and understanding comes quickly. I feel great being here, I’ve been in the AHL before, and never got close. So I’m very excited about this year.”

Radulov an Admiral!

2006-10-04T12:27:00.000-05:00

Alexander Radulov who is perhaps the single most highly touted prospect in the Predators' system has been assigned to Milwaukee. This explosive foward decimated juniors last year, and was explosive in NHL Training Camp. He's expected to be a star at this level, but also is not expected to be here very long. In one published report, Predator's Head Coach Barry Trotz said that Radulov could be in Nashville by Thanksgiving or sooner depending on the health status of the players in Nashville. Trades are also something to be aware of. However, while he's in Milwaukee, he should be a dynamic player.

At Media Day yesterday, a great deal of material was collected. I'll post my article on that probably tomorrow as I have to do the job that pays today rather than this which I wish would be a vocation rather than an avocation.

Admirals Camp Open

2006-09-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee Admirals opened camp on Monday at the Kern Center. So far, only 5 players from last season are in camp, though a few more familiar faces may return yet. Pekka Rinne was injured in a bizzare incident over the off season, and had to have surgery. He is not expected back until January.

I will be attending at least one of the practices this week, and will have more information to post at that time. But it's good to have hockey back. :)

Pirates of Lake Michigan: The Legend of the Undead Admiral

2006-08-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee Admirals unveiled their new logo, home and road jerseys, and a new color scheme featuring black, silver, and ice blue today at a party at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage on the Summerfest Grounds.

“We are extremely excited to reveal our new look,” said Admirals Owner and CEO Harris Turer. “This is a new era for the Milwaukee Admirals and we want to start it off in a tremendous way on the 1st. We are thrilled to share this big night with all of our fans and sponsors.”

The logo, which was designed by Joe Locker of YES MEN, a Milwaukee ad agency, features an Admiral of a ghost ship with the tag line, “Never Say Die.” The logo and slogan come with quite an interesting story that traces the origin of the new logo, which, as it turns out isn’t new at all.

The Admirals new logo is actually and aged version of the team’s logo from the late 1970’s, a short young lad, who was lost in the waters of Lake Michigan back after the 1981 season and was recently found. The only thing that managed to keep him alive all these years was his fighting spirit. In fact, after one of his legs fell off, he used it as a hockey stick to hone his skills.

After over 25 years of being underwater, the red white and blue uniform had faded to the black, silver, and ice blue, and had turned his fresh young face into a skull. Despite all of his changes, his fighting spirit never wavered and that relentless spirit and tireless work ethic have given us our new battle cry: Never Say Die!

A pirate came out over the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack and introduced the new logo and the story behind it.

The logo is the fourth in the history of a proud franchise, and whether you like it or not, it's an attempt to update and urbanize the marketing appeal of a minor league hockey sweater in a town which sees itself as a major league market.

Gene Mueller of WKTI was the Master of Ceremonies tonight. It was held with great fanfare, lights and smoke as well as a fashion show style presentation of the new uniforms and liscensed apparel.

New Banner & Game 2 Post

2006-06-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

After an aborted attempt at making my own banner, I've contacted the best :)

Thanks to Pirimoon from my WoW Guild for the banner. It is still underconstruction, so it will change.

Also, due to the fact that I was very late in getting home from the game Saturday night, I didn't post a game report. I will post one mid week that will be more "looking foward."

Rinne Backstops Admirals to 10th Straight Playoff Win

2006-06-03T02:06:00.000-05:00

The Admirals crowd was less than impressed with the music clip that encouraged them to do the "Hey Pekka Rinne" dance to the tune of the Macarena, however, they were impressed by the thirty-six save performance he turned in on the ice. "He was very good, he made key saves at key times, and that's what we expect from him. He's a good goalie, he's very athletic. We've got to expect it, and this is what he gives us," said Head Coach Claude Noel. "I don't know that we want to give him that many chances in a game, but the chances were pretty even tonight (19 for Milwaukee vs 20 for Hershey)."

Hershey Head Coach Bruce Boudreau agreed, "We couldn't get anything by him for the longest time, and we were probably lucky to get the one by him that we did. I thought he was the difference in the third period."

Regarding the odd scheduling of the last two rounds of the playoffs, Boudreau added, "I thought it was perfect timing, quite frankly, we had seven days off and played a game. It was a highly emotional game, but then the three days off were perfect to get (his players) rested again and revved up again for the next series. The seven days off will give us about a month of inactivity. Both teams have had time off before, and we've come out to win 5-0 and get a 4-0 lead. And these guys (Milwaukee) came out with energy to light up Milwaukee. I think if anything it will make the hockey better. I'm sure that by tomorrow they are starting to get a little hatred for each other, and I'm sure by tomorrow they will have more. If you can't get emotionally up for the Calder Cup Playoffs, you wouldn't be here. It's got to be controlled emotion. If it's not controlled you can be stupid and take too many penalties."

Boudreau took exception with the play of two of Milwaukee's star players Jordin Tootoo and Scottie Upshall, both recent returnees from the NHL's Nashville Predators, "We took five minors in the first period, and had three power plays, so there wasn't very much five on five hockey in the first period. Maybe we would have taken a couple of more penalties if the ref hadn't been smart enough to see they were diving every time they were getting hit. It just blows me away that Jordin Tootoo trying to kill people, and then you blow on him and he goes down looking for a penalty. And (Scottie) Upshall does the same thing. You live and learn."

Noel added, "One area we need to get better at is face offs, we never started with the puck it was pathetic. If the doesn't change it's gonna be a heck of a series."

A constant theme under Noel has been managing the game with a lead, and he felt that the team did a good job there tonight, "I thought we did ok, we did some good things. We weren't going to go overboard and go crazy. I was happy with how we managed things, we would have liked to have gone more on offense in some areas. But we were up 2-0 and you have to give them credit, I thought they played a good game, the game they needed to play. We got out front early and they stuck with it and did. It was a good game, an exciting game, probably a little close for me, but we won. It would have been nice if (Darren) Haydar would have given us some relief, but he hit the post (with an empty net and only thirty seconds left in the game)."

Haydar and Upshall provided all the offense that Rinne would need in the first period. Upshall tapped in a rebound from a Rich Peverley shot to give Milwaukee the 1-0 lead. Darren Haydar scored his League Leading fifteenth goal of the post season from the point on the power play on a blast that rocketed past Frederic Cassivi to put Milwaukee up for good. Lawrence Nycholat fired one past Rinne to close the gap late in the third period, but Rinne closed the door to save the game after that.

Upshall Draws Ire from Hershey Coach

2006-06-03T00:42:00.000-05:00

Scottie Upshall was one of two players singled out by Hershey Head Coach Bruce Boudreau for "diving" to draw penalties in Game 1 of the Best of Seven Series

Calder Cup Finals Begin Tonight

2006-06-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

The AHL Calder Cup Finals start tonight in Milwaukee with the red hot Admirals, winners of nine straight games, taking on the Hershey Bears, who like the Admirals are 12-3 in the post season. The Admirals are lead by the Hobbits: Darren Haydar (14 goals, 14 assists) and Simon Gamache (10 goals 12 assists) , centered by Greg Classen ( o goals 13 assists), an honorary Hobbit. The Admirals are also on fire since the arrival of four old friends from Nashville: Scottie Upshall, Shea Webber, Jordan Tootoo, and Pekka Rinne. The trio of skaters have added 28 pts to the tally in eight games (nine for Tootoo0. And Rinne has been outstanding in net, going 8-0 2.13 GAA and .931 Sv Pct.

Hershey brings their own fireworks to the game. Tomas Fleischmann scored 14 points in the clinching series vs Portland, and has scored at least 1 point in 24 of his last 26 games: since the arrival of former Admiral Kris Beech. Beech has been on fire since the trade, scoring 33 points in those 25 games. Frederic Cassivi is an old nemesis, and has been a rock in net as well.

Some interesting facts regarding the series and tie ins between the two teams:

1. Claude Noel, the Admirals guru and field marshall, scored the winning goal for Hershey in the Cup-clinching Game 6 of the 1980 Finals against New Brunswick 26 years ago. In total he played 351 games for the Bears.

2. Nashville Predators GM David Poile used to be the GM for the Washington Capitals, who are the parent club of the Bears.

3. Former Admiral Kenny Sabourin is the color commentator for the Capitals, and was seen in the stands in game 7 of the Conference Finals.

4. Kris Beech played against us in 2004 with Wilkes-Barre and for us this season before getting traded to Hershey.

5. The Admirals 9 game Playoff Winning streak is 3 short of the AHL record, set by the 1988 Hershey Bears. An Admirals sweep would break the Bears hearts, and Record.

Goodbye, Swampy

2006-05-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

Thomas E. Price, Jr. 48 of Goodlettsville, TN, died Friday May 5 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Mr. Price, formerly of Memphis where he graduated from Oakhaven High School, attended Memphis State and worked 24 years for Fed Ex before moving to Goodlettsville where he enjoyed his hobby of raising Wolf dogs. He also worked for Pro Drivers in Nashville. He was the beloved husband and “Hero” of Brenda S. Price. He also leaves his mother Dorothy L. Price of Memphis and a dear friend Colleen Jones.

Tom was known by Predators fans as "Swamprat" or "Swampy" and was known for the red light on his helmet. During my many trips to Nashville, Tom and Brenda were always one of the highlights of my visits. I'll miss you, my old friend.

Deadline Looms

2006-03-05T10:26:00.000-06:00

The Admirals have two games left before the March 9th Trade Deadline. While a trade for Brendan Witt was allegedly a "done deal" a week ago, it appears now that the injuries in Music City have changed the trade profile of the parent club.

Pivko and Zanon, who were both potential trade bait are now looking like they may be called up to Nashville to fill in for the injured Eaton and Perrault, according to a written report in Nashville. And for this, I am happy. Both Libor and Greg have worked hard to get noticed by the Predators, to get a shot at the big club. I'm glad that they may finally get a chance to show what they can do for an extended period rather than 1 or 2 games.

However, the Predators may still deal, either as a seller or as a buyer depending on what others are looking for or offering. However, from another written report, David Poile was concerned that more teams were buying than selling. This could mean that the expected "flurry of deals" at the Deadline might not occur. I think that they might move on a center still, even though they are deep at the position. This would not be good for the Admirals as it has been said elsewhere that any trade that involved players on the NHL Roster would be unlikely.

Four days and a few hours left, keep the coffee hot and the phone line clear.

Trade Deadline Preview

2006-02-28T11:01:00.000-06:00

The NHL is back from the Olympic Break, and with the NHL comes roster changes. Already, Scottie Upshall and David Legwand have been recalled, and Shea Weber has not been returned, so there have been changes on the Admirals roster already, and the NHL has yet to pick up a puck. The trading freeze was lifted at midnight, and so begins the last frantic rush to the Trade Deadline on March 9.

The recall of Legwand creates a log jam at center in Nashville, which leads one to believe that some moves are forthcoming. As hockey fans, we like to speculate over who may or may not be moved, and who may or may not be coming to Nashville/Milwaukee as a result. While I will not speculate as to who we might acquire here in this article, I thought it might be interesting to speculate who might be gone from Milwaukee, or even Nashville, and how that would through trickle down affect Milwaukee. Unlike my normal articles, this one is going to be more subjective and opinion than journalistic fact.

With that disclaimer out of the way, it’s time to look at some names.

Starting in Nashville two name spring to mind as potential movers prior to the deadline, especially when one takes into account the comment that Predators’ GM David Poile said that the next trade wouldn’t be as painless as the Timofei Shishkanov for Mike Sillinger deal: David Legwand and Martin Erat.

Legwand is a former first round draft pick, in fact Nashville’s first ever draft pick. However, he has never truly lived up to the hype that surrounded that position. And to be honest, it’s not really his fault. He’s never shown the offensive flair that was attributed to him, yet has been a very solid two-way center known more for his defense than his offense. His three games in Milwaukee on the reconditioning assignment showed that he wasn’t yet fully rehabbed from his knee injury, and wasn’t at 100% or even close. What it also showed was that his heart is as big as ever it was. With a swollen knee, and the opportunity to sit out Sunday’s game as he knew it would be his last in Milwaukee, he chose to play because it was the best thing for the team. Perhaps, a change of scenery would be a good thing for Legwand. A place where he can go without the heavy expectations placed on him in Nashville could help rejuvenate his career image from the point of view of the fans. In the new NHL, Legwand’s ability to play defense and speed are good assets that would make him marketable. The play of Scott Nichol, Yanic Perrault, Vernon Fiddler, and Jared Smithson in his absence has made a serious logjam when you also take into account team captain Greg Johnson. Nichol and Perrault were both free agent signings prior to the season, so it’s not likely that either would be excessively likely to be moved. Nichol has been hurt a large part of the season, like Legwand, and is known primarily as a gritty forward. Perrault, conversely, has shown an offensive flair and is known throughout the NHL for his skill at winning face-offs, which is a key skill in the new NHL. Thus, it is doubtful that Perrault would be moved for anything less than a huge deal.

Fiddler and Smithson have both opened eyes in Nashville and earned spots on the ice regularly, but also have the ability to be sent back down. This does leave a non-trade related out if the Predators need it, though a trade would seem more likely. Nashville needs one or two players to make a push to the next level, to win against the elite teams more consistently, and to be able to handle the long haul of the NHL Playoffs.

Martin Erat is the last remaining member of Nashville’s Vowel Line. He also won a Bronze medal in the 2006 Olympics, having a big game against Russia with a goal and an assist. Erat is fast, fiery, and shifty. He is known more for his offensive flair than his defense. He also has a history of streaks and sometimes has been rumored to be problematic in motivation. He’s never really exploded the way people have expected. This creates the potential, much like Legwand, to be moved. His play in Italy may raise his stock as well, as he played very well in a clutch game. Another team might be interested in him to replace a player that Nashville covets. Also, Erat has a near clone in Milwaukee: Simon Gamache. Gamache, like Erat, is fiery, fast and shifty. He is also known almost exclusively for his offense, and not his defensive prowess. Gamache is a player that likely has no trade value currently, as he was on waivers twice, and only claimed by two teams, both of which had also waived him: Nashville and St. Louis. While the fact that no other team claimed him likely is very difficult for Gamache and his fiery disposition, it may tip the scales in his favor in Nashville. Recalling him might not be a bad move to replace a guy like an Erat, who he matches up with well skill-wise.

Moving to Milwaukee, the list of players who are likely in their last season here grows. However, unlike some of the players who are likely to be gone at the end of the season due to contracts expiring, some are more likely than others to be moved.

One player whose value is likely never to be higher is Libor Pivko. Libor has always been seen as “one step away” or as the player “closest to being in the NHL” it seems. After the 2004 Calder Cup Championship Season, he was practically penciled in to play in Nashville the following year. However, the NHL Lockout lost that season. Pivko did not have a breakthrough season in the AHL however, and some questioned his desire and fire. This season, after a look in training camp, Libor has displayed a good assist side to his game, and has played very well as a point man on the power play. Unlike Gamache and Erat, Pivko is strong defensively, and plays extensively on the penalty kill. Prior to this season, the defensive side of his game was his primary claim to fame. However, during the Calder Cup run, he did show the ability to put the puck on net with some regularity. This gives him intriguing possibilities for a team building for the future.

Brandon Segal is another player who is quietly having a good solid year for Milwaukee. Unlike some of the more offensive players in the system, Segal brings something that falls under the category of “intangibles” to the rink: heart. This young man hits well, passes well, and unlike most so-called “Bangers” skates well. He also plays responsibly in both ends. He has shown the ability to score, just not prolifically.

Jordin Tootoo is another player who might be moved. He has a full season plus in the NHL, a reputation for fiery play and as an instigator. He also seems to not be progressing the way Nashville wishes him, and has been passed by Scottie Upshall in Nashville’s eyes. Tootoo brings energy and protection for a team’s star players. However, his offensive upside is limited. This would make him potentially more attractive to a team which is trying to build and improve than one who fears his sitting in the penalty box in the playoffs.

Greg Zanon is another player who has seemed to be caught in a numbers game in Nashville. A strong defensive player, and a solid part of the clubhouse, Milwaukee’s Captain is good enough to make the NHL. However, Nashville has a logjam on the blue line. With partner Kevin Kline in the wings, and Shea Weber in Nashville, he might be running out of places to move up. However, that doesn’t mean another team might not be interested. He has a great deal to offer a team not nearly as deep on the blue line as Nashville. He is reminiscent of another former Admiral and Predator defenseman, Karlis Skrastins, who now plays for Colorado. One Nashville traded.

Brian Finley has some intriguing possibilities as well. A former first round draft pick, he has been a solid net minder for the Admirals. However, he has lost some ground this season to Pekka Rinne, who has had a hot glove. Rinne was an AHL All-Star this year, and has seen a larger share of the games due to a number of minor injuries that have slowed Finley down. In their NHL trials earlier this season, Finley got shelled by Tampa Bay, while Rinne defeated Chicago, looking solid in doing so. While Tampa Bay is a stronger team than Chicago, it is possible that the two games and the fact that Rinne has seen a majority of the ice time in Milwaukee could hint at move for Finley. Another fact to consider, according to most experts, a number of NHL Goalies will be moved in the next two weeks. That means that there will be a need of goalies to replace them on teams that are out of the race. This would be a good opportunity for young net minder, such as Finley. While I find it less likely that Nashville would give up on Finley just yet as he has such great upside, it is an intriguing possibility that does need to be considered.

Lastly, team scoring leader Darren Haydar has to be considered. Darren is caught in an awkward situation, much like Gamache. There are too many players like him in Nashville. In Haydar’s case, the guys ahead of him are Paul Kariya and Steve Sullivan, two of the top scorers in the NHL. It is a tough nut to crack for a rookie with 2 games of NHL experience. Unlike some of the other players from the 2004 Championship team, Haydar has shown that he has learned to play defensively, and has seen time on the power play. He also has played more physically, not shying away from hits and contact like most small players. His strength is still his offense, but the fact that he has worked on the other side of the game as hard as he has bodes well for his future. The fact that he is at the point in his career where he has to consider his options makes it a possibility that Nashville moves him to get something in return for him since they don’t seem to have a place for him at the next level at this time.

The next two weeks will be an exciting ride for players in the system, as already in the last three games 18 scouts were in attendance. That number is likely to increase as the deadline looms closer and teams are making their final decisions. Odds are, at least one or two players in the organization will be moved, perhaps more.

Shish Gone, Gamache Returns

2006-01-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

Timofei Shishkanov was traded to the St Louis Blues by the Predators for Mike Sillinger, only a day or two after claiming Simon Gamache back off waivers from St Louis. Gamache has been reassigned to Milwaukee, while Shishkanov will likely get a shot in St Louis. Sillinger will help the Predators go deep into the playoffs if all goes as expected.

Shish had often expressed concern that his numbers and play weren't good enough for the Predators brass to see him in their long term plans, so in many respects this move is not shocking. Timofei was often mentioned in post game interviews by Coach Noel, though most media outlets chose not to use that material. A talented young man, with size and speed, he never seemed to quite recover from the injury that he suffered early in his career in Milwaukee. He never quite had the drive and the nose for the net he had his rookie season. Perhaps new surroundings and a fresh start will revitalize him to be the player I have always felt he could be.

Gamache is another story. Having started as a man on fire in St Louis, he allegedly found himself in Coach Mike Kinchen's doghouse. Knowing Simon, and his fiery disposition and drive to win, I can imagine that St Louis and the glumness that has surrounded that franchise this season were not a good fit. His return to Milwaukee is likely insurance from the Predators point of view. When he was reassigned, I fully expected another move to be made, but wasn't sure. I didn't want to post something that might be proven to be untrue this early in the blog's life and belittle my credibility. Guess I should have, it would have helped build it in retrospect.

Now comes the interesting part, who plays where. Scottie Upshall has played lights out, and has helped revitalize Darren Haydar's game. However, Gamache and Haydar had a magic on the ice together that nobody in Milwaukee is likely to forget any time soon. Do you go with a line of Upshall-Kris Beech-Darren Haydar, or put Gamache in Upshall's place. Or, do you go with Gamache-Greg Classen-Haydar, and then Upshall-Beech-Libor Pivko for two very deadly lines?

Reminder, the B2 Network is broadcasting both the Skills Competition tuesday and the AHL ALL Star Game Wednesday for free on the AHL website. Remember to watch it and support both Pekka Rinne and Libor Pivko as they make their All Star Debuts.

Odd Couple: Classen And Haydar, Friends and Line Mates Pt 1

2006-01-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

Hockey can be a tough sport. A game where frozen pieces of rubber fly around at speeds approaching and even exceeding 100 mph. It’s where bodies fly around a sheet of ice with the distinct intent to smash you into small pieces if you are too close to said piece of rubber. And it is the one sport where fighting is an accepted part of the game. Yet, in many ways, the business of professional hockey is an even tougher game than the sport that people watch and play. Players come and go, and compete for position and promotion while trying to make a coherent team that believes in teamwork and tries for a common goal: win. Or is that get to the NHL? Or both? Against this backdrop, making lasting friendships would seem unlikely. Yet, two young men from Canada have formed a great bond that helps them both on and off of the ice. “I think it’s real hard,” says center Greg Classen, “you have a few close friends you keep in touch with. It’s impossible to keep in touch with everyone; it’s the same as leaving your home town. I’m twenty-eight now, so all my high school friends have moved on, they are either married or got jobs.”

Adds winger Darren Haydar, “Especially within hockey, you’re only with a team for so long and for us, either fortunately or unfortunately, we’ve been back with the same team for what is my fourth year now. You take that for what it is, but fortunately for us, we’ve been together for most of that time.”

The two young men have played a lot of games together in Milwaukee over the past four years, Classen 179 (221 over all in Milwaukee) and Haydar 256. Yet they knew each other even before that, having played against one another in college in the Hockey East conference. “Played against him at school, so I knew of him,” remembers Haydar, “we played against each other for two years there, and then Greg decided to take a step. I followed behind, and I met him in Milwaukee.”

Classen corrects his friend, “I think we met at the summer camp the first time, Nashville Summer Condition Camp was the first time we actually met. We became friends almost right away. It was pretty easy for us; we kind of knew each from having played against each other so we had something in common.”

Haydar agrees, “It was kind of easy for us, there were a number of Hockey East guys in the system: (Mark) Mowers was here, Jayme Filipowicz was here from the University of New Hampshire with me, and them knowing Greg, I just got fed right into the process. It definitely made it easier when you know the situation and I knew the guys here, and then to become friends with Greg as well. When you are comfortable with your surroundings, it makes things so much easier.”

The two young men are in many ways mirror images of each other: Classen the taller blonde center who early on established himself for his defensive play and two way ability and the shorter dark haired Haydar who is best known for his hockey sense and nose for the net. Haydar is on pace this season to meet or beat his rookie season numbers that are his career best. He was surprised to hear that, “On pace for that? I don’t feel like it. I am streaky and it feels like I haven’t scored in a month,” Haydar ponders with his trade mark lop-sided grin, “ I’ve gotten assists, I’ve been involved in the play, but it’s nice to get a goal every once in a while.”

This is the first season the two have seen much ice time on the same line. “Its fun,” says Haydar, “we’re doing well right now. We’re not always out there together because of different things: power plays, penalty kills, and the way that Claude (Noel) changes the lines to affect the game. But when we’re out there, we’ve been able to connect, it’s been fun.”

In part two, we'll get to see what life is like off the ice for these two young men, Hockey's Equivalent of Felix and Oscar.

Pivko and Rinne Named to AHL Planet USA All Star Team

2006-01-11T14:48:00.000-06:00

Libor Pivko and Pekka Rinne got a surprise during the Admiral's practice today, they were named to the AHL Planet USA All-Star team. "It's exciting to get the call from the American Hockey League," said Head Coach Claude Noel, "both guys deserve it. Pekka Rinne's had a great first half of the season, as has Libor Pivko and they've been rewarded. It's good for our team."

Noel continued, "We had what we call bios, where we talk about biographies in the room, and we had a couple of announcements to make, and one of them was that they had been chosen to the AHL All-Star Game and that was the first time they'd heard of it. Normally I tell guys before hand, but I thought I'd surprise them in front of the group so I think they were kind of stunnded." Chuckling, Noel continued, "I don't think they were expecting it, but it's a good surprise."

"It was a big surprise, I didn't know that I was going to be named to All Star Team," said Pivko, "I've had a good year so far because I play with good players like Darren Haydar and Greg Classen in front of me on the line." Pivko commented on the All Star Game, "This game is for the fans, a lot of skills and goals, not much defense." He was very excited to get a chance to show of his skills on a national stage, "I'm very excited. I think it's going to be fun."

Said Rinne of his naming, "It's a huge honor, this is my first season here. I'm very excited. It's going to be fun." In regards to his learning of his selection, "It's my first season here, and I've played in many games, and I've played pretty well. But this was a big surprise to me. I was pretty confused, like I can't believe this. And Libor Pivko is going with me." The smiles said it all.

Update

2006-01-07T13:21:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year!

First off, I'd like to apologize for my lack of posting. With the Holidays, and the nice chest cold I got for them (the gift that keeps on giving) I didn't really get much of a chance to write. Also was very busy taking care of my mother (for those who don't know, she has dimentia and they now say Alzheimers).

However, I am working on two long articles for this week. Expect to see some good stuff soon.

Also, Shea Webber made his NHL debut last night vs the Red Wings. Good Luck, Shea!

Gamache Scores in Blues Debut

2005-12-01T23:24:00.000-06:00

Simon Gamache who was claimed by the Blues on waivers from the Predators on Tuesday, scored in his St Louis debut on a rebound goal. He skated with the two top lines, and saw almost 14 minutes of ice time in his debut, including power play. His goal was just after the power play expired. Let me know if you wish continued Gamache updates to appear here.

Finley's First Home Win Puts Exclamation Point on November

2005-12-01T16:50:00.000-06:00

Brian Finley has had a rough time of things on the Bradley Center ice in recent outings. His last home game of the season last year was one of those that every netminder dreads. His first home game this season looked eerily similar to it except that he didn't return later in the game. So with second place in the Western Division in the balance, he took to the ice to see if his recent hot streak would hold up at home.

Coming off a great week on the road over the Thanksgiving holiday, Finley was primed for this one. "I think when he let in that second goal, I'm sure he was thinking 'oh God, I hope this nightmare doesn't go', but I thought he was good," said Head Coach Claude Noel, "It was good for him to get a win here, in Milwaukee, and get that camel off his back."

Novembers saw the Admirals turn red hot, going 10-2-0 and climb from last place to second in the division. "We've had a pretty good month," said Noel, "this was probably one of the worst games we've played this month. I didn't think we had a lot of rhythm in the game, I thought penalties were a huge factor. I thought we looked a little tired, mentally a little tired. But we got the win, and sometimes you win ugly. We got three power play goals and one short handed goal tonight, so things went a little our way."

Commenting on his team's specialty teams, "It worked out for us tonight, a couple of rebound goals. (Greg) Classen's goal was a rebound that he put in, just people at the net. Sometimes that's how you have to do it. It was good to see (Libor) Pivko back at the point on the Power Play, I think that really helped us. Special teams was.. special."

Commenting on Finley's play, Noel went on, "He was very good on the road, he saw the pucks really well. I thought played pretty well tonight, he really had to be aware of what was going on." Expanding further on the turn around from the last game he'd played in Milwaukee, "I think his focus has been great, he's been able to focus on his shots and see the puck well. Playing a few games on the road really helped his confidence, getting back to back shutouts. It's good to see him have some success."

Kris Beech provided all the offense the Admirals would need with his first AHL Hat Trick. "It's my first one in the AHL so it's good to have. I'm really begging to know these guys and gel with them. It feels good to be successful," said Beech. Commenting on his game winning short hander which trickled over Jason Bacashihua, "I just shot it high blocker, a pretty hard shot I got it off pretty quick and hard, I usually don't shoot there, because there is the butt end, usually its not a good place to shoot for a left hander, but it went off of the butt end."

Thanksgiving Treats

2005-11-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T11:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Welcome to Fleet Communications

2005-11-23T12:46:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to the new blog.

First to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. My name is Eriks, and I have been writting either game reports or more feature type articles regarding the Milwaukee Admirals for going on six years now. I was once very actice as a writer, but personal life got in the way after the death of my father in 2003. After a couple of halting attempts to get back into the swing of things, I was never really able to match my dedication to any medium or website that I was working for. With the demise of Just Hockey, the magazine that gave me my first published bylines, I lost my rudder to some degree. Yes, I could have gone to the website that spawned from it, but the timing of things was bad due to some life issues dealing with my mother's dementia.

So I decided that Blogging might be the way to pass on the information I gather each and ever game night as one of the only two reporters present most evenings. Now I work on my own deadline, and the boss here is really good at knowing when I'm slacking so he keeps my nose to the grindstone.

I hope you make Fleet Communications a regular stop on your hockey info circuit.

Gamache Returns for Conditioning Assignment

2005-11-23T12:42:00.000-06:00

Fan favorite and All-Star winger Simon Gamache returned to the Milwaukee Admirals on a reconditioning assignment from the parent Nashville Predators. Simon had not seen action in the AHL since the finish of last season after having started out the season in the NHL. While he started out a little slow, the fiery foward started to get his legs moving and created a number of chances, finishing with a single point on an assist.