At Saturday night’s home opener against Abbotsford, I caught up with a few Milwaukee fans, Ann Scholz of Waukesha, Nick Memmel of New Berlin and Matt Kotowicz of Milwaukee to hear some of their initial thoughts about the game and team.
Question 1: Are you excited hockey season is back?
Scholz: “Absolutely, I have been waiting for the puck to drop since May.”
Memmel: “Hockey is my favorite sport, but hopefully we can win some more games this year.”
My two cents: Fall is an awesome season in the state of Wisconsin. The slight chill in the air signals hockey season is back, and I cannot wait for that first game. It never disappoints.
Question 2: What are your first impressions of this year’s club?
Kotowicz: “There is a lot of speed out there, so I think this is going to be an exciting season. With all of the younger talent I think we are going to be a lot better.”
Scholz: “I like a lot of the new guys, so I think we are going to do well.”
Memmel: “There is a couple old NHL players out there, some AHL All-Stars, and a bunch of good foreign players so I think we will be good.”
My two cents: From watching a little bit of training camp and then opening night, I couldn’t help but be impressed by Milwaukee’s team speed. Even at practice coach Lane Lambert had players skating at a mesmerizing tempo. I really think the Admirals will surprise this year, but with all of the youth on the roster there will be some growing pains along the way.
Question 3: What is your favorite aspect about coming to AHL games in Milwaukee?
Memmel: “The experience, from the fans to the cowbells and the chants.”
Scholz: “I just so enjoy the game and all the people we’ve met during the 21 years we have been coming. It is just great to be here and to enjoy the experience.”
My two cents: I really enjoy seeing the future prospects the league has to offer. As a serious NHL fan, it is great to see the next generation of stars, but also some of your favorite players who are still playing in the AHL because they love hockey that much.
Question 4: Who are some of your favorite former Admirals you have watched play at the Bradley Center?
Scholz: “Of course Gino (Cavallini), but we had a special relationship with Mike Tomlak. There has been so many players we’ve enjoyed watching.”
Kotowicz: “Pekka (Rinne), Sheldon Brookbank, Nolan Yonkman, but there has just been so many of them.”
Memmel: “Mike Santorelli, Tristan Grant, and Hugh Jessiman.”
My two cents: Great choices here, but my three favorites got left out: Tony Hrkac, Jordin Tootoo, and Dave Scatchard.
Hey Roundtable, let me know YOUR two cents on these questions in the comments section.
Admirals Roundtable 
Stay tuned for my post early next week with comments on the team from Milwaukee Admirals President Jon Greenberg.
Question 1: Are you excited hockey season is back? Of course I am!
Question 2: What are your first impressions of this year’s club? Speed! Speed! Speed! Should be a fun team to watch.
Question 3: What is your favorite aspect about coming to AHL games in Milwaukee? I just love the fact that the guys I watch on TV play with the Predators started their careers here in Milwaukee and I got to see them develop. Aside from that, just being able to see hockey live in person for an affordable price!
Question 4: Who are some of your favorite former Admirals you have watched play at the Bradley Center?
Recently: Tony Hrkac, Darren Haydar, Simone Gamache, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter.
The Past: Gino Cavallini, Sylvan Cotourier, Ian Kidd, Dave Mackey, Bob Mason, the list can go on and on…
Oops, the above comment was from me.
My first impression of this years club is , that we have every aspect of the game you need to win the Calder Cup. It seems we have a lot more toughness this year, which is something we haven’t had in a long time. Well at least to get out of the first round.
My favorite thing about Admiral games is, its my secret. I can leave the game, and be in my car, and on the highway in less then ten minutes. If I leave a minute early, even quicker.
I really enjoyed Matt Elison when he was here, he was old time hockey. Hamhuis his second time around was a joy to watch. Haydar was like if Gretsky had his legs chopped off at his knees, and had to play that way.
Denny Lambert sticking his head out of the Penalty Box, trying to figure out what he was going to do next.
Cal O …
3 assists for Cal O in the Preds game tonight…
And to answer the questions myself:
1. Couldn’t be happier that hockey season is back.
2. The team seems to be a lot more well-rounded than last year. Things are great now, but when injuries and callups, we’ll need the depth to keep us going.
3. High quality hockey and a first class organization (and I’m not saying that to suck up to them either).
4. I’d be insane to not include one James Sixsmith on my list…
Question 1: Are you excited hockey season is back? YES.
Question 2: What are your first impressions of this year’s club? Lots of talented forwards, the defensemen are lacking.
Question 3: What is your favorite aspect about coming to AHL games in Milwaukee? Good hockey, you see guys you can follow for years, and the fan experience is very organic and sincere
Question 4: Who are some of your favorite former Admirals you have watched play at the Bradley Center? Tony Hrkac, Craig Darby, Vern Fiddler, Mark Moro, DARREN HAYDAR… Pretty much all of the guys in the last 12 years… This year, Linus Klasen.