1) The Admirals Team Speed. During my preseason chats, a one word description from defenseman Scott Ford on his early impressions of Milwaukee really stood out. The 2010-2011 Admirals would be–Dynamic. It was a surprising thought, but watching Milwaukee play that is exactly the description I have for team so far. The youthful Admirals play an up tempo, high speed game that is a joy to watch when it is all on the same page. Sure Milwaukee suffered through plenty of growing pains in the early going, but when everything is clicking, the Admirals pack a high octane punch.
2) Mark Dekanich’s Goaltending. There has something in Mark Dekanich’s eye this season, a look of determination that says the puck just isn’t getting by him. At 24-years old the maturing goaltender is off to a fantastic start, allowing just 21 goals against in his first 13 games of action. Even more impressive is the work load Dekanich has taken on. Playing nearly every night in Milwaukee, Dekanich has been between the pipes in all but one of his team’s wins. If Dekanich continues at numbers in the ballpark of his current pace, expect interested calls from NHL teams to start raining in Milwaukee’s ears.
3) The Wow Factor of Linus Klasen. On opening night it didn’t take long for me take notice of Linus Klasen on the ice—about one shift. From that point, Klasen has been joy to watch and follow. Every time the puck is on his stick, it seems like some electric is about to happen. Perhaps Klasen in Swedish means instant offense, because that is exactly what the 24-year old has provided for Milwaukee this season.
4) The Candor and Color of Coach Lane Lambert. If there is one person qualified to be annoyed with me this season, it would have to be Lane Lambert. But credit to the Admirals coach, he has put up with my questions no matter what mood he is in, including the days where Milwaukee’s practices were driving him crazy. All kidding aside, I really appreciate how generous Lambert and all of the Admirals players have been with their time and their comments.
5) Admirals Fans. Through the first quarter of the season, Milwaukee’s faithful supporters have been a pleasure to interact with. I love seeing your comments, your thoughts and your critical assessments. It makes churning out my weekly posts that much easier. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Round Table faithful.
So Roundtable, Regarding the Milwaukee Admirals, what are you most thankful for?
Im thankful for getting the damn away games done with early again this year.
I’m thankful for a team that plays its best every night and has shown a great willingness to get out into the community and interact with the fans.
I am also thankful for this blog.
It is a joy to read.
Thank you.
1) Thankful that the Shortshifts is still (sort of) around. Though the cast has changed, the fact that there is positive coverage about the Admirals in Milwaukee is a plus. We all like Dave, but the JS doesn’t give the Admirals shit for coverage, and most tv stations would rather discuss what Clay Matthews had for dinner than cover the Admirals. So, thanks for being around, and keep up the good work.
2) I’m thankful that in a round-about way, I get to “live the dream” and work in professional hockey. I don’t always get to do the fun stuff (penalty box/goal judge) because I know hockey so that makes me overqualified….but just the simple fact that the Bradley Center staff lets me come in without a ticket, and watch hockey, and do stats is a very cool gig for me. Never in a million years would I have thought I would have a gig like this.
3) I’m thankful for professional hockey in Milwaukee. Granted I haven’t had to pay to see a game here, but I just love the fact that the Admirals are a reasonably priced (I didn’t want to use the word cheap) family friendly organization who makes the game enjoyable on and off the ice is a treat to Milwaukee. I truly wish more of Milwaukee gave the Admirals the respect they deserve.
4) I’m thankful for the Admirals performance on the ice. This road trip has been kind of awful but I see a lot of promise in this team. Veteran leadership, slick moves from Klasen, solid defense, and stellar goaltending make this team fun to watch. I have high hopes that this team will make a run at the end of the season.
5) Finally, I’m thankful for @dexshow. It took me a LONG time to warm up to twitter, but I finally caved. And Dex has provided insight to everything from thoughts on games, culture, and what its like for #lifeintheminors. I’ve always loved documentaries and @dexshow is providing a great view behind the scenes.