Author: Daniel Lavender

Scouting February 15, 2015February 15, 2015

Monsters: Scouting the Enemy

Lake Erie. Wat r u doin? Lake Erie? STAHP. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

Friday night was only the Admirals third regulation loss in their previous 20 games. As you might expect that should bode well as far as springing back in the next game is concerned. In the last two regulation defeats the Admirals have won both games and done so in convincing fashion: 4-1 win against the Hamilton Bulldogs… 4-0 shutout on the road over the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Sounds good, right? There’s one slight problem. Our upcoming opponent. The Lake Erie Monsters have won the last 3 games head-to-head including 2 games where they’ve overcome 2 goal deficits. Hopefully this is a trend that can be bucked as the Admirals and Monsters will play today and Tuesday.

~The Other Guys~

The Monsters have a record of 22-18-4-3 (51 points) and are in last place in the Midwest Division. Notice what I noticed? Yes, they are in last place of our division with a record that is over .500. The Midwest Division the only division in the AHL to feature all teams with winning records. They also stand eleventh in the Western Conference standings and trail the eighth place spot, held by the Texas Stars at the moment, by 6 points.

In their last 10 games the Monsters have a good record of 6-2-2-0 (14 points). They enter fresh off of a 3-2 win over the Charlotte Checkers. Despite the good record in this 10 game span they’ve been outscored by their opponents 26-24 in regulation and overtime – to which they have had 6 games go past regulation in that spell.

~The Scoring Threats~

Lake Erie is led in scoring by defenseman Maxim Noreau who has 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists). He is followed by Andrew Agozzino, Paul Carey, and Colin Smith who all have 27 points on the season. Speaking of Agent Smith, he threw his name in the hat for AHL Goal of the Year since the last time we met.

In this season’s head-to-head, consisting of 5 games, sees Carey leading the Monsters big time with 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). According to AHL’s transactions page, he shouldn’t be a factor for today as he was recalled by the Colorado Avalanche on Friday. That hands the “best in the head-to-head” nod off to the highlight reel man Smith who has 4 assists against the Admirals. Opposite side of the spectrum? This match-up favors Pontus Åberg who has a team best 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) for the Admirals against the Monsters.

~Between the Pipes~

Lake Erie has their tandem of Calvin Pickard and Sami Aittokallio available again today. Pickard has always been good against the Admirals and the same can be said again this season. He has won 2 games from 3 appearances against the Admirals with a 2.14 goals against average and 0.922 save percentage. Aittokallio has yet to play against the Admirals this season.

For the Admirals, despite a hit and miss stretch on home ice, this match up favors Magnus Hellberg over Marek Mazanec. Hellberg has faced the Monsters twice this season and both games have gone all the way to a shootout. He has a 1.34 goals against average and 0.951 save percentage against the Monsters. Mazanec has allowed 9 goals in 3 games against the Monsters this season for a 2.99 goals against average and 0.890 save percentage.

~Breaking News~

The Admirals will be without Brendan Leipsic. Why? He was just traded by the Nashville Predators to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Predators have also reassigned Anthony Bitetto to the Admirals.

Expectations for today’s game? Will the offense rebound? Can Triston Grant score a goal for the fifth consecutive game?

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Chatterbox February 14, 2015February 14, 2015

The Chatterbox, Vol. 66

I took awhile to even get started on this edition of Chatterbox just to sit, think, and evaluate the Admirals 2-1 loss to the Rockford IceHogs. My first impression of the game was that it felt like an all-around stinker for both teams. The Admirals and IceHogs are capable of far better performances than what both displayed. The other thought? Both wanted to avoid the chaotic happenings in last weekend’s 7-5 goal fest and it resulted in a more structured defensive chess match.

Reality is that the game was a little of each of those two thoughts. Yes, it could have been much better from both. Yes, it was a defensive game. And that’s where I find myself actually thinking that, despite the result going against the Admirals, it was actually a pretty good performance.

Jared Nightingale and Jaynen Rissling were in game number two with the Admirals and they looked like they had been playing on the same defensive line all season. They both play a very simple and straight forward defensive game and they complement each other well on the ice. It should be the weak spot on the defense that is currently down two entire lines from where they started the season. No Johan Alm. No Jimmy Oligny. No. Joe Piskula. And Anthony Bitetto is current up in the NHL with the Nashville Predators.

Considering the level of talent and quality that the IceHogs possess this season I thought the defense and team put in a pretty good night of work in the books last night from a defensive perspective. Marek Mazanec only allowed a net front redirect off a miscue that allowed a shorthanded goal and then allowed another from a power-play. He made thirty-one saves otherwise and the better majority of those were nothing special.

The offensive side of the puck? To borrow a PC term from Stone Cold Steve Austin, it was a clustermuck. There are too many occasions this season when I notice the Admirals getting into spurts where they pass out of shooting opportunities. Probably more often than not, when this is the case, they lose. What worked so well in January was the “keep it simple” mentality. Put pucks to the net and then grind out those second and third chance opportunities.

Again, bit of good and bad to take out of that game. The good news is that, despite the loss, the Admirals remain in first place of the Midwest Division over the IceHogs. That gap was build in the week leading up to the game and it helps mask what was only the Admirals fourth regulation loss in twenty-one games.

Before going into the audio I thought I would shed some light as to what went on with the roster moves the previous two days. Taylor Aronson was called up to Nashville and Viktor Stålberg was sent down to the Admirals. Then, flip that around because that’s what happened early Friday morning. For Stålberg it was basically a paper transaction due to the Predators roster numbers meaning someone had to be sent down. He never left Nashville knowing he was going to be there the next day. And all that for Shea Weber to play through a stomach bug anyways. Aronson participated in the pre-game skate and was a healthy scratch. …hockey sometimes.

After the game I spoke with Dean Evason, Rich Clune, and Triston Grant. Here is what they had to say following Friday night’s game against the IceHogs.

Continue reading “The Chatterbox, Vol. 66” →

Game Recaps February 13, 2015February 13, 2015

Admirals Drop Grinder Against The IceHogs; lose 2-1

The Admirals lost 2-1 against the Rockford IceHogs Friday night. The story of the night was defense. Both sides played very tight and it played far more like a playoff game that last weekend’s roller coaster set played out. In the end, the IceHogs managed to score a power-play goal in the third period. It was enough for them to hold on and get the win tonight.

“Five-on-five we’re not giving much up,” said Milwaukee Admirals head coach Dean Evason. “I don’t think [Mazanec] had to work extremely hard – certainly five-on-five. We’re not generating as much as we should be to score goals as we were because we’re a little bit too fancy a little bit too cute right now. Trying to do things one-on-one as opposed to just simplifying our game. We got to get back to that Sunday for sure.”

Off of the game’s first power-play chance the Admirals allowed their fourth shorthanded goal in six games. The IceHogs turned off the draw and went straight down ice. Stephen Johns’ shot from the right point took a net front redirect by Phillip Danault. The deflected puck went straight down and through Marek Mazanec for Danault’s eighth goal of the season.

“Our guys are not recognizing when there is danger,” said Evason of the shorthanded goals allowed. “We’ve found ways the last two games to give up a penalty kill goal and a power-play goal. We certainly have to be better in that department.”

From that very same power-play opportunity the Admirals were able to save face by leveling things up. The IceHogs worked up ice again but were caught with numbers back and it allowed the Ads took take advantage of the space moving forward. Pontus Åberg found Triston Grant all alone on the right wing to the backdoor of Scott Darling for the goal. It is Grant’s ninth goal of the season. He has scored a goal in four straight games and five of his last six.

In the third period the IceHogs would regain their lead with a power-play goal. Ville Pokka, Teuvo Teräväinen, and Joakim Nordstrom linked up for a tic-tac-toe passing play that ended with the puck on the tape of Nordstrom alone at the hashmarks to beat Mazanec on the glove side. It was the Swede’s ninth goal of the season.

These two will not meet again until Tuesday April 7th in Rockford. The Admirals already have the season head-to-head against the IceHogs won. As for what the Midwest Division standings will be come the time of that game – that will be the question. Plenty of games between then and now. I expect it to be tight.

Ramblings: Tonight’s scratches for the Admirals were Zach Budish (healthy), Joe Piskula (lower body), Jimmy Oligny (right knee), and Johan Alm (left wrist). Miikka Salomäki made his return to the lineup tonight after missing the previous seven games due to an upper-body injury. On the road Wednesday it was Triston Grant wearing the extra “A” available with captain Piskula out to injury. Tonight at home the extra “A” was given to Austin Watson.

Thoughts on tonight’s game? What happened to the offense tonight? Was this a positive game considering how battered the defense of the Admirals is?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

Scouting February 13, 2015February 13, 2015

IceHogs: Scouting the Enemy

WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS? …oh, right. (Photo Credit: Greg Hamil)

Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been too long since we’ve scouted these chaps. It was a week ago when first place of the Midwest Division was on the line and the Admirals swept not only the two games against the Rockford IceHogs but also the end of their three-in-three with the Rochester Americans. The Admirals did fall 3-2 in overtime to the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday but the points gained in the last two games were a bonus. The IceHogs haven’t played since we last saw them.

Entering tonight’s game, the Admirals and IceHogs have both played 48 games on the season. The Ads lead the Midwest Division with a record of 28-13-3-4 (63 points) over the IceHogs who have a 26-16-4-2 (58 points) record. A loss tonight would not impact the divisional standings. Though, I think we’d all prefer to simply win.

~Changes For Both~

What has changed since the last time we met? Quite a lot. The Predators and Admirals defensive injury woes have left the AHL side of things very tight. With Jaynen Rissling joining the Admirals this week there are no more defensive products in the system at the ECHL level. In addition, it meant adding an extra body to the fold. What’s fun is that it’s a player that should be more than familiar with tonight’s opponent.

Jared Nightingale was added on a PTO contract and made his Admirals debut on Wednesday night in Chicago. He was the team captain of the IceHogs last season where he played 67 games, scored 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists), had a plus/minus rating of -14, and 114 penalty minutes.

“To be coming to a team like Milwaukee, they’ve always been a playoff team, I’m really excited to help them continue to win,” said Jared Nightingale on Aaron Sims’ pre-game show Wednesday night. “Hopefully I can fit in and can add an element that they need. I’m excited for that.”

By joining the Admirals Nightingale is playing for his fourth different AHL team this season. He has played with the Norfolk Admirals, Hartford Wolf Pack, and Grand Rapids Griffins in 2014-15. That goes along with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.

“Things have changed quickly. This will be my fifth team,” said Nightingale. “You could look at it through two odd lenses, get frustrated, but I’ve honestly been pretty fortunate to go to quality organizations and I know I’ve only heard good things about Milwaukee. Grand Rapids was a great experience. I was down in Norfolk for a couple months and that was great. Even when I was in the [ECHL] with Toledo it’s still rewarding. There is a lot that you can get out of it.”

Tonight won’t just be his first game against the IceHogs since playing for them last season. It will actually be the first game he has ever played against the IceHogs in his career. Quite impressive to have a first like that when you have logged 542 professional games.

It isn’t all bad news as far as the Admirals injury woes are concerned. Tonight should mark the return of Miikka Salomäki to the Admirals lineup after missing the last 7 games due to an upper-body injury. The Finn was cleared to play ahead of Wednesday night’s game but the team elected to keep him out one more game just to be on the safe side.

Also on the Admirals side of things. Taylor Aronson has already been returned to Milwaukee after a cup of coffee in the NHL. He was brought up pretty much on an emergency basis in case Shea Weber was still feeling ill last night. As it happened, both d-men took to the ice for pre-game skate and Weber was good enough to go. Aronson was a healthy scratch. Anthony Bitetto is the lone man up in Nashville at the moment.

What’s changed for the IceHogs? Nearly as much. They’ve had quite the active transfers the last week and it even includes Kirill Gotovets. That Belarus native made his professional playing debut with the Admirals on an ATO contract last season. He even made a Chatterbox appearance.

The comings and goings for the IceHogs have seen Kyle Cumiskey and Ryan Hartman both get called up to the Chicago Blackhawks while Finnish phenom Teuvo Teräväinen rejoins the IceHogs from a decent spell in the NHL.

Teräväinen has played 12 games for the Blackhawks this season and has scored 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists). He’s been much better at the AHL level this season: 33 games, 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists), plus/minus of -3, and 6 penalty minutes. Against the Admirals this season he has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 6 games.

As far as those suspensions go, the IceHogs will be receiving Brandon Mashinter tonight while Cody Bass starts the first of a two game suspension tonight. Mashinter served his two game suspension for elbowing last weekend. Meanwhile, Bass was suspended by the AHL for his actions last Friday in Milwaukee. I know Bass was involved in his fair bit of post-whistle antics, as was Pierre-Cédric Labrie, but I don’t recall a moment where I thought he went over the line. Garret Ross was given a match penalty for saying the magic words at the officials in the Saturday game in Rockford. Would still love to know more of what happened there.

~Expectations~

After last week I could just about toss expectations to the wind. The two games played between the Admirals and IceHogs had a playoff level intensity with a defensive structure in the second game of *pause* no defensive structure. Those two games ended with a combined scoreline of 11-6 to the tune of the Admirals with a combined 88 penalty minutes.

If there were any aspect that could be bigger and better than it was last weekend you would assume both defenses should be on point tonight. The game plan for both should be simplified and I think both would prefer to avoid the run and gun nature of the Saturday game in Rockford last weekend. With the Admirals defense in a small jam at the moment – this might be the make or break to the game. Otherwise, perhaps that offense will just do enough like they did last weekend.

What are you expecting out of tonight’s game against the Rockford IceHogs? How will the Admirals defense fair in their second night together in the current shape that they’re in? Will our offense be able to overpower the IceHogs to control this game?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

News February 12, 2015

Aronson Called Up, Stalberg Returns

Well this move comes as a surprise. The Nashville Predators have called up Taylor Aronson for his first ever NHL call up and reassigned Viktor Stålberg to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville, Tenn. (February 12, 2015) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Thursday that the team has recalled defenseman Taylor Aronson (TAY-luhr AIHR-uhn-suhn) from Milwaukee (AHL) and reassigned forward Viktor Stalberg to the Admirals. This is Aronson’s first career recall and he will wear No. 50 with the Predators.

Aronson, 23 (12/30/91), leads Milwaukee defensemen, and is tied for 10th among all AHL blueliners, in points (3g-23a-26pts) while appearing in 45 of the team’s 48 games in 2014-15. A native of Placentia, Calif., the 6-1, 196-pounder is also tied for second among AHL defensemen in assists and power-play assists (12).

Nashville’s second choice, 78th overall (third round), in the 2010 Entry Draft, becomes the fourth member of the draft class to spend time with the team, and the third Portland Winterhawk on the active roster, joining Seth Jones and Paul Gaustad.

This is quite the feel good story. Aronson was in the ECHL playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones all of last season before earning his spot with the Admirals and really exceeding all expectations. He leads Admiral defensemen in scoring with 26 points (3 goals, 23 assists) in 45 games to go along with a plus/minus rating of +5 and 12 penalty minutes.

As for Stålberg, this is now his fifth stint with the Admirals this season. He started with a conditioning assignment and has since logged more than his share of frequent flyer miles between the NHL and AHL.

Thoughts on the Aronson call up? Where does this leave the Admirals now ahead of this weekend?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

Game Recaps February 11, 2015February 12, 2015

Admirals Fall To Wolves In Overtime; lose 3-2

Shane Harper’s point streak has now reached ten games for the Chicago Wolves. He had the primary assist on the game-winner in overtime. (Photo Credit: Ross Dettman)

The Admirals lost 3-2 in overtime against the Chicago Wolves on the road Wednesday night. It’s the third time this season that was the final scoreline in the Amtrak Rivalry but the first that saw the Wolves have the winning edge.

Jaynen Rissling’s first contribution to the AHL may not be something he’ll be too fond of. He was called for interference and the Wolves capitalized off of it to score the game’s opening goal. Petteri Lindbohm passed over to Magnus Paajarvi on the right wing for a shot pass in front of Marek Mazanec to Terry Broadhurst. The redirection went up and over Mazanec for Broadhurst’s sixth goal of the season.

It didn’t take too long for the Admirals to respond. Less than two minutes after the power-play goal allowed the Ads had a deflection goal of their own. Ian White’s shot from the right point was stabbed on the way to the net by Triston Grant. The redirect put the puck low and out of the reach of Jordan Binnington for Grant’s eighth goal of the season.

The Wolves were not too happy about the Admirals second goal scored in the first period. Colton Sissons had slight contact at the net with Binnington and then the netminder was completely screened by Rich Clune. White had a shot that kicked out perfectly for Sissons to tap it in for his sixteenth goal of the season. There was no call or review on the play despite Binnington instantly getting snippy with the officials.

In the second period the Admirals generated plenty of power-play chances. They had two five-on-three opportunities but didn’t generate goals from them. With the period coming to a close the Wolves scored shorthanded. Brent Regner sent Rob Bordson up ice with Jeremy Welsh on a break. The Ads had the numbers back but Kevin Fiala didn’t backcheck Welsh and it allowed Bordson’s feed to hit him in stride to the net for his twelfth goal of the season and fifth scored against the Admirals this season.

The game would roll through the third period and into three-on-three overtime. Pat Cannone was able to dodge a stick check of Austin Watson and break in on goal from the left faceoff circle to square up Mazanec and beat him top shelf over the glove for his eleventh goal of the season.

The loss tonight for the Admirals ends a franchise record six-game road winning streak. The point gained by making it into overtime does allow the Admirals to earn sole possession of second place in the Western Conference.

Ramblings: Tonight’s scratches included Miikka Salomaki (cleared for game action today, healthy scratch), Joe Piskula (lower body), Jimmy Oligny (right knee), and Johan Alm (left wrist). With the team captain out tonight the extra “A” went to Triston Grant.

Thoughts on tonight’s game? With all the banged up bodies was taking a point on the road still a positive result? Who is most to blame on the shorthanded goal allowed?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

Scouting February 11, 2015

Wolves: Scouting the Enemy

It feels like it has been ages since we’ve seen the Chicago Wolves. The last time there was an Amtrak Rivalry game was Dec. 26 during the Admirals rough stretch where they lost 6-2 on home ice. Luckily, the season series has favored the Admirals who are 4-2-0-0 against the Wolves this season.

~Middle of the Pack~

The Wolves are 24-18-5-1 (54 points) this season and find themselves in fourth place of the tightly contested Midwest Division. They are 8 points back of the Admirals and have played a game more than the Ads have. Their record currently has them in eighth place of the Western Conference with a tie-break putting them over the Hamilton Bulldogs.

In the Wolves last 10 games they have gone 5-3-1-1 (12 points). They are coming off of a 2 game sweep in Charlotte against the Checkers where they won 4-1 in each game.

~Offensively Offensive~

There are so many quality scorers on the Wolves this season. Case and point, their main trigger man Ty Rattie is actually fourth on the team in scoring right now with 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists). The top scorer on the team is Pat Cannone with 36 points (10 goals, 26 assists). Second on the team, and leading the Wolves in goal scoring, is Shane Harper with 33 points (21 goals, 12 assists).

In the head-to-head this season the top scorers for the Wolves are none of the names mentioned above: Jeremy Welsh, 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists)… Brent Regner, 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists)… Terry Broadhurst, 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists)… Jake Chelios, 5 points (0 goals, 5 assists).

Curious where the Admirals head-to-head scoring is against the Wolves this season? There are four players all tied for the team lead in the match up: Austin Watson, 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist)… Viktor Arvidsson, 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists)… Mark Van Guilder, 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists)… Brendan Leipsic, 4 points (0 goals, 4 assists).

~Between The Pipes~

The Wolves have been led in net this season by rookie Jordan Binnington. He has a record of 15-9-3-1 on the season with a 2.37 goals against average, 0.914 save percentage, and a shutout. Against the Admirals he has won both times he’s played this season and has a 1.50 goals against average and 0.933 save percentage.

~Learning On The Fly~

A real story tonight will be just how Jaynen Rissling and Jared Nightingale work on the Admirals defense. Interestingly enough, Nightingale’s addition means that the Admirals will have three right handed shooting defensemen for the first time all season.

Nightingale should be able to slot in easily enough, I think. It’s Rissling that I am most curious about as this should be his AHL debut tonight. How will he handle the pace? And will he introduce himself to the team by dropping the gloves? It worked for Anthony Bitetto in his home debut in Nashville last night. Why not?

Expectations for tonight? How will the Admirals defense work with two new additions? Could we be in-store for another offense needing to bail out the defense style game?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

News February 10, 2015

Bitetto and Stålberg Sent Up To Nashville

Anthony Bitetto has earned his second call up to the NHL in a month. He should be in the lineup for his home playing debut tonight. (Photo Credit: Nashville Predators)

The Nashville Predators have announced that Anthony Bitetto and Viktor Stålberg have both been called up to the NHL from the Milwaukee Admirals. As far as the current injury bug within the system goes – this seemed like the most appropriate move to be made. Both have had time spent up top this season and it is a quick and seamless transition for both.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Tuesday that the team has recalled defenseman Anthony Bitetto and forward Viktor Stalberg from Milwaukee (AHL).

Bitetto, 24 (7/15/90), made his NHL debut on Jan. 17 at Detroit, logging 11:01, before being reassigned to Milwaukee the following day. The Island Park, New York, native has amassed 25 points (2g-23a) in 46 games for the Admirals this season; his assist total ranks third among AHL blueliners, while his point total is good for 12th. A season ago, his first full campaign at the AHL level, the 6-foot, 215-pounder tied for sixth among AHL defensemen in goals (11), and for ninth in power-play goals (6).

Stalberg, 28 (1/17/86), has three assists in 10 games for the Predators this season, and 125 points (60g-65a) in 323 career NHL games with Nashville, Chicago and Toronto. In 14 games with Milwaukee, the Gothenberg, Sweden, native has 12 points (7g-5a), including a hat trick on Saturday at Rockford.

Both have already joined the team and participated in practice ahead of tonight’s home contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bitetto was paired with former-Admiral Victor Bartley while Stålberg joined Olli Jokinen as a utility player without a set line.

With the Admirals having a recent injury to Joe Piskula, they called up Jaynen Rissling yesterday from the Cincinnati Cyclones and today added veteran defenseman Jared Nightingale on a PTO contract from the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Stålberg up? Wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe Pendenza heading up to Milwaukee to keep numbers even with Pontus Åberg taking Stålberg’s place on the current forward lines.

Thoughts on all the roster moves? Correct choices for NHL call ups by the Nashville Predators? Is another defenseman needed in Milwaukee? Is another forward call up from Cincinnati needed?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

News February 10, 2015February 10, 2015

Admirals Add Veteran Jared Nightingale

The Milwaukee Admirals have addressed their lack of numbers in defense by adding Jared Nightingale on a PTO contract. This news comes a day after the team recalled Jaynen Rissling from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Nightingale is having quite the 2014-15 season right now. His main home has been with the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL but he has been the hired gun for three previous AHL teams on loan deals: Hartford Wolf Pack, Norfolk Admirals, and Grand Rapids Griffins. By joining Milwaukee today on loan he is now up to a solid fourth AHL team this season.

He is no stranger to our Midwest Division. He played for the Chicago Wolves briefly in 2007-08, was the team captain of the Rockford IceHogs last season, and had a single game cameo with the Griffins this season.

In total, his 2014-15 season carries a statline of 40 games played, 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), a plus/minus rating of +1, and 51 penalty minutes. In his career he has played a total of 414 games in the AHL which includes 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) and 888 penalty minutes.

Thoughts on this loan deal? Smart veteran choice for a temporary solution? Should the Admirals still look to add more in the off-chance more defensemen get injured?

Be sure to follow Admirals Roundtable on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram.

Feature February 10, 2015February 10, 2015

2014-15 Milwaukee Admirals Valentine’s Day Cards

I was thinking about not doing one of these this year because it was slightly overkill last season. Then I got a cold that refuses to go away. So, I had more than enough time to make a few up for a laugh yesterday. Rather than send them as texts out for my own amusement. I figured, why not spread the love? …spread the love, not the cold. Here’s what I came up with.