Rob Madore became the first man in ECHL history to be named the Kelly Cup Finals MVP despite playing on the losing side of the competition. (Photo Credit: Cincinnati Cyclones // Facebook)
Last night, the Cincinnati Cylones were shutout 4-0 in Game 6 of the 2014 Kelly Cup Finals. They were bested by the ECHL’s top team during the regular season, the Alaska Aces. It is Alaska’s third ever Kelly Cup triumph: 2005-06, 2010-11, and 2013-14.
It may not have gone the way of the Cyclones but there were some outstanding performances and positives to take from their brilliant push for the Kelly Cup this season. Let’s go through them.
The obvious positive to take out of the Cyclones successful season is that they played a deep season. It’s great for that organization but also huge in terms of player development for the likes of Taylor Aronson, Zach Budish, Magnus Hellberg, and Josh Shalla. While their fellow Nashville Predators prospects are in summer vacation mode – they were all training, practicing, and playing in a competitive atmosphere. The longer the development time – the better.
Alright, so you’re thinking Hellberg didn’t really gain much during this time. Think again. From his injury in January to his eventual return with the Cyclones in late-March he was doing next to nothing as far as on-ice activity. If anything, he was practicing lightly as he slowly pushed himself back to game shape. The entirety of the Cyclones Kelly Cup run he has been healthy and working. Think of it this way. In what could be a lost season for him in his development – the Cyclones deep run may have offered him a lifeline to get his time out with injury back.
Speaking of Hellberg, it must have been a humbling season for him in the case of not getting the net. Marek Mazanec took his spot in Nashville. Scott Darling nudged him aside in Milwaukee. And then Rob Madore was “the man” in Cincinnati. Milwaukee Admirals head coach Dean Evason always told me that Hellberg is very accountable of himself and his performances. That’s something I agree with in my two-seasons around the big Swede. It’s that mentality that should have made his sitting on the bench during the Kelly Cup Finals run not as much of a bummer as you would expect. After all, his counter-part was making a name for himself.
The MVP of the 2014 Kelly Cup Finals wasn’t awarded to a member of the winning Alaska Aces. Instead, for the first time in ECHL history, it was given to the side that came up short. It was awarded to netminder Rob Madore. During the Cyclones run to the Kelly Cup he started all 24 games, won 14, had a 2.29 goals against average, and a 0.930 save percentage. In short, he was astonishingly good all throughout the playoffs.
Madore was under contract to the San Antonio Rampage. According to CapGeek, similar to Darling on the Predators page, he doesn’t exist! I’ll take that as a one-year deal that expires this off-season UFA style. If I’m right, I think Mr. Madore did himself just as much justice in the ECHL Playoffs as Darling did for the Admirals this season. He performed well enough to get on plenty of teams’ radar. Madore turned 26-years old in May. Darling will turn 26-years old in December. Needless to say the goaltending options are out there this off-season – two of which coming right out of our organization (Milwaukee and Cincinnati).
How do you feel the Milwaukee Admirals products performed during the Cincinnati Cyclones Kelly Cup run? Does their extended playoff run help them heading into the 2014-15 AHL season?
Chris Mueller and Kevin Henderson are heading to the 2014 Calder Cup Finals as members of the Texas Stars. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
2014 Calder Cup Finals
St. John’s IceCaps vs. Texas Stars
St. John’s IceCaps: 46-23-5-8, 11-5-0 in playoffs, 258 goals scored & 47 in playoffs; 207 goals against & 28 in playoffs. Texas Stars: 48-18-3;11-5-0 in playoffs, 274 goals scored & 53 in playoffs; 197 goals against & 39 in playoffs.
The Calder Cup semifinals wrapped up last night in stunning blowout fashion as Eastern Conference champion St. John’s and Western Conference champion Texas each scored convincing knock out victories over their opponents. The IceCaps took Game Six 5-0 over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, while Stars stormed through Game Seven 6-2 over Toronto, which had yet to lose prior to the conference finals.
Heading into the championship series both franchises have short histories in the American Hockey League. Texas arrived in the Austin area for the 2009-2010 campaign, as the new incarnation of the Iowa Chops. Meanwhile, St. John’s joined the AHL for 2011-2012 as the minor league affiliate of Winnipeg. The city had been home to the Manitoba Moose, but that franchise needed to skip town after the arrival of the Jets. Despite incredible success on the ice and at the ticket office during its first three years, the AHL’s only Atlantic Canada franchise is likely on the move soon. Winnipeg would prefer to relocate the team to Thunder Bay, Ontario, and other teams would prefer not making the trip to St. John’s.
All season I have been grossly underestimating Texas, the highest scoring team in the west and arguably the most veteran team in the league. A couple of familiar former Admirals, Chris Mueller and Kevin Hendersonare key contributors for the club. Mueller, who played in nine games for Dallas, including four playoff games this spring, has five goals and eight points in 14 post season contest, while Henderson has six points in 16.
Travis Morin is still the key cog, who along with fellow veteran Mike Hedden lead the team with 15 playoff points each. Two others with plenty of NHL games on their resume are also key contributors, defenseman Derek Meech (notably with Detroit) and forward Dustin Jeffrey (notably with Pittsburgh). Goaltending duties have been shared by prospect Jack Campbell and veteran Christopher Nilstorp, but the big Swede (9-4-0, 2.14 G.A.A., .914 S.P.) was the team’s go-to option against the Marlies.
With a roster also light on rookies, St. John’s most dangerous trio has been recent Chicago Wolves forward Andrew Gordon (team-leading 16 points), top prospect Eric O’Dell (team-leading nine goals) and 32-year-old Jason Jaffray (10 points). Much like Toronto, the IceCaps really excel in their transition game, with three pace pushers in Will O’Neill (team-leading 11 assists), Zach Redmond and 2013 first-round pick Josh Morrissey starring on the blue line. Former Boston Bruins third-rounder Michael Hutchinson has been dynamite in goal for the Newfoundlanders (11-5-0, 1.61 G.A.A., .946 S.P.), and could easily be the playoff’s MVP.
If the Stars have enough in the tank, they should be favored in this series considering their goal scoring prowess, veteran roster and home dominance in the playoffs — six wins in eight games on home ice this post season. The IceCaps also went 6-2-0 on home ice during the playoffs, and could turn around the series with two or three wins on the island in front of its rabid fan base. Hutchinson could be the key in a potential upset.
So far I’ve been wrong about the Stars in the first round and wrong about them in the Western finals. I don’t think I will be here. I see Texas winning its first ever Calder Cup, four years after losing in the finals, with a six-game decision this June.
Bonus Stanley Cup Finals Prediction
The Los Angeles Kings ride Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, plus it’s size and depth up front for a six-game series victory in this epic goaltending clash.
So Roundtable . . . Who do you have in the Calder Cup and Stanley Cup Finals? Who are your MVPs? Are you rooting for Texas due to the Mueller/Henderson connections?
After a great year in relief of Pekka Rinne – Carter Hutton is staying in Nashville after signing a two-year contract today. (Photo Credit: Scott Iskowitz)
The Nashville Predators were pretty active this afternoon. They’ve signed two players to contracts. The first came for right winger Max Gortz on a three-year entry level contract. That was promptly followed up by the re-signing of goaltender Carter Hutton on a two-year contract.
The deal for Hutton is one that I think is greatly deserved. When Pekka Rinne went down at the start of the season it started a mad scramble of who can plug the Nashville net. Hutton? Magnus Hellberg? Marek Mazanec? Devan Dubnyk?
If you ask me, the best thing that could have happened to Hutton was the move for Dubnyk because from that point forward he really seemed to step up big. He played in 40 games, won 20 games, had a 2.62 goals against average, a 0.910 save percentage, and recorded his first career NHL shutout in his second to last start of the season.
What does this signing means for the likes of Hellberg and Mazanec? I believe this shouldn’t be viewed as a negative for them as much as it should a positive. While Mazanec had a decent season between the AHL and NHL – he still could benefit from more time here in Milwaukee. As for Hellberg, anything could be better for him than what he’s endured this season. Thinking about a goaltending tandem of Maz and Mags in Milwaukee for next season, with both staying healthy, could be great for the Admirals and both young netminders in the system.
Now, about this Gortz kid. He was the Predators sixth-round selection in the 2012 NHL Draft and has played his entire career to this point in Sweden. Per the official press release:
Gortz, 21 (1/28/93), started the 2013-14 season with Farjestad (SHL), before transferring to Frolunda (SHL) on Dec. 9, 2013. The Hoor, Sweden native led Frolunda – and tied for third among all skaters in the 2014 SHL Quarterfinals – in points (5) and goals (3). The 6-3, 200-pound right winger has 70 points (37g-33a) in 106 career Swedish junior league games with Malmo and Farjestad, and 30 points (19g-11a) in 108 SHL games with Farjestad and Frolunda, while posting seven points (3g-4a) in 18 career SHL postseason contests, and 14 points (8g-6a) in 15 career Swedish junior league playoff games.
Nashville’s eighth choice, 172nd overall (sixth round), in the 2012 Entry Draft, Gortz helped Sweden win the 2012 Under-20 Four-Nations Tournament, tying for the team lead in points (1g-2a-3pts), and earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
The Swedish contingent in Milwaukee is growing. It wasn’t even a week ago when the Predators brought in another Swede on an entry-level deal in Johan Alm.
Thoughts on today’s moves from the Nashville Predators? What do you think the re-signing of Carter Hutton means for Magnus Hellberg and Marek Mazanec?
Awards! Awards Everywhere! (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
On Wednesday night, following the first day of the Milwaukee Admirals “Garage Sale” event, myself and a group of fans went to Major Goolsby’s to discuss and create the Admirals Roundtable annual Paper Plate Awards. For those that missed out on that shindig: (1) I would love for us to have some more get-togethers like that and (2) feel free to add your own in the comments!
New to the Roundtable and don’t know the Paper Plate tradition? Check out Ryan Miller’s previous contributions in 2010-11, 2011-12 (Part I and Part II) and 2012-13. Get the gist? Perfect! Now let’s dish out the awards.
1, Hannu Toivonen: The Punniness Man of the Year Award – There wasn’t a player who made a bigger impact in the Milwaukee hockey pun world than Hannu Toivonen this season. After spending the first part of his season with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL he instantly got Hannu lease on life with the Admirals. It may not have been a long stay for him… but boy did the Twitter puns start getting Hannoying.
2, Anthony Bitteto: The Honorary Sconnie Award – This season Anthony Bitetto slowly but surely developed into a fully blown Sconnie before our eyes. He went to a Green Bay Packers game. His dog, named Reggie, became a Packers fan. He went hunting. He went hunting a lot. Like, a lot. So much so he earned a patch to make it official. Sure, the Admirals take their annual Brewers trip as well but that didn’t stop him from also attending more games. We Sconnies accept you as one of our own, Tony.
3, Jonathan Diaby: The Gregor Clegane “Mountain” Award – He joined at the end of the season but instantly showcased something that set him apart from his new teammates. HE IS CRAZY HUGE. Can you imagine him skating in a defensive pair with Ryan Ellis? No. You can’t.
4, Scott Ford: The Ironman Award – There are plenty of hockey players that battle through injury. The best known Admirals story from this season? Scott Ford returning from a broken foot. He was supposed to be out of action for up to six-weeks. He returned to game action exactly twenty-days following his injury citing his foot felt better in a stiff boot anyways.
5, Teddy Ruth, Michael Young, Jaynen Rissling: The Diabolical Digit Award – This was a bad year for the #5 this season. Sure, Rissling inherited when he joined very late in the season but no other number was used more this season by the Admirals. Ruth retired. Young signed on an ATO, was injured in his first professional game, and was released. Here is hoping the #5 has a better fate in 2014-15.
7, Joe Piskula: The Homestate Hero Award – The Antigo native didn’t just have a great season on the ice. He also had an amazing time off of it. The standout day in mind comes from the Admirals “Antigo Day” which was featured in an episode of All Access. He, as always, was his humble Sconnie self. Oh, and I believe Bitetto would consider him a hunting enabler. Just saying.
8, Filip Forsberg: The Magnifying Glass Award – Ever since his acquisition from the Washington Capitals last season, Filip Forsberg has been under the Nashville microscope BIG time. I completely understand why, as well. He was traded for Michael Latta after all. Truth be told, the kid that drops the teenager title in August still has that little bit more to go yet. I should know. I’ve been telling plenty of Predators fans that all season.
10, Patrick Cehlin: The “I Punched Jon Blum In The Face” Award – This should go without saying… but that was awesome.
11, Paul Crowder: The Longest Neck Award – He played in four-games this season. Just four. Meaning we didn’t really get to witness the amazingness that is Paul Crowder’s neck.
12, Mikko Vainonen: The Next Joonas Jarvinen Award – Finnish? Check. Has a height of 6’3″ tall? Check. Came up through the SM-Liiga? Check. “Stay-at-home” defenseman? Check. Impossible to find photos of him “smiling” on the internet? Yep, they are the same guy.
13, Joe Pendenza: The “Don’t You Forget About Me” Award – He joined the Admirals on an ATO contract after finishing a college playing career for U-Mass-Lowell. After the Ads elimination from this year’s Calder Cup Playoffs he became the second man to re-sign for the 2014-15 season behind Mike Liambas. Joe Pendenza played five-games with the Admirals. Expect him to play more later this year.
15, Kevin Henderson: The Greener Pastures Award – It wasn’t really a trade but it basically worked like one. The Admirals and Texas Stars swapped loan deals between Kevin Henderson and Francis Wathier. While Wathier did well here – Henderson joined the AHL’s best team in the regular season and is in shouting distance of competing in the 2014 Calder Cup Finals.
15, Braden Pimm: The Most Likely To Be Carded Into His Thirties Award – Just look at that face. Now realize this. That face is five-year’s older than this one. …ok, I think both could win this one.
16, Mathieu Tousignant: The Virtual Aspects Closed Captioning Award – When Bitetto asked me if I translate what he says after I interview him, I said I did. It was no joke. Tousi can talk an interesting but amazing form of Frenchified-English faster than the human mind can possibly articulate it – and it is a wonder how anyone could interpret his on ice chirping. (Bonus Points for laughing like the Count)
17, Mike Liambas: The Nostradamus Award – Back in January, while doing a feature story on him, Bus-y accurately predicted his rookie roommate Colton Sissons’ season. AHL All Star and NHL call-up. And he said it on tape. He’s a wise one that Liambas.
18, Colton Sissons: The “Veni, Vidi, Vici” Award – As mentioned above: All Star, NHL call up, first NHL point in his first NHL game (assist), first NHL goal, and was consistently one of the Admirals best all-around players this season. Oh yeah, he was only playing in his first professional playing season at the age of 20-years old. Take a bow if you haven’t already, Colton.
19, Calle Jarnkrok: The Sickest Flow Award – This year’s hot acquisition by the Nashville Predators was able to make an instant impact in the system upon his arrival. No, not the amazing point streak that he had with the Admirals or the Predators. I’m talking about that flow – which was NHL ready from day one.
20, Miikka Salomaki: The “What About Me?” Award – The Nashville Predators called up Taylor Beck, Simon Moser, Colton Sissons, and Mark Van Guilder this season. As for the rookie Finn who finished the season as the Admirals leading scorer? Nope. His name may have always been in the discussion from the start of the season on-forward but Miikka Salomaki never saw the NHL this season. Welp, there is always next year.
21, Simon Moser: The Roundtable’s Olympic Champion Award – Nashville had their share of representatives at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. But so did the Milwaukee Admirals thanks to Simon Moser and Team Switzerland aka Team Moser. He was someone we all cheered for and even had his Olympic moment – scoring a game-winning goal in Switzerland’s opening contest.
22, Scott Valentine: The Facepunching of Bobby Shea Award – If there was an honorary award for the Rockford IceHogs… Bobby Shea would receive the “Biggest Idiot of the Year” Award. Luckily for the Admirals involvement with aforementioned dunderhead extraordinaire – Scott Valentine gave him the punishment many around the game would happily like to have dished up. That was this season’s Liambas vs. McKelvie and I, for one, loved it.
23, Kirill Gotovets: The “How Did I Get Here?” Award – No seriously. He and I still don’t really know how he became an Admiral. Not that it mattered too much because he was eventually let go anyways.
23, Garrett Noonan: The Best Nickname Award – You might be asking yourself just who is Garrett Noonan and what is his nickname? Well my friends, his nickname is Fozzie and we’ll be cheering Fozzie on later this fall.
24, Zach Budish: The Big Head Award – While the debate between Zach Budish and Taylor Beck could go on for years – it was Budish and his teammates who made this name stick. In fact, the full blame may as well go to Budish who gave us the soundbite of the year in Chatterbox.
29, Mark Van Guilder: The Story of the Year Award – I can’t think of a better story that took place this entire season than when 30-year old Mark Van Guilder finally was called up to play NHL hockey. He is as fantastic of a person as you could come across and he earned that call up. Not only did he get his long deserved NHL game. He also provided the NHL Network with their best TV in the history of the network.
31, Marek Mazanec: The Living Emoticon Award – There probably isn’t a player on the team with a better or more frequently displayed smirk on their face. Heck, remember his “almost” goalie fight against Kent Simpson? One of those goalies really wanted to go. Why? the other was laughing and smirking at him the entire time.
33, Bryan Rodney: The Thunderdome Award – There wasn’t a more polarizing player on the Milwaukee Admirals this entire season. Some loved him. Some didn’t. Some nights he would be a liability on defense. Other nights he would serve up perfect passes that triggered goals. Love him. Hate him. He’s the Thunderdome.
36, Joonas Jarvinen: The Least Photogenic Player Award – Just as his clone Mikko Vainonen… he suffers from not–able–to–smile–itis. … he tries, and we love him for that.
41, Taylor Beck: The Most Valuable Player Award – This is one that could very well be debated from a few players but I dare you to defy Taylor Beck’s outstanding 2013-14 season and its impact on the Milwaukee Admirals. He did it all and, frankly, shouldn’t have been with the Admirals for as long as he was.
45, Magnus Hellberg: The Curse of the Goalie Bobblehead Award – When Jeremy Smith was given a bobblehead as an active Admiral player last season he was promptly passed by another goalie and hampered with injury – including a high ankle sprain. This season, Magnus Hellberg was bestowed with a bobblehead of his own as an active playing netminder for the Admirals… only to struggle with injury for the first time in his playing career… including a similar high ankle sprain to that of Smith. Future goalies beware.
47, Francis Wathier: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s MVP – Get the reference? How about now? Out of the Admirals players that participated in this year’s “Cuts for a Cause” event none lost more hair than Wathier.
51, Austin Watson: The Mad Hatter Award – There was only one player this entire season who scored a hat trick for the Milwaukee Admirals. It was Austin Watson. And he not only saw hats hit the ice… but about one-thousand more teddy bears the very same night.
55, Charles-Olivier Roussel: The Good Guy Award – It became more and more apparent as the season trucked along that there wasn’t a player who enjoyed giving back to fans more than Mr. Roussel. He is always excited to meet and greet the Admirals fans. He participates in Admirals community outreach programs such as the reading program – where he frequently visited the French immersion school downtown. He even is noted for taking time on the road to acknowledge traveling fans inside and out of the rink. And, if you didn’t know already, is an active friendly voice on social media. Never change, Good Guy Charles.
74, Vinny Saponari: The Most Ginger Player Award – I’m not going to lie. A ten-year old fan at our Goolsby’s Roundtable event came up with this one and it was too perfect.
Johan Alm adds yet one more defenseman to the mix for the Milwaukee Admirals in 2014-15. Will there be anymore room left for re-signing players?
Were you in the boat that considered the Nashville Predators defensive nucleus to be far too small? Well fear not because they have added one more piece to the puzzle. Today the Predators signed defenseman Johan Alm to a two-year entry level contract.
Nashville Predators press release:
Alm, 22 (1/28/92), has spent the past four seasons in the Skelleftea organization, winning back-to-back Swedish League titles in 2013 and 2014, and earning silver medals in 2011 and 2012. In 135 SHL games with Skelleftea and Frolunda since 2009-10, the 6-2, 209-pound blueliner has amassed 22 points (4g-18a), 72 penalty minutes and a +24 rating. He ranked fourth among all skaters in the 2014 SHL Playoffs in plus/minus rating (+9), after posting seven points (1g-6a) and a +16 rating in 30 games during the regular season. Six times in the last six seasons Alm has been a part of a championship or runner-up team at the under-18, junior or senior Swedish league levels.
There are plenty of veteran variables to consider in that crop of free agents and some that should return from RFA status. Predators Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton had this to say in an article posted by our friend Jeremy K. Gover at Cellblock 303:
“They’re all kids that are slated to play an awful lot there,” Predators Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton said. “Those four guys are particularly going to cut their teeth in Milwaukee and, hopefully, do a good job for us. They all play a variety of roles. Some are defensive, some are size guys and some are offensive guys.”
“We have some decisions to make on a lot of the other guys, including Valentine,” Fenton said.
“I don’t see any of our guys [in Milwaukee] who can unseat somebody here in Nashville,” Fenton confirmed. “Bitetto is pushing to get some time [at the NHL level] and we’re hoping that Noonan is closer than you think because he’s 23 years old.”
“Our young defense corps we think [is] as good as anybody’s in the league,” Fenton said. “We just have to let them grow.”
There is a lot said there by Fenton that fascinates me – especially the quote regarding Bitetto and Noonan. The fact of the matter is, no matter who is re-signed or brought in, the Predators organization is head-to-toe drowning in some solid young defensemen. That is a great problem to have. The lone question mark to float out there from me is this: doesn’t that young core in Milwaukee next season need some veteran presences around to help them on and off the ice? When I say that I directly point to Piskula and Ford as possible returning options with that leadership role in mind. I just wonder, with the committed bodies already coming in next season, whether or not there is room for both.
What do you make of the Johan Alm signing? What does this mean for the Milwaukee Admirals defensive core for next season? Does the Alm signing mean we won’t see certain RFA/UFA Admirals returning? Should any of the young names above be in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones and work their way up?
The Cincinnati Cyclones are officially heading to the 2014 ECHL Kelly Cup Finals. Last night they won Game 6 in overtime to eliminate the Greenville Road Warriors to become the ECHL Eastern Conference Champions.
The final scoreline was 3-2 and all goals by the Cyclones came from special teams: shorthanded goal by Dan Eves, power-play goal from Jonathan Hazen, and the overtime game-winner was scored shorthanded by Hazen.
So, who will the Cyclones be facing in the Kelly Cup Finals? The team that finished the regular season off with the best record in the ECHL, the Alaska Aces. Talk about a doozy of a travel schedule on top of what should be a grueling series. The 2014 Kelly Cup Finals officially begin on Friday in Alaska. You can find the full schedule for that series right here.
To end with one last smile on your face moment – remember that Magnus Hellberg guy? Me too, and it has been a very tough season for him in regards to results and injuries. Still, for those that have had the chance to know and talk to him, he is an incredibly positive person. You would think that after the season he has had, finishing it on the bench watching Rob Madore in the ECHL start in net, he wouldn’t be. He posted this photo to Twitter after last night’s game:
Class. And it must be said. I think Zach Budish doesn’t have the biggest head in Cincinnati – unless it’s just some sort of a distance thing in the photo.
Josh Shalla and the Cyclones are powering their way to a possible 2014 Kelly Cup triumph. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
The Cincinnati Cyclones played their opening contest of the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals last night against the Greenville Road Warriors. The Cyclones won 4-1 behind a Josh Shalla hat trick and are set for Game 2 later tonight in Cincinnati.
Shalla now has 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) from 13 playoff games. He leads the Cyclones in goals during the playoffs and is second on the team in playoff points behind Byron Froese (18).
In addition to the offense, Rob Madore had continued his phenomenal run for the Cyclones. Last night he stopped 31 of 32 shots and has an overall playoff statline of 1.83 goals against average with a 0.941 save percentage. Madore is giving the Cyclones great balance when it comes to their shoot ’em up offense. Regardless if he kept this form up all throughout the ECHL Playoffs – I would be shocked to not see him playing AHL hockey next season.
Are the Cincinnati Cyclones heading for the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals? Do you think a strong playoff performance could help Josh Shalla’s chances of being an Admiral regular next season?
Joe Pendenza becomes the first of last season’s ATO gang to join the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2014-15 season. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
The Milwaukee Admirals announced late this afternoon that forward Joe Pendenza will be returning to the team for the 2014-15 season.
Pendenza joined the Admirals in April on an amateur try-out contract. He played in 5 games, didn’t score a point, had a plus/minus rating of -1, and 2 penalty minutes. He was coming off of a brilliant campaign for U-Mass-Lowell where he led the River Hawks in all scoring categories: 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists).
~Pendenza’s Chatterbox – April, 4 2014~
Pendenza participated with the 2013 Predators Development Camp:
Pendenza discusses his time with U-Mass-Lowell:
Pendenza describes his game:
Pendenza becomes the second signing of the Admirals off-season. Mike Liambas re-upped last Thursday. One wonders what moves are coming next. There are still a fair bit of unrestricted and restricted free agents to rundown. I also wonder what this signing means in terms of Braden Pimm. Does it mean the the picked Pendenza over Pimm or could both be back next season? Still plenty of unknowns but, hey, this is why they call it crazy season right?
Happy with the signing of Joe Pendenza by the Admirals? What could his signing mean for others looking to return to the team next season? Which unrestricted free agents should the Admirals target next?
The Toronto Marlies didn’t just frustrate the Milwaukee Admirals out of the playoffs. They’re looking for their second consecutive playoff sweep tonight against the Chicago Wolves. (Photo Credit: Graig Abel)
There is a full slate of games tonight for the 2014 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs. For those who aren’t keeping track of what’s what – here is where the playoffs stand right now.
(1) Texas Stars 2 – (4) Grand Rapids Griffins 2
(2) Chicago Wolves 0 – (3) Toronto Marlies 3
We saw it first hand, but those Marlies are just clobbering their way through the playoffs. They have yet to take a loss in the playoffs and are on the verge of a clean four-game sweep of the higher-seeded Wolves.
The other scrap out of the Western Conference is proving to be pretty entertaining. I would have thought the Texas Stars were a shoe-in to represent the West in this year’s Calder Cup Finals. Instead, they’re facing a Griffins side that has bounced straight back on home ice to even the series at 2-2.
As for the Eastern Conference, I think it mirrors what the Cincinnati Cyclones have had happen during their ECHL Playoffs. The top seeds are gone and it pits some real tough teams head-to-head.
I do feel we’ll see the Baby Pens face the IceCaps in the Eastern Finals. Still, the Imposter-Admirals fended off elimination with an OT winner in Game 5 and were able to beat the top seeded Manchester Monarchs. To boot, that Bruins team isn’t too far off the Baby Pens in all actuality. They’re able to generate offense and their one win in the series came via a shutout.
One last note: former Milwaukee Admiral Drew MacIntyre has a 1.82 goals against average and a 0.941 save percentage. He has won all 6 games that the Toronto Marlies have played so far in the playoffs.
Who do you think will be in the Conference Finals and Calder Cup Finals? Could the team that thwarted the Milwaukee Admirals be on an undefeated run to the Calder Cup? Can the Griffins upset the Stars?
Mike Liambas surpassed Jordin Tootoo’s Admirals AHL record for penalty minutes last season. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus_
The Milwaukee Admirals have announced that Mike Liambas will return for the 2014-15 season after signing a one-year AHL contract this afternoon.
During the 2013-14 season, Liambas set an Admirals AHL record for penalty minutes in a season with 267. That topped the previous record held by Jordin Tootoo in 2004-05 when he spent 266 minutes in the penalty box. Liambas was second in the AHL last season in penalty minutes to only Zack Stortini‘s 299.
Liambas has now played in 87 games as a member of the Admirals. He joined the team in February of the 2012-13 season and has a career total of 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) to go with 341 penalty minutes.
He has made big strides in his all-around game since arriving in Milwaukee. Pekka Rinne called him a warrior. And he has fantastic leadership skills on and off the ice. I think this is a great first re-signing for the Admirals.
Happy to see Mike Liambas returning as an Admiral for next season? Who would you like to see brought back next?
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