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.