For those in the area, there will be a meeting of the Norfolk Admirals Booster Club on Tuesday, November 4 at America's Best Inn on North Military Highway, just behind the Grate Steak. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., so if you are able, please join us.
GO ADMIRALS!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Progress Is A Slow Process
Nobody is happy how the weekend ended on the scoreboard. The fans are undoubtedly disappointed with how the team is progressed thus far in the season. There are a group of people who are more disappointed and frustrated, however, and that group is the players, coaches, and staff of the Norfolk Admirals.
They are my team, and I know I will be behind them win, lose, or draw. Actually, since there are no more ties in hockey, just win or lose. And I must say, they are still some of the classiest guys you'll ever meet. Even after dropping two hard-fought games, these guys were out on the ice with the fans skating and having fun after the game. They were all more than accomodating to any fan who wanted a photo or an autograph.
While they were all gracious, I must comment on a couple. I purchased Bracken Kearns's jersey at the auction at the beginning of the year, but didn't get the opportunity to get the photo with him afterward. So, last night I asked for it, and he was more than accomodating. After the photo, he shook my hand, asked my name, and thanked me. He didn't have to thank me, after all, he was doing a favor for me. But that's just the kind of guy that most of the players are. Second, since Emily, my significant other, isn't that great of a skater, she was more than timid going out onto the ice. Since Matt Smaby is her favorite player, I asked him if he could escort her around the ice. Without hesitation, he skated to her, took her arm and led her around the ice. Again, that's something he didn't have to do, but he did. Three other guys I noticed were Pete Zingoni kicking the puck around with a few kids, Chris Lawrence participating in a snow throwing contest with a couple of young players, and Radek Smolenak pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair across the ice.
They may not come out ahead on the scoreboard every night, but these guys are winners in my book. It's that reason why they'll have my unwaivering support.
GO ADMIRALS!!
They are my team, and I know I will be behind them win, lose, or draw. Actually, since there are no more ties in hockey, just win or lose. And I must say, they are still some of the classiest guys you'll ever meet. Even after dropping two hard-fought games, these guys were out on the ice with the fans skating and having fun after the game. They were all more than accomodating to any fan who wanted a photo or an autograph.
While they were all gracious, I must comment on a couple. I purchased Bracken Kearns's jersey at the auction at the beginning of the year, but didn't get the opportunity to get the photo with him afterward. So, last night I asked for it, and he was more than accomodating. After the photo, he shook my hand, asked my name, and thanked me. He didn't have to thank me, after all, he was doing a favor for me. But that's just the kind of guy that most of the players are. Second, since Emily, my significant other, isn't that great of a skater, she was more than timid going out onto the ice. Since Matt Smaby is her favorite player, I asked him if he could escort her around the ice. Without hesitation, he skated to her, took her arm and led her around the ice. Again, that's something he didn't have to do, but he did. Three other guys I noticed were Pete Zingoni kicking the puck around with a few kids, Chris Lawrence participating in a snow throwing contest with a couple of young players, and Radek Smolenak pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair across the ice.
They may not come out ahead on the scoreboard every night, but these guys are winners in my book. It's that reason why they'll have my unwaivering support.
GO ADMIRALS!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Pirates on Halloween ... Interesting
Isn't it fitting that after such a stormy start to the 08-09 season, the Admirals would take on the Portland Pirates this weekend at Scope. And it's on All Hallow's Eve no less. Tampa Bay dismantled Buffalo last night 5-2, let's see if Norfolk, Tampa's AHL affiliate, can do the same to the Pirates, Buffalo's AHL affiliate.
Portland comes into Scope touting a 4-1-1 record and is off to a great start. Injuries at the NHL level, however, have started to take its toll on the Pirate roster. According to Pirates coach Kevin Dineen, he's been "on the phone trying to track players down." Portland saw a forward and defenseman head to the show after Buffalo suffered injuries at those positions. Hopefully the Admirals can use this to their advantage and loot the four points from the Pirates.
Notes: This weekend will mark the first time seeing many of these players, as Portland changed its affiliate from Anaheim last year to Buffalo this year ... there will be somewhat familiar face, however, as Mathieu Darche is still stuck at the AHL level ... Coach Rumble employed a bit of Melrose yesterday, as he bag skated the Admirals after their effort on Wednesday against Philadelphia, something I hope doesn't come back to bite them in the rear ... All in all, should be an interesting weekend.
Regards.
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