Norfolk Admirals Fans Voice Their Opinions About The 2012-2013 Season
By Ted Warren
“New season, new team. Big shoes that need to be filled and expectations sat high.” That is a quote from Norfolk Admirals season ticket holder Ken Peacock. He and many other die-hard Admiral fans are looking forward to the new season when the Admirals will be affiliated with a new parent team, the Anaheim Ducks.
I looked to the twitter world for feedback from Admirals fans. Many of them are excited about the new season. Take @Cookie_Savior, she stated that she is pretty excited about this upcoming season and she thinks that the Ducks have done well building up their AHL team. @chelleysayz stated, “I’m excited for the new team to show us fans what they can bring to the table”. She ended her tweet in a hash tag that said give us a show. @VAPuckHead stated that the coaching duo in Syracuse last year led their team to a great 2nd half of the season.
Anthony Buck sent me an email on his thoughts for next season. Anthony says the fan base will be disheartening because of the abrupt change in affiliations. This Detroit fan is a little worried about the Ducks lack of signings in the off-season. Anthony is also concerned about the goaltending situation in Norfolk. With the number 1 goalie leaving for Europe and all the other net minders gone, there is no goalie twosome fit for the AHL. The Admirals season ticket holder predicts that the Admirals will finish last in their division, but he will support the team regardless. Anthony and his family are not fair-weather fans! They will stick beside the Admirals even if they’re in last place!
After hearing what other Admirals fans had to say about the upcoming season, I interviewed a fellow writer and a great friend, Jack Miceli. When I asked Jack about the change in affiliation he stated, “After the angry phase wore off, I got excited about a new affiliate.” Miceli is excited about getting a whole new team and coaching staff. “Something fresh and something new, ” Miceli mentioned. The writer of The Rant also declared that he expects the team to do good this year. Jack added that if there is a NHL lockout, the AHL will receive better media coverage and will get a bigger fan base. Miceli went on to say “if there is a lockout you will see players with 2-way contracts playing in the AHL.” Jack added that there are more 2-way players out there then what people think. When asked about the new Head Coach of the Norfolk Admirals, Miceli indicated that he was really happy that he stayed and was quick to say that Yawney’s troops had one of the best runs in the AHL after the All-Star game.
Although it’s not certain where the Admirals will place in their division this spring, one thing that is for certain is that fans in the Norfolk area will always support their hockey team.
Check out Jack Miceli’s blog the rant!
Give Ken Peacock’s site a look!
Follow me on Twitter- @bauerhockeydude