Admirals’ Players Comment On The Community And The Fan Support In Norfolk
By Ted Warren
Saturday night after the shut out victory over Charlotte, the Norfolk Admirals held their annual season ticket holder party. The season ticket holders gave a standing ovation as the players made their way into Scope’s Exhibition Hall.
Each player took the stage and stated where they were born and what number they will be wearing this season. Matt Smaby, who played in Norfolk between 2007 and 2010, got a decent size hurrah. Then Jay Rosehill took to the podium. Rosehill stood on the stage without saying anything for a solid 30 seconds before the crowd would cease their applause. The Admirals enforcer’s face showed a thank you by transforming to a rosy shade of pink while he was on stage.
Admirals forward Devante Smith-Pelly commented on Jay’s ovation saying, “It was awesome and obviously he is a fan favorite here. I guess he was here before and it’s awesome that they love him like that.” When asked about how the community and the Admirals organization has treated Devante so far he said, “Great, I love the town and the surrounding area and the fan support so far has been amazing. We had our season ticket holders little meet and greet and it was a full house. I’m excited to get the real season going here.”
John Kurtz also commented on how the community and the Admirals organization had treated him by saying, “It’s been amazing. I mean after the exhibition game, we had a meet and greet with the season ticket holders. As soon as we walked in the room everybody stood up and started clapping. It’s like nothing I’ve never seen before or experienced and it put a big smile on my face. I look forward to the season.” When asked about Jay Rosehill’s standing ovation Kurtz commented, “I loved it! When you see something like that it kinda gives you chills and you want to be that guy that everybody is clapping for. I love Rosehill and I’m glad that he is a part of this organization. He was actually a player I looked up to the last few years and I admire what he does. He puts it all on the line and he deserves it.”
The way the season ticket holders greeted the Admirals Saturday should make the players want to go out and battle in front of the fans and leave it all on the line. Norfolk faithfuls will always show up in droves; as long as; the team gives it they’re all and leaves nothing left to chance: win or loose.
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