Milwaukee, WI- The Milwaukee Admirals hosted the Iowa Wild on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee defeated the Wild in a 4-3 regulation win.
The Admirals ended 2014 on a negative note only winning three out of their last fifteen games. However, this team clearly had a resolution to turn things around. Friday night’s game was Milwaukee’s eighth straight win, and all-time franchise high. The last previous high was in 1989, an eight-game winning streak during the IHL era.
This week the Admirals welcomed a new face to their team. Kevin Fiala a Swiss Native, showed his face for the second time in Milwaukee this week. The 18-year-old mentioned that skating on a smaller rink is something that he has to get used to but with the team standing behind him, the adjustment isn’t something he is worried about.
“The guys help me more and more every day to become more comfortable,” Fiala said. “It’s a different game. More hits, faster skating, but the team has been there to help me so far.
Fiala is brand new to the American Hockey League. Despite the many changes, he will face while playing American professional hockey Head Coach Dean Evason seems to have a little hope in the new addition.
“We’re going to make sure he plays the right way,” Evason stated. “You gotta remember he is young. Although he has played pro hockey in Europe, he has to learn how to play in America. He’s young and he’s talented, but what’s exciting for us is that he competes.”
Evanson positive attitude is something that must rub off on his team by the positive vibes the way they interact with each other on an off the ice.
The Nashville Predators reassigned defenseman Rich Clune to Milwaukee earlier this season and since then has done nothing but been an outstanding player and role model for his fellow teammates. Which is great for Milwaukee since they have such a young team.
Clune not only plays aggressively on the ice but that heart felt energy is also appreciated off the ice as well. It’s something that the Admirals are benefiting from although he might have been a bit sour about being sent down in the beginning.
“He’s been terrific for sure,” Evason preached. “We’ve met with him. And probably the first game he played he wasn’t engaged. After that first game, he stood up on the bench and said ‘I got my legs tonight guys, I’m ready to go.’ He’s done everything that Rich Clune does to make his a successful NHL player.”
Hopefully, the positive thoughts and vibes that left the BMO Harris Bradley Center will be there when the Admirals return next Friday night at 7:00pm against the Grand Rapid Griffins.
