Admirals Insider 2.0 - The First Win

It's Monday and that means it's time for our second edition of Admirals Insider 2.0. Buckle up, the Admirals are winners now.

THIS PAST WEEK IN ADMIRALS HOCKEY (Monday, October 17 - Monday, October 24):

Last Wednesday night the team was blanked for the second straight game as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits came to Scope, earned a 2-0 shutout and dashed from the scene. The result left many scratching their heads because the Admirals beat the Swamp Rabbits by a handed score of 7-2 just two weeks prior in preseason and Greenville, too, was winless at the time of this regular season bout. One goal through nine periods wasn't the start many hoped for but thankfully that changed in Elmira.

It's almost indescribable to share just how much better the team looked in New York than the three showings at home. I know I know, "Oh sure you say that." But really, it's true. There's an added pressure to starting the season at home and the boys just looked more cohesive and in sync, putting up an improved pair of goals on Friday night in the team's 3-2 loss. Undoubtedly the Admirals were the better team in the opening game of the series despite coming up short. Jackals goaltender John Muse was big when he needed to be and denied a few opportunities that would have put the Admirals in prime position to take the game, however the former Charlotte Checker stopped 38 of 40 to pick up the win.

(For what it's worth, defensemen Gabriel Verpaelst picked up his second fight in two games in the opening moment's of Friday night's game, having dropped the gloves Wednesday night too with Tommy Thompson of Greenville.)

Saturday night was when the crew finally broke down the wall, picking up the first win of the season. The win came along with the team's first power play goal and first shutout of the season, en route to Rod Aldoff's first win at the ECHL level as well. Hockey is a game of breaks and the Admirals got one when Domenic Alberga struck on the man advantage. Alberga was right on the goal line and looked across the crease for a pass, but it never got there, instead finding the back of the net thanks to it redirecting off of a defender and past Jackals netminder Andy Iles. Max St-Cyr put one in the empty 4x6 with just seconds remaining to put the cherry on top, joining Alberga in netting their first of the season in the tilt. Eetu Laurikainen stopped all 24 sent his way in his first start since rejoining the club following reassignment from Bakersfield. Put it in the win column, Admirals come home happy after a 2-0 win.

LOOKING AHEAD (Tuesday, October 25 - Monday, October 31)

The Toledo Walleye are coming to town this weekend riding the wave of nationwide attention after having a gentlemen sing the national anthem while painting this weekend. Check out the viral sensation if you haven't yet. Kudos to their staff for the genius idea and to the gentleman for his amazing talent.

On the ice, the Walleye are a smoking hot 4-1 with a league high 25 goals scored. Their forwards Kyle Bonis and Tyson Spink lead the entire league in scoring with eight and seven points respectively, largely thanks to big outings in Saturday night's 6-5 overtime win over Brampton. Spink scored FOUR goals including the OT winner, three of which were assisted upon by twin brother Tylor Spink. The trio presents a big test for the Admirals this weekend who will need big performances from Eetu Laurikainen and Connor Knapp.

PROMOTIONS:Friday - Brophy Night. We're giving away a pair of season tickets (yes, really), airing a video tribute, sharing our dasher board signed by fans and the guys will be wearing a "Broph" patch on their sweaters.

Saturday - Hat Trick or Treat + Post-Game Skate. Bring the kiddos out early for trick-or-treating on the Exbition Hall from 6:30-7. Wear your costume, have some fun, get a little spooky and then hang around after the game to meet the team on the ice.

ADMIRALS LEADERS: (Skaters)Goals: Five Tied (1)Assists: Seven Tied (1)Points: Mike Seidel (2)Power Play Goals: Domenic Alberga (1)Shorthanded Goals: None+/-: Six Tied (Even)Penalty Minutes: Gabriel Verpaelst (14)

ADMIRALS LEADERS: (Goaltenders)Goals Against Average: Eetu Laurikainen (2.02)Save Percentage: Eetu Laurikainen (.934%)Wins: Eetu Laurikainen (1)Losses: Eetu Laurikainen and Connor Knapp (2)Games Played: Eetu Laurikainen (3)Minutes: Eetu Laurikainen (3)

QUICK ALUMNI NOTES:Joseph Cramarossa made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks last night. He was in Norfolk with the AHL organization from 2013-15. He also spent some time in the ECHL with Utah during 2013-14, so be comes the 605th member of the ECHL to make an NHL apperance.

2015-16 Admirals defensemen Ben Betker was called up to the Edmonton Oilers last week. While he may not have dressed in a game, it was his first professional call-up.

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW:The Admirals are proud to welcome Richard Hamilton to the staff as the team's new Director of Merchandise. Richard will start full-time with the Admirals Friday the 28th, so if you see him around, be sure to say hello. He'll be helping take the Admirals merch to the next level so if you've got any ideas or suggestions, be sure to comment or respond with what you'd like to see. Similar to many other changes taking place with the organization, the revolution won't happen overnight but with your help we'll be able to provide you with some things you'd like to see for purchase.