 |
| Action from the 2010 Admirals Cup |
It’s safe to say that the Milwaukee Admirals slide under the radar most of the time on the Milwaukee sports scene. The Packers, Brewers and Bucks all have higher profiles, which I guess is understandable since they’re major league franchises. The Admirals are classified as a ‘minor league’ team because they are a step below the NHL. And they’re treated that way by the Journal Sentinel, being relegated to the back of the sports section most days.
But in terms of the quality and intensity of the games and as a top-notch entertainment experience, the Admirals are truly major league. The players are a step away from the NHL, in this case the Nashville Predators, the hockey is superb and there is always a fun promotion to maximize the enjoyment.
But this isn’t about how much fun it is to go to an Admirals game – which you really should do – it’s about how the Admirals give back to the community, in this case by sponsoring the Admirals Cup presented by Bradley Corporation, an 8-team high school holiday hockey tournament that has been billed as “the premier high school hockey tournament in the state.” The finals are tomorrow at the Bradley Center, and if you want a great sports experience, you should make plans to go.
Participants this year are Arrowhead, Brookfield, Cedarburg, Germantown, Greendale, Kettle Moraine/Mukwonago, Marquette University High School and Whitefish Bay/Nicolet/Shorewood (WNS).
This is the sixth installment of the tournament, in which each team is guaranteed to play one game at the Bradley Center. And I assure you, this is a monster deal to a high school hockey player, and even the officials, to be on the ice in a pro arena. It’s kind of like a being able to play baseball at Miller Park.
Two rounds have been played so far in the Admirals Cup, leading to tomorrow’s consolation and championship games at the BC. The consolation game is at noon Wednesday between Brookfield and Cedarburg. The championship game at 2:45 pits powerhouse Marquette, who won the tournament last year and also went to State, against Cinderella WNS, making their first appearance in the final and led by standout goalie Sean Leahy, who shut out Cedarburg in Monday’s semifinal.
This might be the best sports value you could ever find. The hockey is terrific, and admission to all the high school games is free, compliments of the Admirals. If you go Wednesday you can hang around for the Admirals game against heated rival Chicago Wolves, with Admirals tickets starting at only $15.
Admirals Governor/CEO and owner Harris Turer is the man with the commitment. His goal is to ensure the team gives back to the community and he’s doing that in spades. This tournament is a prime example.
In addition to the Admirals Cup, the team sponsors an elite level youth hockey program called the Junior Admirals, 7 boys teams and 3 girls teams who play at the Pettit National Ice Center.
When asked about his primary goal, Turer said: “Today, I’m able to make Milwaukee a better place to live, a better place to visit. It is something I am very proud of and I have a responsibility to give back.”
So if you have a chance, take a trek down to the Bradley Center Wednesday afternoon and take in two great hockey games in a terrific venue. You’ll get in free and you’ll get a great seat. And you’ll see that I’ve been right the last 20 years; high school hockey is one heck of an incredible experience.
