The Milwaukee Admirals faced off in an interdivisional battle against the Chicago Wolves on Christmas Eve. The Admirals were led by 20-year-old Zachary L’Heureax, one of the top prospects in the Nashville Predators system, scored two goals in the game. The final result was a 3-2 overtime win for the Admirals.
L’Heureux was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2021 after spending 4 seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Three of those seasons were spent with Halifax Mooseheads. This is his first season in the AHL and he hasn’t disappointed so far with 18 total points this season (6 goals and 12 assists).
#Preds prospect Zachary L’Heureux scored 2 goals — including this OT game winner — in last night’s Milwaukee Admirals win over the Chicago Wolves
He’s tallied 2 goals & 5 points in his last two games & he’s got 6 goals & 17 points in 25 games this yearpic.twitter.com/T8fKXyRLB2
— Michael Gallagher (@MGsports_) December 24, 2023
The Admirals currently sit second in the AHL’s Central Division, only 4 points behind the Texas Stars (Dallas Stars Affiliate). However, compared to the rest of the league, they sit 6th in the conference and 13th in the league.
The AHL’s version the Stanley Cup is the Calder Cup. The Admirals made to the Calder Cup Playoffs last year losing in the Western Conference Finals series to the Coachella Valley Firebirds in six games (4-2). The Firebirds would go on to lose in the in the Calder Cup Finals to the Hershey Bears in 7 games.
The Milwaukee Admirals Will Need To Significantly Improve If They Are To Return To The Calder Cup Playoffs.
This season, the Admirals have played just 26 games of the 72-game schedule. With as much of the season that remains, the Admirals can still go on several runs to not only win the division but also the Western Conference, which is very contested (11 points separate the top 9 teams).
This is not the case when comparing the Eastern Conference. 11 points separate the Hershey Bears in first and the Cleveland Monsters in second. There is a difference of 21 points between first and ninth in the Eastern Conference. To make even more of a point, two teams in the AHL have only 20 points (Chicago and Bridgeport).
While there is no telling what is in store for the Milwaukee Admirals, this first third of the season can certainly forecast for us what it may look like. With not one but two AHL rookies (L’Heureux and Kemell) making significant contributions to the team’s winning. As long as the rookies continue to improve, the Admirals could be competing for a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How good is Joakim Kemell?
Joakim Kemell is considered a highly talented hockey prospect, having impressed with a strong performance in Finland's U20 league, where he scored 36 points in 38 games as a 16-year-old. His debut in Liiga, notably as the first 2004-born player and scoring immediately, underscores his exceptional skill and potential.
Who's farm team is the Milwaukee Admirals?
The Milwaukee Admirals serve as the farm team for the Nashville Predators in the NHL. Since the inception of the Predators in 1998, the Admirals have been their primary affiliate, developing young talent for the major league.
