The Milwaukee Admirals announced a suspension of operations on Monday afternoon due to, “financial and related implications caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic.”
Milwaukee has been the American Hockey League affiliate of the Predators since the club’s inaugural 1998-99 season.
“The Predators look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with the Admirals in the 2021-22 season,” Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile said. “The 22-season partnership between the two organizations has proven fruitful for both parties – more than 140 Admirals players have graduated to play for the Predators in the NHL, and the Admirals have consistently ranked among the AHL’s top teams, winning the Calder Cup 2004 and qualifying for the playoffs 19 times since the 1998-99 season, their first as a Nashville affiliate.”
The Admirals will look to return for the 2021-22 season.
“We are disappointed that we will be unable to play hockey for the current AHL season,” said Admirals Owner/CEO Harris Turer. “Unfortunately the prospect of playing the season without fans and the lack of any revenue was too difficult to manage. We look forward to getting back on the ice and welcoming our fans back to Panther Arena for the 2021-22 season. We continue to have a strong relationship with the Nashville Predators and the Wisconsin Center District, who have both been helpful and supportive during this time. In addition we would like to thank our fans and corporate partners for their backing and dedication and we look forward to working with them as we look ahead to the 2021-22 season and beyond.”
With the NHL regular season set to begin on Jan. 14, the Predators will search for all options in order to place players on other teams for the 2020-21 season.
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