Milwaukee Admirals

Celebrating Hockey Across Wisconsin

Posted By: Aaron Sims

August 31

When you think of Green Bay, WI, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Here’s you, “Oh, Aaron. That’s an easy one. It’s the Packers or something Packers related like Lambeau Field, Aaron Rodgers, Vince Lombardi, etc.”
 
Alright, then, what’s the second thing that comes to mind?
 
Here’s you, “Uhhh…let me see. It’s…hmmm.”
 
Did any of you say hockey?
 
Maybe you should.
 
This week, an old friend of mine was named the new head coach/GM of the Green Bay Gamblers. I’ve known Eric Rud since we were four years old. He’s been an assistant coach at St. Cloud State the past few seasons, helping that team reach a consistent level of success it has never known at the Division I level. He played professionally after an outstanding career at Colorado College where he was the first two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year. Former Admirals forward Jeremy Yablonski played with him in Idaho ten seasons ago. Yablonski told me five years ago that Rud was the best teammate he had.
 
The Gamblers won the Clark Cup this past season. That’s the USHL championship. The USHL is the only Tier I junior league in the United States. The team also won the title in the ’99-’00 and ’95-’96 seasons.
 
The Gamblers boast two former USHL Coach of the Year recipients: Jon Cooper last season and former University of Wisconsin defenseman and assistant coach Mark Osiecki in ’98-’99. Cooper also won the last two General Manager of the Year awards.
 
This past year has been big in the history of the Gamblers. Including what I’ve already written about, former Gamblers forward Adam Burish was a member of the Stanley Cup champions. Plus, Cooper is the new head coach of the AHL Norfolk Admirals while Osiecki was named the head hockey coach at Ohio State University.
 
Green Bay will always be known for the Packers, of that there’s no doubt. Maybe hockey should move to number two. The Gamblers are another reason Green Bay is known as “Titletown”.
 
Moving on…
 
Admirals goalie Chet Pickard and defenseman Jon Blum have a big day tomorrow. They’ll be taking part in the 2010 NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Toronto. Only 23 players are invited.
 
You have to be impressed with what St. Louis is doing this offseason. The Blues have made a ton of moves that provide depth to the organization and help the AHL club in Peoria. Former Admirals forward Dave Scatchard could be on the ice for the Rivermen, along with David Spina, Nathan Oystrick, Graham Mink and Dean Arsene. That’s some nice AHL talent.
 
High school hockey practices for teams in Wisconsin start Nov. 8. Do yourself, and hockey, a favor by attending a high school game or two this season.
 
Admirals VP of Business Development, and my co-host of “Milwaukee Admirals Center Ice”, Mike Wojciechowski, was named one of the “100 Coolest Milwaukeeans (that you’ve heard of)” by OnMilwaukee.com. Former Admirals forward Tony Hrkac is also on the list. One unsolicited suggestion for the next list: Admirals Group Sales Manager Nathan Harker. I’m pretty sure Nate is the offspring of Fonzie and young Elvis.
 
I leave you with a Milwaukee native (and, coincidentally a Green Bay Gamblers alum) that’s become a successful young coach across the pond, Doug Christiansen.
 

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