I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Jack Bartosz, a 10-year old hero of mine, who passed away on Monday. His attitude and ability to smile in the face of the adversity of cancer will stay with me forever. Jack’s strength and story have helped to raise thousands of dollars for research to study childhood cancer and blood disorders through the MACC Fund, a charity that the Admirals believe in very deeply. It was a pleasure to meet Jack and his family a couple of years ago when he was honored as a Hometown Hero for his design of the MACC Star ornament. Watching Jack pal around with our players including Brett Palin, our captain that season, was memorable. I wish the Bartosz family the peace that only God can give during this very difficult time and I know that Jack will be smiling down on us this season.

As we enter the month of September, we are putting together the 2012-13 Admirals promotional schedule. This is always a fun time as many of the creative ideas that have germinated during the summer are now put on the calendar to grow into great nights at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Keep an eye out for it here on the website. It will be out very soon.

I am keeping a close eye on the NHL labor negotiations. I hope that the two sides will come to an agreement that benefits both sides without a work stoppage. There is a lot of momentum to be continued by the NHL after what has happened on the ice over the past several seasons. One thing is for sure, no matter what happens with the NHL situation, the Admirals season will start on time on Friday, October 12 in Grand Rapids. The AHL has its own collective bargaining agreement in place so we will be playing.

Get your season tickets now!!

Go Admirals!