SPORTS

USA Boxing: Elite men win 6 bouts against netherlands


USA Elite Boxing Team. photo: USA Boxing

(BMLTV) November 24, 2018 - USA Boxing’s elite men grabbed six wins in two duals against the Netherlands National Team last week.

Eight boxers traveled to Rotterdam, Netherlands last week for their final international competition before heading to Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2018 USA Boxing Elite National Championships.
Atif Obelrton (Philadelphis, Pa.) was the lone American to box twice, taking victories in both his bouts. He faced Artijom Kasparian during the first dual and Rick de Nooijer in the second dual.

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Admirals dominated by Everglades in game two of a three game bout 


Everblades Patrick McCarron #12 sets up a wall against Admirals Taylor Cammarata #23

during game two of a weekend three game bout November 23, 2018 at Norfolk Scope.

photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

 
Game three will determine whether or not the Admirals will obstruct a 3 game shutout

by kristopher clark

(BMLTV) Norfolk VA., November 23, 2018 - Jeremy Helvig made 31 saves to lead the Florida Everblades past the Norfolk Admirals Friday night at Scope. Dominic Alberga scored a goal for Norfolk. Norfolk drops to (9-7-0-1 19 Points) on the year.

The Admirals won the faceoff after the Everblades iced the puck from their own zone which led to the Norfolk goal. Dominic Alberga won the faceoff, which drifted out to Jake Wood who shot the puck from the slot and beat Jeremy Helvig on the glove side. Norfolk jumped out to an early lead at 4:12 of the first period.

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Norfolk's rally falls short in 4-2 loss to Everblades


Norfolk Admirals challenged by the Florida Everblades in the first game in a 3
home game series November 21, 2018. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

by kristopher clark

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA, November21, 2018 - Kyle Platzer tallied a goal and an assist, while Jaime Phillips made 31 saves on 33 shots to claim the 4-2 win for the Florida Everblades over the Norfolk Admirals at Scope Arena Wednesday night. Darik Angeli scored a goal for Norfolk. Norfolk now drops to (9-6-0-1, 19 Points) on the year.

Florida got on the board first with a power play goal from Derek Sheppard. Joe Cox gathered the puck in the right circle in the Norfolk end along the wall. Cox played the puck to the middle of the ice at the point for Jordan Southorn. Southorn played it into the left circle, where the puck was shot by Sheppard as it beat Ty Reichenbach on the right side to give Florida the 1-0 lead at 12:24 of the first period.


Darik Angeli #14 was one of the two goals scored against the Florida Everblades November 21, 2018. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Norfolk got on the board with a goal early in the third period from Matt McMorrow #11November 21, 2018  photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Florida added another goal with 3:04 to go in the first period. Florida got the puck at the red line which led to a two-on-one for the Everblades after a pass from Ben Masella started the breakout of their own zone. Masella passed the puck to Lorentz which, led to a two-on-one for Florida. Lorentz shot the puck, which was initially saved. The rebound fell directly to Mitch Vandergunst, who tapped the puck in back door to extend the lead for Florida to 2-0.

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Gladiators overcome slow start to defeat Admirals 5-3


Jake Trask  #11, of the Alanta Gladiators on the puck during November 10, 2018 game at Norfolk Scope Area. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

by kristopher clark

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA., November 11, 2018 - Miroslav Svoboda made 34 saves on 37 shots while Brett McKenzie added one goal and two assists (1G,2A) to pace the Atlanta Gladiators past the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday night at Scope. Despite the loss, Norfolk drops to (8-4-0-0 16 points) on the year but maintains sole possession of first place in the South Division. .

The Admirals jumped on the board first courtesy of a Luke Nogard goal. Atlanta couldn’t clear the zone, which allowed the Admirals to keep the puck in the Atlanta end. McMorrow along the boards found Alberga, who passed the puck from in the right circle, took a deflection off an Atlanta stick right to Nogard, who made no mistake and beat Svoboda over the glove to give the Admirals an early 1-0 lead at 4:32 of the first period.

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Despite its highs and lows, NSU comes away with 3-2 win over DSU 


Spartans, with junior Anna Rupertova lead the way with 15 kills and nine digs
Sunday, November 4, 2018. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA., November 5, 20180 - Despite a very up-and-down match, the Norfolk State volleyball team was able to walk away with a 3-2 win over Delaware State on Sunday afternoon at Gill Gymnasium in NSU's last home match of the 2018 season.

The Spartans had their good moments and their bad ones, which included falling into a 2-1 hole before winning the last two sets of the match. DSU won sets 1 and 3 by scores of 25-22 and 25-15, respectively, while NSU needed extra points to win the second set, 27-25. But when the Spartans needed to get something going, they did just that, winning the fourth set 25-18 and the fifth 15-9.

With the win, they improved to 4-16 overall as well as 3-6 in the MEAC. Four players finished with double-digit kills for the Spartans, with junior Anna Rupertova leading the way with 15 kills and nine digs. She was not alone, however, in posting big numbers, as fellow junior Bojana Bolozan added 14 kills with four blocks while hitting .444.

Sophomore Jannel Ezeagwu set a new career high with 12 kills to go with three blocks, and sophomore Taylor Eichelberger finished with a double-double of 10 kills and 11 digs.


Bojana Bolozan added 14 kills with four blocks while hitting .444.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Jannel Ezeagwu set a new career high with 12 kills.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Taylor Eichelberger finished with a double-double of 10 kills and 11 digs.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

NSU hit .198, only slightly below DSU's .201 attack percentage for the match. The Hornets (2-25, 0-8 MEAC), however, struggled in the sets they lost while hitting at least .350 in the two they won.

The comeback began right away in the fourth set. Sparked by Rupertova, the Spartans won six of the first seven points of the set. They led 14-10 after a service ace from Bolozan, but the Hornets recovered to get to within 15-14. But the Spartans won the next three points and then later four in a row, with Eichelberger landing a pair of kills late in the set to keep NSU alive.

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The Admirals bring home the “Halloween Pumpkin” with a 3-2 snatch from the Swamp Rabbits 


Norfolk Admirals bask in Halloween win over Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

NORFOLK, VA, November 2, 2018 - Domenic Alberga scored a goal and added an assist to help lead the Norfolk Admirals (5-2-0) to 3-2 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Norfolk Scope on Wednesday night.

With the win, the Admirals now share the division lead with Jacksonville with at ten points. Greenville got on the board first on a great individual effort from Chris Izmirlian who had his first shot stopped by Ty Reichenbach, but the rebound bounced back to him and he was able to swing the puck around the outstretched leg pad of Reichenbach for the tally.

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Monarchs over throw Admirals during mid week challenge


Admirals Brady Vail, 11 and Angelo Miceli 26 have Monarchs Cory Ward 11sandwiched in as the scuffle over the puck. Vail manages to slip a puck through the net as Admirals

only score of the game. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) Norfolk VA, November 3, 2017- A fast start by the Monarchs proved to be the key as they topped Norfolk 7-1 on Wednesday night in Norfolk.

Norfolk forward Brady Vail picked up his fourth goal in the last two games while Grant Besse saw his five-game point streak come to an end. Norfolk was held to a season low five-shots in the second period.

It took the Monarchs less than a minute to get on the board. Zac Lynch took a pass from behind the net and tapped it past Jake Paterson for a 1-0 lead. Shortly after the Manchester power play went to work scoring back to back goals. Matt Marcinew and Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman scored on back to back power plays to push the lead to 3-0.

Before the end of the frame Norfolk would manage to break through and find the back of the net. Brady Vail waited out the goaltender, before snapping a shot from the left side that found the back of the net. Vail’s fourth in his last two games cut the deficit to two at the first intermission.

In the second period Manchester pushed the lead back to four goals then kept going with three consecutive goals in the frame. Goals from Kevin Morris, Sam Kurker, and LaVallee-Smotherman once again ran the score to 6-1 after two periods of play.

In the third Manchester tacked on one more goal, rounding out a 7-1 game.

Admirals blanked for second game in a row


Goalie, Brandon Halverson, 31, made 27 saves in net to lead his team to a 2-0 shutout win over the Norfolk. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Norfolk, VA., October 19, 2016 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits goaltender Brandon Halverson made 27 saves in net to lead his team to a 2-0 shutout win over the Norfolk Admirals on Wednesday.

 The Admirals looked strong in the opening moments, jumping out to an early 6-0 lead in shots, but were unable to convert on their chances. The game would remain scoreless after 20-minutes of play thanks to Halverson, who was just getting started.

The Swamp Rabbits would take the lead 4:50 into the second period off a power-play goal from Brandon Alderson, his first goal of the season coming with helpers from Angelo Micelli and Allen McPherson. Later, at the 8:52 mark of the second, Troy Donnay stormed past defenders and into the Admirals zone, dished the puck to Matt Johnson, who then delivered it to Trevor Gerling, the man who would waste no time in putting past Admirals goaltender Connor Knapp to give the Swamp Rabbits a 2-0 lead.

The Admirals would try to break the shutout late in the third period but couldn't get anything past Halverson as the Swamp Rabbits escape with 2-0 win. This is the second straight game the Admirals were shutout and are still seeking their first victory of the season.

The Admirals will travel to Elmira to take on the Jackals Friday night at 7:05 pm ET for the first of a weekend series. Both games can be watched on ECHL.TV and heard on 102.1 FM The Tide. Following the two games the team will return to Scope to host the Toledo Walleye for a set on October 28 and 29. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com and at the Scope box office.

Riopel shuts out Admirals in return to Norfolk


Former Admiral Nic Riopel (Goalie) on the defense against the Admirals, October 15, 2016 at
Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

NORFOLK, VA., October 18, 2017 - Former Admiral netminder Nic Riopel stole the show on Saturday night stopping all 20 shots sent his way, en route to a shutout victory for the Kalamazoo Wings.

The first period was all Wings in every way beginning with third-year forward Lane Scheidl finding the back of the net just 7:47 in. Justin Taylor and Austin Wuthrich would receive the helpers on the goal and it wouldn’t be the last time that that duo would hook up in the first period.

Kalamazoo defender Ben Wilson would earned first goal since the 2014-15 campaign off of a setup from both Taylor and Wuthrich at the 15:43 mark of the opening frame to extend the Wings lead to two, a margain they would hold onto until the third period.

It was in the third that Justin Taylor picked up his third assist of the night for the Wings, this time it was off of a deflected shot from the point by Michael Trebish, who added to his two-assist performance from last night.

The tally would be the final one of the evening as the Wings glided to a 3-0 victory.

Admirals fall to Kalamazoo on opening night


Admirals going at it against the Wings October 14 at Norfolk Scope Arena.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA., October 17, 2016 - The Norfolk Admirals began their 2016-17 season with a 3-1 loss to the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday, October 14 at Norfolk Scope Arena.

The game started off with a physical display by both teams, however then with about eight minutes remaining in the opening period, Kalamazoo struck first on an even-strength goal. Forward Kyle Blaney drove deep into the Admirals zone and shifted the puck off to Scott Henegar who put it past Admirals goaltender Eetu Laurikainen to give the Wings a 1-0 lead.

The Wings would later extend their lead in the second period when forward Austin Wuthrich set up defenseman Michael Trebish, who then sent it to Dajon Mingo, who found the back of the net to give the Wings a 2-0 lead heading into second intermission.

Norfolk was held scoreless until Josh Brittain cut the lead in half at the at the nine-minute mark of the 3rd period. Danick Gauthier recorded the only assist on the tally, setting up the newly named captain for a slam dunk. The next few minutes were all Admirals but the Wings would strike with two minutes left thanks to Josh Pitt.

Trebish would get his second assist of the night with the cherry on top, thus thrusting the Wings to a 3-1 opening night victory.

1. Joel Martin (32 Saves, Win)
2. Michael Trebish (Two Assists)
3. Josh Brittian (Admirals Lone Goal)

Admirals grab third consecutive win behind three-goal first period


Connor Rankin 20 of Norfolk Admirals during November 7, 2015 game against the Wheeling Nailers at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

by krystle obno

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, Va., November 7, 2015 -  The Admirals ignited Scope with an early goal and piled on five more to dominate the Wheeling Nailers, 6-2.

 Norfolk blasted the game wide open when Connor Rankin put the first mark on the board at a mere 27 seconds into the first period. The fire only fueled from there, as the Admirals scored two more of their own from Charles-Olivier Roussel and Josh Currie. Wheeling's Zack Torquato and Jarrett Burton tallied for the Nailers, and after an explosive first, the score rested with Norfolk in the lead over Wheeling, 3-2.

The goal count did not change until 16:27 into the second period, when Norfolk extended their lead 4-2. Alexandre Ranger received a pass on the fly from Marcus Hinds, where he sliced through the Wheeling zone on the left wing and planted the puck in the right corner of Wheeling's net around goaltender Brian Foster. The period ended with the Admirals enjoying a two-goal advantage.

Norfolk secured their win with two more tallies in the third period. At 13:39, Josh Currie wristed one inside the left post from the right wing as captain Jordan Hill sat for interference. Currie's shorthanded goal was his first of the season, and Ranger and Roussel earned the helpers.

The Admirals sent the Nailers packing with the final goal of the night at 18:36 as Steven Whitney slung one through an empty-net unassisted.

Ty Rimmer managed to guard 36 of 38 shots between the posts, while Wheeling's Brian Foster saved 25 of Norfolk's 30 attempts. Both teams went scoreless on the power play.

The Admirals will hit the road tomorrow for a matinee matchup against the South Carolina Stingrays at 3:05 p.m. They will be back at Scope Tuesday night at 7:15 p.m. against the Elmira Jackals before heading off to a seven-game road trip.

Three Stars:
1. NOR - Josh Currie
2. NOR - 5 Charles-Olivier Roussel
3. NOR - 9 Alexandre Ranger

Hot start and strong finish power Admirals past Greenville


<![endif]-->Norfolk Admirals 19 Josh Currie locks horns with Scott Fleming  9 of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits November 6, 2015. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

by vernon dennis

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, Va., November 6, 2015 - Connor Rankin and Alexandre Ranger each scored their first professional goal in the third period to lift the Norfolk Admirals to a 4-2 win over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Friday night at Scope Arena.

Defensemen Jordan Hill gave the Admirals an early 1-0 lead just 2:38 into the first period. After two saved shots on goal, Hill backhanded his first marker of year into the net off a rebound opportunity. Forward Tommy Mele and right wing Josh Currie were credited for the assists.

Forward Greg Chase entered tonight’s game riding a five-game point streak. Almost a minute after Hill’s goal, Chase was able to push his streak to six games when he gave the Admirals a 2-0 lead 3:40 into the first. Chase’s fourth goal of the season came on an assist by center Marco Roy.

It wasn’t until the second period when the Swamp Rabbits lit the lamp. Greenville defensemen Rob Kwiet buried a slap shot from the right point, flying past Norfolk netminder Ty Rimmer’s left shoulder into the top right corner of the net. Combs and Escobedo helped on Kweit’s goal. Greenville trailed the Admirals 2-1, 8:12 into the second period.

With 3:10 left in the middle frame, a Greenville counter-attack left Rimmer frozen as forwards Clark and Cameron dished the puck to Escobedo, who broke along the left side and hammered one past Rimmer. Both Greenville players tallied their first goal of the season tonight, and left the game notched at 2-2 at the end of two.

The final period is where the Admirals took the lead and never looked back. Just 5:53 into the third, the Admirals moved ahead when Ranger was left wide open in front of net to knock home an easy rebound opportunity. The rebound came from shots by Pelech and Lessard, as they both earned an assist.

The Admirals took a commanding 4-2 lead 12:22 into the third when a rebound from Josh Currie and Gabriel Verpaelst went wide, and Rankin appeared to clean up the scraps along the left side of goal. Rankin scored his first career professional goal while Currie notched his seventh point of the season, giving him a per-game average of one point through the first seven games, and the Admirals a 4-2 win.

Rimmer denied 23 of 25 Greenville attempts on net while Skapski allowed four goals on 33 shots. Norfolk held the Swamp Rabbits scoreless on the power play, but managed to convert on one of its four man advantages.

Norfolk seeks to even-up their (3-4-0-0) record as they defend home ice tomorrow night for a 7:15 p.m. match-up against the Wheeling Nailers. The Admirals then hit the road to South Carolina on Sunday for a 3:05 p.m. meeting against the Stingrays.

Three Stars:
1. NOR - 20 Connor Rankin (recorded first career professional goal)
 2. NOR - 9 Alexandre Ranger (recorded first career professional goal)
 3. NOR - 19 Josh Currie (two assists)

Returning gold medalists lead Team USA into IAAF World Championships

(USA TRACK & FIELD) INDIANAPOLIS, August 10, 2015 - Five reigning world champions will lead 130 athletes on the Team USA roster for the 2015

IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, USATF announced today.

The World Championships take place August 22-30, 2015, at Beijing National Stadium. Known as the “Bird’s Nest,” Beijing National Stadium hosted track & field events for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Returning to defend their 2013 individual titles are Ashton Eaton (Bend, Oregon) in the decathlon, LaShawn Merritt (Norfolk, Virginia) in the 400m, David Oliver (Kissimmee, Florida) in the 110mH, Brittney Reese (Gulfport, MS) in the long jump and 100m hurdler Brianna Rollins (Miami, FL).

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Admirals name former assistant Eric Veilleux head coach for 2015-16 


Eric Veilleux, the new coach of the Norfolk Admirals Hockey team giving a statement at a press conference in Norfolk. photo; abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

NORFOLK, Va. - July 30, 2015 - The Norfolk Admirals announce today that the team has named Eric Veilleux head coach for the upcoming season. The Admirals have also named Ben Boudreau as assistant coach to serve alongside Veilleux.

Edmonton Oilers Assistant General Manager Bill Scott says, "We are thrilled to announce Eric Veilleux will join our organization as Head Coach of our ECHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. Eric has an outstanding coaching history as a Head Coach in the QMJHL, where he not only had successful teams, but he developed individual players and prepared them for professional hockey."


Admirals V.P. Joe Gregory seen having dialogue Eric Veilleux at start of press conference.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Veilleux, 43, makes his professional head coaching debut after nine seasons at the helm in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and one as assistant coach of the Admirals in 2014-15.

Veilleux led the Shawinigan Cataractes to a Memorial Cup championship as the host in 2012 before moving on to Norfolk in 2014 following two seasons as bench boss of Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Quebec City native compiled a 347-208-45 record and led his teams to the postseason in all nine campaigns during his QMJHL tenure.

A 5-foot-7, 148-pound forward in his playing days, Veilleux skated in 601 career games in three leagues and three different countries. He made 517 combined appearances in the AHL with the Cornwall Aces, Hershey Bears, Kentucky Thoroughblades, and Lowell Lock Monsters.

He skated in nine games in the Finnish SM-Liiga during the 1998-99 season, but returned to the United States for the 1999-2000 campaign in which he played 73 contests for the Manitoba Moose of the International Hockey League (IHL). Veilleux concluded his professional career in 2001, retiring with 106 goals, 174 assists, 280 points, and 850 penalty minutes.

Boudreau, 30, comes to Hampton Roads for his second season as a coach in professional hockey. The St. Catharine's, Ontario local was an assistant coach for the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors in 2014-15 after a two-year playing career.

The Norfolk Admirals open the 2015-16 regular season at home versus the Wheeling Nailers on October 16 at 7:30 p.m. Admirals' 10-pack tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale and start at $125. Visit the Admirals Administrative Office at Scope or click on the 'Tickets' tab at NorfolkAdmirals.com to purchase. Season tickets are available for purchase as well and begin at $400. Call 757-640-1212 for more information.

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Norfolk Admirals removes National Hockey Leagues Eastern Division Manchester Monarchs from top seat in round one of Caldercup playoffs


Norfolk Admirals celebrate their 3-2 win over number 1 seeded Manchester Monarch's at Norfolk Scope Arena, May 2, 2014. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK Va., May 3, 2014 - Last night the Norfolk Admirals removed NHL Eastern Division Manchester Monarchs from top seat in round one of Caldercup playoffs by defeating the Monarh's at 3-2. The Norfolk Admirals will now move on to the second round of the Caldercup playoffs.

by admin

Tides unify to defeat Gwinnett Braves


Norfolk Tides gather on the baseball field after defeating the Gwinnett Braves during a four game series at Harbor Park on April 10, 2014. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©



(BMLTV) NORFOLK Va., April 14, 2014 - Last Thursday the Tides collectively band together to beat the Gwinnett Braves 4-7 at Harbor Park Norfolk.

Norfolk Tides and the Gwinnett Braves were slated to play a four game series. One of the games was VA The Tides fell to the Braves twice before banding together to beat the Braves on Thursday, Tides 7, Braves 4.

by abhi ahmadadeen

7 Tides pitchers step to the mound to shut out Norfolk State University


Norfolk States Justin Bhatti about to make a pitch during April 1, 2014 Exhibition game against Norfolk State University at Harbor Park. photo: abhi Ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Norfolk States Justin Burrell making a run to first during April 1, 2014 Exhibition game against Norfolk State University at Harbor Park. photo: abhi Ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

This was the 4th time that the College team would play in an Exhibition challenge against the Tides. The Exhibition drew over six thousand fans and all proceeds from the game will be donated to the Norfolk State baseball program.

The Admirals posture into victory mode after toppling number 1 seated Manchester Monarchs in a weekend two game rivalry

 

Monarch's Goalie Mathias Niederberger securing the net as Admirals Richard Rakell makes a move in the two game series at Norfolk Scope Arena. Rakell has scored the game-winning goal in each of the last three games. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

In a two game “rivalry , in combined points, Admiral chart 7 to Monarch's 3

(BMLTV) NORFOLK Va, March 3, 2014 - Last weekends contest got off to a nose to nose grind leaving the first period pointless.

9:58 into the second period however, Manchester’s Andrew Bodnarchuk sent the puck from beyond mid field claiming a bull’s-eye.

At the bottom of the second the Admirals Emerson Etem and Sami Vatanen
slipped in one a piece giving the Admirals a one point edge over the top seated Manchester Monarch’s, leaving the score with the Admirals on top at 2-1.

In the third period Rickard Rakell chalked up another point which would determine the fate of the Eastern Conference stars.

In period three, the Monarch's Nick Shore got one past Admirals’ goalie Viktor Fasth, but the Admirals sent the Eastern Conference number one seated players back to the locker room with a 3-2 defeat.

Friday night’s win was an important one for Norfolk as they grabbed sole possession of fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 68 points. Manchester sits atop the leaderboard despite the loss with 80 points, good enough for most in the league.

On Saturday March 1, the Admirals returned to their home ice castle to knock the wind right out of the Manchester Monarch's, Admirals 4, Manchester 1.


Monarch's Vincent Loverde keeps watch on Norfolks Devante Smith-Pelly (left).
Smith-Pelly helped on three goals and led everyone with three points, March1, 2014 at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Hunter Bishop gave the Monarch's the only mark of the evening.

Dave Steckel drew the first score for the Admirals Saturday evening, and to follow was Antoine Laganiere, Chris Wagner, Steve Eminger.

With the two game sweep, the Admirals are now tied in points (70) with Binghamton, but remain in fifth overall in the Eastern Conference. Manchester has an eight-point lead in the conference over second place Springfield and have chalked up 36 wins so far this season.

The Admirals will return to their ice castle (Scope Arena) on Tuesday, March 4 against the Charlotte Checkers at 7:15 p.m.

by abhi ahmadadeen 
 

Under Armour elevates commitment to US Speedskating and extends partnership through 2022

Eddie Alverez, member of the U.S. Speedskatinging Team seen during the 1000m qtr. Finals at Sochi February 13, 2014. photo: eddie alverez/USOT
 
(PRN) BALTIMORE, February 21, 2014 - Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the global leader in sports performance and innovation, and US Speedskating today announced an eight-year extension of their initial partnership, which had been set to expire this year.  As part of the landmark agreement, which represents the brand's largest and most comprehensive commitment to the sport, Under Armour will remain as the National Team's exclusive competition suit provider through December 31, 2022.

Since 2011, Under Armour has developed numerous best-in-class skin suits designed to help the National Team increase speed and provide compressive muscle support.  The brand will also continue to supply all athletes with its most technologically-advanced training apparel, footwear and performance monitoring systems.

"It has always been Under Armour's mission to make all athletes better, and we are proud to make our biggest commitment ever to the US Speedskating team by providing these championship competitors with leading innovations and training resources to help them fulfill their dreams on the world's biggest stages," said Under Armour Founder and CEO Kevin Plank.

"US Speedskating remains extremely grateful to have such a supportive partner and to have access to Under Armour's game-changing innovations, which have helped propel countless athletes around the world to championship results," said Mike Plant, President, US Speedskating. "The length and scope of this agreement send a strong signal about Under Armour's commitment to our athletes and will best position them to skate with confidence and a competitive edge well into the future."   

In addition to outfitting US Speedskating, Under Armour currently has uniform-exclusivity agreements with three National Governing Bodies, including USA Bobsled and Skeleton, USA Gymnastics and Canada Snowboard.

Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and accessories, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. Under Armour's wholly owned subsidiary, MapMyFitness, powers one of the world's largest Connected Fitness communities. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland.

For further information, you can visit the Company's website at www.uabiz.com.

US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 85 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S. In addition to its elite programs, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating.

For more information, follow US Speedskating on Facebook, Twitter and visit www.usspeedskating.org.

Admirals take two from Syracuse over the weekend to move the team  up to fifth spot in the Eastern Conference

Emerson Etem advancing towards the puck during game against the Syracuse Crunch at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK Va., February 17, 2014 - Over the weekend the Syracuse Crunch did everything they could to “shot  punch” John Gibson from his Goalie thrown, but Gibson, 6’’ 3 at 215 lbs.  kept transforming into a wall and dead stopped the Crunch’s shots  for 17 Friday evening.  

Admirals Chris Wagner on the move during game against the Syracuse Crunch at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Admirals Devante Smith-Pelly scans the ice during game against the Syracuse Crunch at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


The Crunch shot for 29, and the Gibson wall  deflected 28 during game at Norfolk Scope Arena on February 15, 2014.  photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


The Crunch Goalie Cedric Desjardins seized 24 of 26 shots fired by the  Admirals during
Saturdays “faceoff” on February 15, 2014 at Norfolk Scope Arena.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

The Admirals swept the ice with a 2-0 advantage over the Crunch.

Devante Smith-Pelly and Emerson Etem put  one a piece on the Jumbotron for the evening.

In Saturday’s challenge the Crunch perhaps made a teams “collective  dicision” not to head back to Syracuse without penetrating the wall of  the Admirals “hockey giant” from Pittsburgh PA.

At 8:27 left to play in regulation, Crunch’s defenseman Dmitry Korobov “10th. geared it” down the ice to “sledge hammer” the puck straight through the wall of Gibson, earning the Crunch 1,  which would be their only score of the weekend bout.

Saturday evening, while Gibson gave up 1 to the Crunch, Gibson might as well of said, “read my lips” you won’t be scoring again!

The Crunch shot for 29, and the Gibson wall  deflected 28.

The Crunch Goalie Cedric Desjardins seized 24 of 26 shots fired by the  Admirals during Saturdays “faceoff”.

Chris Wagner and Emerson Etem exhilerated the fans with 1 point a piece, closing the game out 2-1 over the Syracuse Crunch.

Norfolk's next game is on Tuesday at Charlotte (Checkers) with the  puck drop being at 7:00 p.m. 

The Admirals will return home to take on the Checkers on Wednesday, February 26,  beginning at 7:15 p.m.

SPOTLIGHT: The Norfolk Admirals proudly support American Cancer Night on Friday February 28, 2014 at Norfolk Scope Arena. The Admirals are requesting that all their fans be there to show their support in the fight  against cancer.  @AmericanCancer @NorfolkAdmirals  

Please click on link and share the video: American Cancer Night

by abhi ahmadadeen

Hartford Wolf Pack seek revenge with a 3-1 win over the Norfolk Admirals to split the weekend challenge


The Admirals played a two game series Fri., Feb. 7 and Sat. Feb. 8 against the Hartford Wolf Pack at Nofolk Scope Arena. The Admiral managed a 1-0 win on Fri., but did a reverse on Sat. and lost 3-1 to the Wolf Pack. Pictured, Admirals 12 John Kurtz, (center), Wolf Pack 10 J.T. Miller, (right) Wolf Pack 15 Marek Hrivik, (left). photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) February 10, 2014 - Unlike Friday nights tedious 1-0 battle against the Hartford Wolf Pack the “homebound” winning Admirals returned to the Scope Arena Saturday evening to have the ice pulled from underneath their skates.

Hartford Wolf Pack undoubtedly sought revenge on the Admirals and closed the weekender with a 3-1 takeover, sending the Admirals off the ice with a lost.

The Admirals are now 25-15-1-7 in a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference and will remain homebound for “Valentines Day’” weekend of February 14-15 and will go toe to toe with Syracuse Crunch.


Norfolk Admirals played to a large crowd Feb. 8, at Norfolk Scope Arena against Hartford
 Wolf Pack. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

SPOTLIGHT: Former Admiral greats Chad Ackerman and Dominic Maltais will be inducted into the Admirals Hall of Fame February 14, prior to Friday's game. On Saturday February 15, there will be a postgame skate with the Admirals players.

by admin

Norfolk Admirals win 1-0 for the fight against Breast Cancer


Susan G. Komen Charity supporters pictured waving small pink towels during the 2014, 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Game at Norfolk Scope Arena.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Norfolk Admirals defeat Worcester Sharks 1-0 during 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Rally at Norfolk Scope Arena

(BMLTV) January 19 , 2014, NORFOLK, VA- Jesse Blacker's goal at 2:21 into overtime broke a scoreless tie, and sealed a 1-0 victory for the Norfolk Admirals over the Worcester Sharks in front of a sellout crowd of 8,701 at the Norfolk Scope Saturday night.

Both teams displayed an impenetrable style of play that saw each squad take control of the game, and whatever little momentum they could muster, in the end the Norfolk Admirals “battled up” 1-0 for a very monumental cause.


Admirals share excitement after winning the 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Game at Norfolk Scope Arena on January 18, 2014. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Susan G. Komen Board Member Jana Holt Allen seen in a car on the ice. Holt dropped the puck during the 2014, 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity event at Norfolk Scope Arena.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Susan G. Komen Board Member Jana Holt Allen pictured during the 2014, 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Hockey Game at Norfolk Scope Arena.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


FC Chorus performs during the National Anthem at the January 18, 2014, 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Game at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Susan G. Komen Charity supporters pictured during the 2014, 7th Annual Pink in the Rink Charity Game at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

This is the 7th year that Susan G. Komen Charity of Tidewater has teamed up with the Norfolk Admirals Team, Staff and volunteers to raise money and provide education about breast cancer.

In addition to coloring the ice pink for the game, the Admirals also hold breast cancer information sessions, Hockey 101 clinics for women, silent auctions to benefit the Komen foundation, and include survivor participation in the game night presentation. The event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Komen foundation.

Pink in the Rink 2013-2014 have successfully been sellout events.

admin

International Champion Mathilde Blais Tétreault receives new horse

 

Mathilde Blais Tétreault - SPS Wolga ( Weltmeyer - Lauries Crusador - Wanderbursch) Bing Guo de Lys (Belissimo M - Weltmeyer - Lauries Crusador) - Lynda Tétreault (CNW Group/DeLys)

(PRN) MONTREAL, January 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - FEI dressage rider Mathilde Blais Tétreault receives the support of DeLys Farm with the addition to her string of the young colt Bing Guo de Lys.

With the support of Lynda Tétreault and Claude Ménard owners of the breeding farm DeLys, Mathilde Blais Tétreault FEI U25 canadian dressage rider is adding a new horse to her string.

The young colt Bing Guo de Lys by Belissimo M was the dressage champion foal of the Eastern Canadian Hanoverian Association at South Lane Inspection in September 2013.

" A dream come true, to have the opportunity to train and show in the years to come this young stallion with its flashy, astounding paces and his bouncy, elastic fluid gaits. Just fell in love with him. What a chance " said Mathilde.

During the 2013-2104 winter, Mathilde, trained by Albrecht Heidemann, will be showing   in Wellington(USA) Woronow (by Wolkenstein II) her 12 year old Hanoverian guilding and Fandanguero Mar her 7 year old PRE guildind. As for Embassy III her Hanoverian Stallion, he will stay in Quebec due to an injury and should restart training in January 2014.

DeLys is a Hanoverian breeding farm based in Ulverton, Québec Canada, committed to breed and promote superior breeding jumper, hunter and dressage horses. DeLys is also committed to the improvement and the developpement of young dressage and jumper rider on the national and international forum.

Admirals power up with first wins in 2014 over Bridgeport


Etem 16, Smith-Pell 23, Rakell 13 share team sportsmanship after scoring to Bridgeport during Friday nights game, January 3, 2014, at Norfolk Scope Arena.  photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

The Norfolk Admirals out gamed and out powered the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a 2 night winning spree January 3-4, 2014 at Norfolk Scope Arena

(BMLTV) January 6, 2013 - The Norfolk Admirals out gamed and out powered the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Friday night at a 3-1 gap, giving the Admirals their first win of 2014.

The Star players of Fridays game where:
1. Devante Smith-Pelly (NOR)
2. Emerson Etem (NOR)
3. Rickard Rakell (NOR)


Admirals Devante Smith-Pelly makes his way across the ice during game against Bridgeport Sound Tigers, January 4, 2014 at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

On Saturday Devante Smith-Pelly scored with 46 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime and help the Admirals to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers  at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

With the win, Norfolk swept the two-game weekend set with Bridgeport.

The Star players of Saturdays game where:
1. Devante Smith-Pelly (NOR)
2. Emerson Etem (NOR)
3. Andrew Clark (BRI)

Norfolk will be back on the road next weekend for a three games in three-day stretch which begins on Friday against the Portland in Lewiston, Maine. Fans can tune-in to the game on 1490 AM The Game, or on 1650 AM.

The Admirals will return home on December 17 & 18 to battle the Worcester Sharks. Saturday, January 18 is Pink in the Rink. Fans are asked to come out and show their  support in the fight against breast cancer.

The Admirals will be skating on pink ice for that game.

Admirals end four-game winless streak to defeat Adirondack Phantoms 3-1


A moment to celebrate as Admirals hit their second goal in period 2 against the Phantoms.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV®

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA, November 23, 2013- Igor Bobkov stopped 28 of 29 shots to help lead the Norfolk Admirals to a 3-1 victory over the Adirondack Phantoms Saturday evening at the Norfolk Scope. With the win, the Admirals snap a four-game winless streak.

After a scoreless first period, Norfolk began to assert itself in the offensive end in the second. Chris Wagner held a puck behind Adirondack’s netminder Cal Heeter on the power play. Heeter turned to peak at Wagner as the Norfolk center forward dished to Max Friberg at the left wing dot.


Emerson Etem star of Saturday, December 21 game against the challenging
Adirondack Phantoms. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV®


Charles Sarault star of Saturday, December 21 game against the challenging
Adirondack Phantoms. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV®


Igor Bobkov star of Saturday, December 21 game against the challenging
Adirondack Phantoms. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV®

Friberg made a heady one-time redirection across the slot to the stick of Charlie Sarault who buried the puck behind Heeter for the goal to give the Admirals a 1-0 lead at 7:47 of the period.

Later in the period, Admirals defenseman Jesse Blacker stopped a Phantom carrying the puck at the Adirondack blue line. Blacker’s effort slowed the puck enough to allow Rickard Rakell to keep the puck in the zone.

Rakell wasted no time backhanding a pass to Emerson Etem lingering behind the play. Etem took it in the middle slot one-on-one with Heeter and beat him over the left pad with a backhand shot. Etem’s marker pushed the Admirals into a two-goal lead at 13:26 of the second.

With urgency being a prerequisite for visiting Adirondack, the Phantoms tested Norfolk’s goaltender Igor Bobkov as much as possible in the third and eventually broke through.

Adirondack’s Cullen Eddy slapped a shot from the left point that deflected off teammate Tye McGinn’s stick. The deflection then bounced off Bobkov’s chest to the right side where Jason Akeson cleaned up the rebound. The Phantoms cut the lead in half with 13:41 left in regulation.

A high-sticking penalty on Garnet Exelby with 2:17 remaining afforded Adirondack a power play chance to get even. Heeter left his net, giving way to another attacker and a six-on-four Phantom advantage.

Norfolk’s stout penalty-killing unit held the Phantom attack in check, and Nolan Yonkman capitalized on the empty net scoring his first goal of the season. The Admirals escaped with a 3-1 lead, splitting the two-game set with Adirondack.

Bobkov made 28 saves on 29 shots in a spectacular Saturday night performance. Heeter suffered the loss in a solid effort making 33 saves on 35 shots. The Admirals improve to 14-11-1-4 and picked up a much-needed home victory. The Phantoms’ loss leaves them a game above .500 at 13-12-0-2.
Max Friberg's goal scoring streak ended at three games. However he extended his point scoring streak to five games which began back on December 14. Friberg has totaled seven points (4g, 3a) during this streak.

Three Stars:

1. Emerson Etem (NOR)
2. Charles Sarault (NOR)
3. Igor Bobkov (NOR)

The Admirals return to action next Friday (Dec. 27) at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The Admirals will return home on January 3 & 4 against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

On January 23, the first 2,025 fans will receive the second series of the Admirals trading card set!

Game tickets are now on sale, and are available through the Norfolk Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.

Admirals Holiday Office Hours: Dec. 23: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dec. 24 thru Dec. 27: Closed Dec. 30 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jan. 1: Closed

Climbing' to the gridiron end zone while 'lifting' to smell the roses 


Curtis Blackwell - MSU win over OSU on December 7, 2013.
photo: prnewsfoto/Curtis Blackwell

(PRN) ROCHESTER, Mich., December 22, 2013 - The last time Michigan State Spartans made it to the Rose Bowl, the now Director of College Advancement and Performance & Camp Director, Curtis Blackwell, was just a 10-year-old tyke throwing around a football with dreams of a career in sports.

25 years later, August 2013, MSU made it official in hiring Blackwell to oversee Spartans' football recruiting efforts.

Deemed a "game changer" by MSU Coach, Mark Dantonio, just three weeks into his tenure, Blackwell was credited with immediate recruiting gains.

As Blackwell "climbed the ladder" with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Hampton University, the first recipient of the American Football Coaches Association/Baylor University joint Sports Administration Graduate Scholarship, a Master's degree in Sports Administration from Baylor University, and Co-Founder and former Vice President of the "Lifting As We Climb Foundation," via the Foundation's "Sound Mind Sound Body" football camp, coupled with his unparalleled connections within football, Blackwell "lifted" a few of the nation's top collegiate prospects right up to MSU.

On August 1, when MSU made the official announcement, talk of such flooded the Twitter newsfeed (to quote a few):
 
Rico Beard of the Ryan & Rico Show Detroit Sports 105.1, tweeted: "Michigan State hires Curtis Blackwell (Sound Mind Sound Body) to the football staff. Official announcement coming in a few days.

Damon Webb Sr., father of a 2014 Cass Tech DB committed to OSU, tweeted: "MSU hiring Curt Blackwell is like getting the number #1 player/recruit in the Nation. Somethings about to change here in the state Mi wow!"

MGoBlog's recruiting writer, Ace Anbender, tweeted: "Very interesting hire by MSU. Running Sound Mind Sound Body means Blackwell has a lot of connections with in-state recruits. And, just as importantly, their high school coaches.

People tweeting that Blackwell's hiring won't matter should look up the MaxEx 7-on-7 teams he ran.

Lots of talent on those teams.

What does it mean?

Well, it should help with recruiting, obviously.

I've said before that Dantonio and staff have raised the talent floor, and they bring in good classes and find diamonds in the rough.

They still need to raise the talent ceiling, and the hope is that Blackwell will do that," said Chris Vannini, Managing editor of "The Only Colors."

On Saturday, December 7, MSU recorded its school-record 12th win of the 2013 season by defeating second-ranked Ohio State, 34-24, in the Big Ten Championship Game.

MSU is headed to Pasadena, CA to play Stanford in the 100th Rose Bowl Game on January 1.

This will mark a program-record seventh consecutive bowl appearance and MSU's first-ever Bowl Championship Series appearance.

Though many are crediting Blackwell's recruiting prowl for MSU's trip to the Rose Bowl, Blackwell states, "There's no 'I' in team! Give credit where credit is due – the unwavering talent and extraordinary athletic ability amongst our players, and the successful and relentless coaching and mentoring efforts/ability from our coaches and team staff … they're the reason why we're here.

I'm just excited to be a part of the team and assist in any way I can."

Appreciating Blackwell's humble demeanor, but given the fact that it will be 26 years since MSU has made that trip to the Rose Bowl, one can't help but wonder and credit Blackwell thus far.

Waiting and anticipating the "big day!"

Phantoms out skill Admirals in a 5-4 battle


Max Friberg’s seen scoring, giving Norfolk an early 1-0 lead at 9:22 of the first.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Max Friberg scored twice in Friday's game, and extends his goal scoring streak to a team season-high three games. Friberg now has four goals in the last three games, and has registered points in four of the last five contests. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

NORFOLK, VA November 21, 2013 - Brandon Manning scored two goals and an assist to lift the Adirondack Phantoms to a 5-4 victory over the Norfolk Admirals Friday night at the Norfolk Scope.

Midway through the first period Rickard Rakell collected a puck along the left side boards in the Adirondack zone.

He led Max Friberg to the goal crease with a crisp pass where Friberg directed it with a tip into the net past Phantom netminder Cal Heeter. Friberg’s third goal in as many games gave Norfolk an early 1-0 lead at 9:22 of the first.

Adirondack pressed into the Norfolk zone and was able to even it up with fewer than five and a half remaining in the opening frame. Brandon Manning received a pass and pulled the trigger on a slapshot from the right point. An effective screen blinded Admirals goaltender John Gibson and Adirondack tied the game at one.

A quiet rest of the first gave way to an exceptionally loud second period that saw three goals for both teams.

It started with Adirondack’s Rob Bordson swatting a floating puck in off Gibson’s shoulder at 1:26 of the second. Norfolk found a tally of their own at 6:32 when Emerson Etem cleaned up a puck sitting in the crease. after a Rickard Rakell shot form the right wing circle.

Etem’s goal was reviewed and declared eligible after the officials initially whistled the play dead. Etem's fourth of the season knotted the game at two.

Less than two minutes later, Zach Stortini spun out from behind the Adirondack goal and slid the puck past the left skate of Heeter. Just like that, Norfolk jumped on top 3-2 at 8:12 of the second period.

Just nine seconds later, Manning scooped up a neutral zone turnover and blasted another shot from the left wing side that beat Gibson. The Norfolk goaltender slowed it down with a pad but couldn’t get all of it. Manning's second of the game brought the Phantoms back even at three.

As the last minute of the second wound down, Kris Newbury gave the Phantoms another lead when he buried a rebound on the right side with 30 seconds to go. Adirondack’s 4-3 advantage lasted a mere 10 seconds until Friberg came up with his second goal of the night and his fourth in three games.

Rakell snuck a pass into the slot for an awaiting Etem who ricocheted his wrister off Heeter’s left pad. Friberg was driving the net when the rebound came right to him. The Swede quickly jabbed it through for his third point of the night to tie the game at four after two periods.

Penalties plagued Norfolk in the third, which included a five-on-three advantage for Adirondack. As Dave Steckel left the box on his charging call, Bruno Gervais one-timed a pass from the left dot. Gibson couldn’t slide and cover in time, allowing another goal at the 9:44 mark of the third.

Adirondack held Norfolk scoreless for the rest of the period and earned a 5-4 victory to begin the two-game weekend set.

Gibson allowed five goals on 27 shots and took the loss, as the Admirals dropped their fourth straight. He is now 9-8-3 on the season while Cal Heeter improves to 9-8 on the year stopping 26 of 30 shots faced.

Norfolk sits in eighth in the eastern conference with a 13-11-1-4 record. Adirondack owns a 13-11-0-2 record and is one spot behind the Admirals in ninth.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at Scope beginning at 7:15 p.m. There will be a postgame skate with the Admirals players following the game. Skates will be available for fans on a first-come first-serve basis. Fans are allowed to bring their own skates if they have them.

Max Friberg scored twice in Friday's game, and extends his goal scoring streak to a team season-high three games. Friberg now has four goals in the last three games, and has registered points in four of the last five contests.

Three Stars: 1. Brandon Manning (ADK)
2. Jason Akeson (ADK)
3. Max Friberg (NOR)

Game tickets are now on sale, and are available through the Norfolk Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at:

www.ticketmaster.com

For 10-packs, or discounted group tickets stop by the Admirals’ Administrative Offices at Scope, or call (757) 640-1212 Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fans can also visit us online at:

www.norfolkadmirals.com

Rogers secures multi-year sub-licensing deals with CBC and TVA Sports for NHL games

(PRN) TORONTO, November 27, 2013 - Rogers Communications yesterday announced multi-year sub-licensing agreements with CBC and TVA Sports for NHL games, beginning with the 2014-15 season. This deal follows today's earlier announcement in which Rogers Communications and the NHL secured a long-term broadcast and multimedia agreement, providing Rogers with all national rights on all platforms in all languages.

"We are proud to select CBC as our partner to carry on the Hockey Night in Canada tradition for Canadians," said Nadir Mohamed, President and CEO, Rogers Communications. "We are also excited about our long-standing sports alliance with TVA Sports and Quebecor, which will use its many channels and platforms to deliver French-language NHL coverage."

As part of the multi-year agreement, CBC will continue to air nationally-televised regular season games on Saturday night and playoff games. In addition, the iconic Hockey Night in Canada brand will continue on CBC and be used across all Rogers channels and platforms on Saturday nights. Today's announcement with CBC is part of an intent to create a larger extended partnership between Rogers Media and CBC, in which Rogers and CBC will work together on future sports alliances for Canadian sports fans.

"Given the NHL agreement with Rogers," said Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio Canada, "we were happy to come to an agreement with Rogers to ensure all Canadians from coast to coast to coast would continue to have hockey available on Saturday night and through the playoffs. Partnerships like this one are a strategic way for CBC to promote the public interest in today's broadcasting landscape." The multi-year deal with TVA Sports includes exclusive French-language multiplatform rights for national NHL games.

"At Quebecor, we are passionate about hockey and we are excited to become the official French-language broadcaster of the NHL in Canada. Through our convergence strategy, I can guarantee that all French-language hockey fans will be able to benefit from the best possible multiplatform viewing experience," said Robert Dépatie, President and CEO of Quebecor and Quebecor Media.

"Rogers has enjoyed terrific partnerships with CBC and TVA over the years, and we look forward to continue working together to bring Canadians more NHL games, more content and more choice like never before," said Keith Pelley, President, Rogers Media.

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

Quebecor, a Canadian telecommunications, entertainment and news media leader, is one of the best-performing integrated communications companies in the industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and brands are differentiated by their high-quality, multiplatform, convergent products and services. Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec. It holds a 75.36% interest in Quebecor Media, which employs nearly 16,000 people in Canada.

 A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more than 400 organizations working in the vital fields of culture, health, education, the environment and entrepreneurship.

Rogers is a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services.

Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

Visit their web site: www.quebecor.com.
Follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/QuebecorMedia 

Glory returns to Tokyo with world's best welterweights

Dustin ‘The Hanyak’ Jacoby (4-2, 3 KO’s) of Illinois will be traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun for the first time in his career when he faces Makoto Uehara (15-4-1, 9 KO’s) at GLORY 13 TOKYO at theAriake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan on December 21. photo: glory

Ariake Colliseum hosts "One Night Tournament"

Saturday, December 21st on SPIKE TV

(PRN) NEW YORK, November. 6, 2013 - GLORY, the world's premier kickboxing league, today announced thrilling kickboxing action for its year-end event, featuring a one-night, four-man Welterweight World Championship Tournament and headlined by a veteran Heavyweight clash, from Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, December 21 st.

The world's top-ranked Welterweights square off in GLORY's World Championship Tournament, as #1 ranked Nieky 'The Natural' Holzken (82-11-0, 43 KOs) faces Belgium's Marc de Bonte (86-11-1, 28 KOs) and surging 'Bazooka' Joe Valtellini (10-1-10, 9 KOs) meets #4 ranked Karapet Karapetyan (42-8-2, 4 KOs) of Armenia

GLORY 13 TOKYO, broadcast on SPIKE TV, is headlined by #3 ranked Romanian tactician Daniel Ghita(49-10-0, 38 KOs), taking on the revitalized and hard-hitting Errol Zimmerman (101-10-1, 42 KOs). In the co-headline event, UFC veteran Dustin Jacoby (4-2-0, 3 KOs) battles local fighter and GLORY newcomerMakoto Uehara (15-4-1, 9 KOs).

GLORY 13 TOKYO:

Headline Bout: Daniel Ghita vs. Errol Zimmerman 

Co-Headline Bout: Makoto Uehara vs. Dustin Jacoby
Tournament Reserve Bout: Aleksandr Stetcurenko vs. Karim Ghajji
Tournament Bout: Joseph Valtellini vs. Karapet Karapetyan
Tournament Bout: Nieky Holzken vs. Marc de Bonte 

Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider, and maintains offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Tokyo.

GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories.

GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. You can like GLORY on Facebook and follow follow them on Twitter @GLORY_WS, The GLORY web site is at:

 gloryworldseries.com.

Admirals Close weekend with 4-3 shootout victory  at Hershey

(BMLTV) HERSHEY, PA, November 3, 2013-  John Gibson made 40 saves and stopped all five shooters faced in the overtime shootout to lead the Norfolk Admirals (7-2-0-3) to a 4-3 victory over the Hershey Bears (2-4-2-1) at the Giant Center Sunday evening. Norfolk went 2-0-0-1 in the three-game weekend road set, and earned five of a possible six standings points.

The Admirals sailed out of the gates in the first period of play assuming a 2-0 lead. Peter Holland, who was reassigned by the Anaheim Ducks earlier in the day, hurled a shot from the blue line which beat Hershey goaltender Dave Leggio who was screened in front. Holland’s fourth goal of the season gave Norfolk a 1-0 lead at 4:56.

Five minutes later, Alex Grant carried the puck to the right wing circle and wristed a shot past Leggio to extend the Norfolk lead by two.

The Bears snapped out of their early first period hibernation, and roared back to score three unanswered goals in the final six minutes of the opening frame. Cameron Schilling delivered a shot that was tipped and redirected into the Norfolk net for a goal by Ryan Stoa.

Moments later, Hershey took advantage of a pair of Norfolk penalties which resulted in a 5-on-3 power play opportunity. Dmitry Orlov received the puck at the high slot and wristed a shot high past the reaching glove of Admirals goaltender John Gibson to tie the game at two.

The Bears captured the lead nearly a minute later, as Dane Byers buried the puck into the net after receiving a pass from Orlov to give Hershey the 3-2 lead at the end of first period of play.

Things remained relatively quiet for the second period and most of the third. Trailing by one goal with 90 seconds remaining in regulation, the Admirals pulled Gibson to allow for the extra attacker. Rookie Kevin Gagne hurled a shot from the point which found its way into the back of the Hershey net to tie the game at three. Gagne’s first professional goal came with 1:02 remaining in regulation, and eventually forced overtime.

Both teams traded off chances in the extra session, but neither could seal the game. In the fourth round of the shootout, Chris Wagner was the only player to score, when he wristed a shot high past Leggio. Gibson turned aside all five shooters to secure the 4-3 shootout victory for the Admirals.

Gibson earned the win turning aside 40 of 43 shots faced, while Leggio takes the loss allowing three goals on 28 shots. 

The "Three Stars" of the evening were;

1. John Gibson (NOR)
2. Peter Holland (NOR)
3. Dmitry Orlov (HER)

Norfolk will now return home for a pair of games against the Syracuse Crunch on Friday (Nov. 8) and Saturday (Nov.9) at Scope.

Friday’s game is set for a 7:30 p.m. start time, while Saturday’s game is slated for 7:15 p.m. Game tickets are now on sale, and are available through the Norfolk Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.

Stop by the Admirals’ Administrative Offices at Scope, or call (757) 640-1212 Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fans can also visit the Admirals online at:

  www.norfolkadmirals.com 

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy cast handprints and join parade of stars at Mission Hills Haikou, China

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy cast handprints and join parade of stars at Mission Hills Haikou, China. PRNewsFoto/Mission Hills China

(PRN) HAIKOU, Hainan, October. 29, 2013 - Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy took part in the opening ceremony of the Match at Mission Hills and there is a handprint session before The Match. The golfing superstars join an array of sporting and entertainment stars who have all left their handprints at Mission Hills Haikou, including Michael Phelps, Yao Ming, Ronaldo and Stephen Hendry from the world of sports; actors Hugh Grant, Catharine Zeta-Jones, Matthew McConaughey, Christian Slater, Andy Garcia, Adrian Brody, Ryan Reynolds and many other celebrities.

Bristol Motor Speedway to transform into world's largest college football venue for "Battle at Bristol"

 

(From left): Virginia Tech's Head Coach, Frank Beamer, and Athletic Director, Jim Weaver, Bristol Motor Speedway's President and COO, Marcus Smith, and General Manager, Jerry Caldwell, and University of Tennessee's Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Dave Hart, and Head Coach, Butch Jones, pose with helmets during the official announcement of the Battle at Bristol; College Football's Biggest EVER on October 14, 2013. The game is projected to set the NCAA record for highest single game attendance and will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016. PRNewsFoto/Bristol Motor Speedway

Iconic short track transforms into world's largest football stadium for border battle between Virginia Tech Hokies and Tennessee Volunteers in 2016

(PRNews) BRISTOL, Tenn., October 28, 2013 - Bristol Motor Speedway, known as the "Last Great Colosseum", today announced plans to transform the legendary Speedway into the world's largest football stadium for the inaugural Battle at Bristol, College Football's Biggest EVER game to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

The event will feature a border battle between the Virginia Tech Hokies andTennessee Volunteers and is projected to set the NCAA record for highest single-game attendance.

The announcement was made October 24, 2013  during a press conference at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. 

Press conference attendees included Marcus Smith, president and COO of Speedway Motorsports,Jerry Caldwell, general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, Butch Jones, University of Tennessee head coach, Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech head coach, Dave Hart, University of Tennessee vice chancellor and director of athletics and Jim Weaver, Virginia Tech athletic director. Dr. Jerry Punch, auto racing and college football commentator for ESPN, served as press conference emcee.  

With an estimated seating capacity of 150,000, the Battle at Bristol is on track to crush prior college football attendance records. The previous two largest-attended college football games drew an estimated 120,000 and 115,000 fans, respectively. [1]

"There has always been a desire by fans to see a football game at our historic Speedway," said Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. "We couldn't be more excited to turn this long-time rumor into a reality and to provide sports fans with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the biggest college football game ever."

Bristol Motor Speedway has a rich history of epic clashes and rivalries, so it's only fitting that the inaugural event will feature a border battle between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers. This is a "border battle" in the literal sense, as the state line runs through downtown Bristol, creating the twin cities of Bristol, Va. and Bristol, Tenn.

"We are looking forward to this opportunity to be a part of college football history,"

said University of Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones. "The chance to play in a great venue as Bristol Motor Speedway against a program the caliber of Virginia Tech is another illustration of how we are continuing to build upon our great and unique tradition here at Tennessee. Our players and everyone associated with our football program will have wonderful memories of being a part of such a historical event."

"To be able to play in front of a crowd that is the largest to ever see a college football game is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech head coach. "With the great fan support thatVirginia Tech and the University of Tennessee have, it should be a great atmosphere."

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for our football program to play in front of the largest crowd in the history of college football," said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics for University of Tennessee,Dave Hart. "Bristol Motor Speedway will be perhaps the most unique venue to ever host a college football game. Tennessee students, faculty, alumni, and fans will look forward to being a part of this great event."

"This event should be a very exciting experience for both universities and the fan bases of both teams," said Jim Weaver, athletic director of Virginia Tech. "We are very excited to be a participant in what should be the largest crowd ever to see a football game."

Over the course of a few weeks, the Speedway will transform from an iconic short track to a world-class football field. Key facts about the transformation include:

• Immediately following the August 2016 NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, approximately 400 workers will immediately begin bulk cleaning, and then detailing, the Speedway
• Next an estimated 10-12 crews will begin pressure washing – a process that is normally done in February prior to the March NASCAR weekend
• Separate crews will clean all suites in seven days – a process that normally takes four-to-six weeks
• Turf and field build will be completed in eight days
• Approximately 8,500 tons of rock will be used to build the base of the field
• The rock will be brought in by approximately 400 truckloads. The complete haul-in process will take three, 10-12 hour days
• The base rock will be 3'-6" deep in the middle of the infield tapering to 1-1/2' on sidelines to create the proper sloping effect for drainage

Bristol Motor Speedway plans to unveil more exciting announcements between now and the big event in 2016.

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sonoma, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

The Company provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

The Company also equally-owns Motorsports Authentics, a joint venture formed with International Speedway Corporation to produce, market and sell licensed motorsports merchandise. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.speedwaymotorsports.com.

The LA84 Foundation earns national recognition in Sports Philanthropy

(PRNewswire) LOS ANGELES, October 15, 2013 - This week, the LA84 Foundation will be recognized by two national sports advocacy organizations for its efforts to support and promote youth sports programming across Southern California. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RJWF) has awarded LA84 the 2013 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) named LA84 President Anita DeFrantz the winner of their annual Honor Award.

The Patterson Award was established in memory of Steve Patterson, a champion basketball player from UCLA who went on to enjoy a successful professional and coaching career, and was known for his belief in using the power of sports philanthropy to make a difference. This honor recognizes organizations from across the United States that are dedicated to improving lives in their communities by leveraging the unique influence of sports.

This  the LA84 Foundation  hosted an invitation-only ceremony at their headquarters in West Adams where Carla Patterson, CEO of Patterson Sports Ventures and the widow of Steve Patterson, will formally present the award to the Foundation.

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA said the LA84 Foundation aligns with the core values espoused by RJWF, a "dedication to the community and improving the health of everyone in America." She added, "It is genuinely inspiring to see their commitment to advancing health and wellness, and we are proud to recognize their impact."

"As an organization based in Los Angeles, the LA84 Foundation has a special connection to the legacy ofSteve Patterson, who contributed so much to the sports philanthropy community in our city," said LA84 Foundation Board Chair Bob Graziano. "We are honored to accept this award on behalf of all of the individuals in our programs who make a real difference in the lives of youth in Southern California."

Also this week, LA84 Foundation President and International Olympic Committee Executive Board Member Anita L. DeFrantz will receive the NACWAA Honor Award, a tribute presented annually to individuals and entities who demonstrate an exceptional level of support to the success of women in athletics. Winners embody the qualities of leadership that inspire the next generation of women in the athletics industry and are nominated by the NACWAA's Board of Directors.

DeFrantz has held several leadership roles in the sports industry both in the U.S. and abroad, most notably the International Olympic Committee (including her tenure as its first female vice president), the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors, the International Rowing Federation and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 1984 Games.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized by the NACWAA," said DeFrantz. "Throughout my career, I have done my best to ensure that women are equal and vocal participants in national sports at the collegiate level and beyond. I firmly believe that sports have the potential to transform individual lives and entire communities, and I'm thankful for the NACWAA's ongoing work to expand horizons for women in athletics."

The LA84 Foundation was established to manage Southern California's share of the surplus from the successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Foundation received $93 million at its inception. Since it began operations in 1985, it has invested $214 million in sports programs serving more than 3 million youth in the eight Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside,San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura. 

Its headquarters is the historic Britt House near downtown Los Angeles where it houses the world's premier sports library and meeting facilities. The Foundation provides grants to youth sports organizations, manages programs, including a coaching education program, and convenes numerous forums for the exploration of the most pressing issues in sport.

For more information, please visit www.la84.org.

Devante Smith-Pelly is recalled back to Anaheim

Top left Devante Smith-Pelly being interviewed by former communications director for the Norfolk Admirals, Keith Phillips. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) ANAHEIM, Calif. October 15, 2013 – The Anaheim Ducks announced Monday that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled right wing Devante Smith-Pelly from the Norfolk Admirals, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Smith-Pelly heads back to Anaheim after posting two goals and a +2 rating in four games played for the Admirals this season. Both of his goals were shorthanded tallies, which currently leads the American Hockey League.

Smith-Pelly totaled three points (1g, 2a) in six preseason games with the Ducks last month. Last season, the 6-0, 222-pound forward totaled 32 points (14g, 18a) in 65 games played with the Admirals. In addition, Smith-Pelly went scoreless in seven appearances with the Ducks during the 2012-13 season. The Scarborough, Ontario native was selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Smith-Pelly made his NHL debut with Anaheim in 2011-12, collecting seven goals and 13 points with 16 PIM in 49 contests.

He appeared in his first contest with the Ducks at 19 years, three months and 23 days on Oct. 7, 2011, at Buffalo (Helsinki, Finland), becoming the third-youngest player to appear in an Anaheim uniform. In 56 career NHL games, Smith-Pelly has seven goals and 13 points with 16 PIM. The Admirals will open up a two-game home set against the Albany Devils beginning this Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday's game is Military Appreciation Night, and all military personnel can receive an $11 ticket by presenting their valid military ID to the Scope Box Office. In addition, the first 1,500 fans will receive thundersticks. The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Oct. 19) at 7:15 p.m., which will feature a postgame skate with the Admirals players.

Great Britain overhauls Germany at final hurdle to claim series title


The British team who finished as series leaders: From left: British team manager Philip Surl and riders Kitty King, Laura Collett and Izzy Taylor.
  photo: © arie de vroet

(BMLTV) OSLO NORWAY, October 14, 2013 - Great Britain has won the 2013 FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing by just one point after an epic battle with last year’s champions, Germany.

The series went right to the wire at the final event, Boekelo (NED), at which Germany scored an emphatic team victory, but the British have run a well-orchestrated campaign with a pool of up-and-coming younger riders and, with the best five results to count, they just secured the win.

The two countries, the only nations to contest all six competitions in the series, have been neck-and-neck all season. Britain started slowly with fifth place at Fontainebleau (FRA) in March, but this was the score they would drop in the final calculations.
 They then established a pattern of consistency with wins at Houghton Hall (GBR) in May, and Montelibretti (ITA) and Waregem (BEL) last month, plus second places at Aachen (GER) in July and at Boekelo.

 “We made a big effort with the series this year, so we’re absolutely thrilled to come out on top in what was a very exciting finish to a successful concept,” said Britain’s team manager, Philip Surl. “The Germans have been brilliant and taken some beating, but I think we’ve shown consistency with our younger riders who have all worked hard and got into the spirit of the competition, and I hope it will give us plenty to build on for the future.”

Germany, the gallant runners-up in the 2013 FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing, won at Fontainebleau and Aachen as well as at Boekelo, and were second at Houghton Hall (GBR) in May, but they had to count one of their third places at Montelibretti and Waregem in the final tally, and that was enough to give Britain the edge.

 “We knew that the series was going all the way to the wire, so we put as good a team together as we could from the riders entered at Boekelo,” explained German team trainer Christopher Bartle. “We have certainly been riding the wave this year, but we know that nothing lasts forever and we don’t have that big a pool of riders to choose from, so we’ve been experimenting with different combinations in our teams this year. “We had Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Barny as our anchors at Boekelo, but it was very pleasing to see how well Michael and Ingrid’s young horses went and to have a younger rider, Julia Krajewski, coming up through the ranks.”

As anticipated, the popular Dutch fixture at Boekelo, the only CCIO3* of the series (the other legs are CIC3*s) was the most hotly contested of the season, with 13 nations sending teams, including Russia for the first time. Ireland finished third, France fourth and Italy fifth, with only the top five teams managing to finish with three or more riders and avoid incurring a 1,000-point penalty.

The three-rider New Zealand team finished in last place as none of them completed the competition, but Lizzie Brown, took the individual honours with her non-team horse, Henton Attorney General. A combination of wet footing, the result of torrential rain, and course designer Sue Benson’s (GBR) clever twists, turns and endless variety of accuracy tests, made for an exciting and challenging day’s Cross Country at Boekelo.

Germany was the only nation to have all four riders complete, with Peter Thomsen, riding Horseware’s Barny, finishing best, in individual second place. Olympic, World and European Champion Michael Jung, on an exciting new young horse, the eight-year-old mare FischerRocana FST, was eighth, and European silver medallist Ingrid Klimke was ninth on Hale Bob 3. Both riders achieved the optimum Cross Country time of 10 minutes 30 seconds but subsequently picked up 12 faults apiece in the Jumping phase.

However, Germany was far enough ahead of Britain for it not to affect the team standings. Britain was only five penalties in arrears after Dressage, but began to slip behind as Cross Country time penalties piled up. Kitty King was the highest placed of the quartet, finishing fifth on the stallion Persimmon, and Laura Collett (Allora 3) was 17th. Izzy Taylor (KBIS Starlet), who had been the discard score after Dressage, was one of only four riders to achieve the optimum Cross Country time for 19th place.

Anchorwoman Gemma Tattersall, who could have closed the gap with Germany, was eliminated for a Cross Country fall when Chico Bella P landed steeply at the drop into the second water complex at fence 18. Sweden was third after Dressage, but Niklas Lindback, the individual leader on Cendrillon, fell at fence 16 and Anna Hilton parted company from Matrix W at fence 18.

Alice Naber-Lozeman (NED), a member of the ninth-placed Dutch team, finished 13th on Peter Parker and took the Dutch national title. Once again, the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing, which began in 2012, has proved to be an incentive and inspiration for team managers as a way of giving both experienced and up-and-coming riders championship practice.

The FEI’s Eventing Director, Catrin Norinder, confirmed that the series will continue in 2014 and that the FEI is hoping to announce the arrival of a sponsor in the near future. “Congratulations to the British and German teams for well-planned campaigns and for travelling to all six events to make it such a thrilling finish,” she said. “Several other nations made great efforts to enter into the spirit of the competition and it was an exciting contest this year. The series is clearly working as well as we hoped it would, and we are already planning for next season.

Results:

1 Germany, 148.6 Peter Thomsen/Horseware’s Barny, 44.2; Michael Jung/fischerRocana FST, 51.0; Ingrid Klimke/Hale Bob, 53.4; [Julia Krajewski/Lost Property, 79.6]
2 Great Britain, 171.0 Kitty King/Persimmon, 48.0; Laura Collett/Allora 3, 60.0; Izzy Taylor/KBIS Starlet, 63.0 [Gemma Tattersall/Chico Bella P, EL Cross Country]
3 Ireland, 222.0 Camilla Speirs/Portersize Just A Jiff, 50.6; Sarah Ennis/Stellor Rebound, 58.0; Austin O’Connor/Balham Houdini, 113.4 [Katie O’Sullivan/Cooley Blue Flame, EL Cross Country]
4 France, 222.8 Eric Vigeanol/Qatar de Puech Rouget, 64.2; Karim Florent Laghouag/Qualson de L’Ehn, 74.8; Caroline Chadelet/Kadessia, 83.8; [Geoffrey Soullez/Madiron de Liot*HN, EL Cross Country]
5 Italy, 308.6 Marco Biasia/Neptune de Sartene, 94.4; Arianna Schivo/Quefira de l’Ormeau, 100.2; Evelina Bertoli/Leitrim Orient Express, 114.0 [Stefano Brecciaroli/P’tit Paul de Terry, EL Cross Country]
6 Sweden, 1129.6 Viktoria Carlerback/Volt af Kallstorp, 65.20; Hannes Melin/Piccadilly Z, 64.40; Niklas Lindback/Cendrillon, EL Cross Country [Anna Hilton/Matrix W, EL Cross Country]
7 USA, 1,159.4 Boyd Martin/Trading Aces, 68.0; Elizabeth Halliday/Fernhill by Night, 91.4; Lauren Kieffer/Veronica, EL Cross Country
8 Belgium, 1,172.0 Rik Geirnaert/Zaferlina MH, 81.0; Stephanie Andrimont/Ulano de Slozen, 91.0; Jarno Debusschere/User Friendly, RET Cross Country
9 Netherlands, 2,057.2 Alice Naber-Lozeman/Peter Parker, 57.2; Tim Lips/Concrex Oncarlos, EL Cross Country; Florinoor Hoogland/Captain Henessy, EL Cross Country; Althea Bleekman/Ziomf, RET Cross Country
10, Australia, 2,076.6 Emma Dougall/Belcam Bear, 76.6; Christopher Burton/Graf Liberty, EL Cross Country; Paul Tapner/Wickstead Didgeridoo, EL Cross Country [Andrew Hoy/Cheeky Calimbo, WD before Dressage]
11, Switzerland, 2,083.4 Ilona Ludi/Apart lll CH, 83.4; Felix Vogg/Onfire, WD before Jumping; Sebastien Poirier/Tarango de Lully CH, EL Cross Country [Jasmin Gambirasio/That’s It, EL Cross Country]
12, Russia, 2,080.0 Igor Atrohov/Indigo Pyreneen, 84.0; Alexander Markov/Kurfustin, EL Cross Country; Elnira Nabieva/Chabanak, EL Cross Country
13, New Zealand, 2,101.0 Mark Todd/Up n Go, WD before Jumping; Lizzie Brown/Playtime, EL Cross Country; Blyth Tait/Xanthus lll, RET Cross Country

Nations Cup  Eventing Leaderboard 2013 
1 Great Britain 51
2 Germany 50
3 France 29
4 Italy 23
5 Netherlands 20
6 New Zealand 18
7 Australia 15
8 Ireland 13
9 Sweden 13
10 Belgium 12
11 USA 8
12 Spain 4
13 Switzerland 0 13 Russia 0

 by kate green

Super-cool Brash wins Longines Opener at Oslo


Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos won the opening leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League at Oslo, Norway today. They are pictured at the prize presentation with Longines ambassador Aksel Lund Svindal and Morten Thormodsen. Brand Manager and Sales Representative for Longines, Norway.
photo: FEI/roger svalsroed

(BMLTV) OSLO, October 13, 2013 - Great Britain’s Scott Brash once again proved himself to be the most formidable of opponents when galloping to victory with Hello Sanctos in the opening leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League at Oslo, Norway this afternoon.

Others might have been rattled by the last-minute drama of a broken noseband just before going in to jump against the clock. But the 27-year-old rider from Peebles in Scotland stayed as cool as a cucumber to clinch the win ahead of individual Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat, from Switzerland. And, as if to cement the sheer quality of today’s competition, it was three-time FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion Marcus Ehning from Germany who slotted into third place ahead of Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Winningmood in fourth. 

There was a time when the early legs of the Western European League series were considerably less competitive, but those days are history now. This year’s start-list for the first round at Oslo included nine of the top 12 riders on the current Longines Rankings list, so it was never going to be an easy one to win. And the course designed by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, who was assisted by Anders Hafskjold and Terje Olsen-Nalum from Norway, was no walk-in-the-park either.

 It may have been the first big test of the indoor season, but the close confines of the arena which measures just 75m x 35m, and the intensity of the track layout itself ensured a very tough days work indeed. “I thought it was a very difficult track when I walked the course, and I was surprised when there were so many clears - the fences came up very quickly and I’m told this was the biggest track ever in Oslo!” said winning rider Brash this evening.

 The smallest fence on the course was the opening 1.50m vertical, but even that hit the floor for Germany’s Christian Ahlmann who retired with his grey stallion, Asca Z, after leaving two more on the ground. And the 2011 FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion was one of seven to call it a day before the end of the track - reigning European Champion Roger-Yves Bost from France (Colombo van den Blauwaert) and Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda (AD Uutje) amongst those who also decided it was best to leave the fight to another day.

The 1.50m square oxer at two remained intact throughout the afternoon, but the remainder of the fences were almost all dislodged from their moorings at some stage. The triple-bar at fence three led to a 1.60m vertical at fence four before riders turned right-handed to the triple combination at five. This was the bogey of the day, with 12 horse-and-rider combinations faulting at least once as they attempted to negotiate the vertical to a double of oxers.

 Steve Guerdat said afterwards,”triple combinations are always very demanding for horses and they were struggling with it, I don’t really know why”. The turn to fence six proved the undoing of many however. Horses tended to be very much on the forehand after the triple combination and, if they were running on too much it proved difficult to ride the sharply bending line and arrive balanced, in control and still with enough impulsion to clear the tall vertical.

 The oxer at fence seven and the Longines double at eight were located along the ringside before turning left-handed to the oxers at nine and ten, and then there were only three fences left on the homeward run. The planks at 11 fell numerous times however as did the following Longines oxer at 12, but the most disappointed man of the day was, quite possibly,

The Netherlands’ Gerco Schroder who steered his Olympic individual silver medal winning ride, London, through a gloriously easy tour of the track only to hit the very last. This multi-coloured vertical, standing 1.60m and with two circular water trays beneath it, was located on another bending line and, second into the ring, Norway’s Stein Endresen was decanted onto the landing side here when his mare, Cassiopeia arrived on a bad stride and decided to slam on the brakes.

In Schroder’s case, London dropped his near foreleg to rebalance on the turn and caught the top pole on the way up for an unfortunate four faults. Jump-Off There were nine riders from nine different nations through to the second-round jump-off, and it was rising Brazilian star, Marlon Zanotelli, who led the way with Clouwni over the new track.

A mistake on the distance between fence one and the oxer at fence 10 which was now the second obstacle on the course saw them return with four faults in 39.27 seconds, so when Athina Onassis de Miranda from Greece and her fabulous grey mare, AD Camille Z, produced a careful clear in 46.55 seconds they temporarily took the lead.

 The Netherlands’ Frank Schuttert was first to take a tight turn to the third, an oxer, but his round unravelled when he lost his line to the vertical second-last - previously fence six, but now jumped in the opposite direction - so that his super-busy gelding, Winchester HS, rushed past it leaving them to cross the line with eight faults on the board in 44.17 seconds.

 The crowd lit up when Geir Gulliksen entered the ring with Edesa S Banjan. The 12-year-old gelding had produced a great opening round to make the cut for the host nation rider and, to the delight of the spectators, they went into the lead this time out when foot-perfect in 39.64 seconds.

 But their advantage was short-lived as Marcus Ehning and Copin van de Broy cruised home with a silky-smooth run in 37.72 seconds to go to the top of the leaderboard. Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Winningmood followed with a lovely round in 39.00 seconds, and when Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander opted for a slow clear with the nine-year-old Ego van Orti she was also guaranteed some valuable qualifying points but didn’t pose any threat to Ehning’s supremacy.

 Set Off Like the Wind The final two did however, Guerdat and the horse with which he enjoyed Olympic glory, the electrifying Nino des Buissonnets, set off like the wind, turning super-tight to the third fence and galloping down to the last to soar out in front in a time of 36.52.

 It seemed unlikely that this could be bettered, and when there was a long delay before Brash arrived into the ring the crowd grew curious. The British rider, meanwhile, was busy taking his horse’s bridle apart after the noseband snapped while warming up for the second time.

 Luckily Geir Gulliksen’s gelding was wearing something similar, so, in typically sporting fashion, the Norwegian rider removed his horse’s noseband and gave it to his British rival who, with the help of Ireland’s Shane Breen, reassembled the bridle, put it onto Hello Sanctos and then jumped onboard and headed into the ring.

Not ideal when there is a Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping qualifier to be won, but Brash has shown time and again over the last year that he is about as unflappable as they come. Setting off, he didn’t know what time he was chasing, so he decided to just kick on and hope for the best. As it turned out that was a pretty good plan, because he shaved more than two seconds off Guerdat’s target to clinch the most convincing of victories.

Talking afterwards, Brash said, “I watched Marcus and I thought he was fast and then I heard that Steve was faster so I thought I’d just do the best that I could. My horse was super again, I was really surprised by how fast we were!”  He said he was very grateful to the show officials who allowed him the time to reconstruct the bridle - “they were very kind by not rushing me” - but he pointed out that the drama had not thrown him off his concentration. Clearly it hadn’t.

 Making his victory today all the more remarkable was the fact that Brash rode the same horse into the winner’s enclosure in yesterday’s Oslo Grand Prix in which Angelica Augustsson and Mic Mac du Tillard lined up second. “Everyone was questioning me because I rode him fast in the Grand Prix yesterday but I know my horse!” he said today.

Hello Sanctos will go to the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League series at Helsinki in Finland next week and will then travel to Doha in Qatar for the Global Champions Tour Final in November. Runner-up,

Steve Guerdat, said “the last show I did was not great – it was our horse’s first show back since the Europeans and that is why he jumped in two of the smaller classes earlier here. Today I could feel in the first round that he was a bit too fresh and jumping with a bit of caution – our first round was not so smooth.

When we did the jump off he was already better” Guerdat pointed out. Third-placed Marcus Ehning left the post competition press conference early. “My wife and I are expecting our next baby. She is a bit nervous because I am far away so I have to catch the first plane back!” he explained. Geir Gulliksen finished fifth for Norway, and was very happy with his result.

“It is always very exciting competing in front of your home crowd. I was a bit worried as I jumped two rounds yesterday – I didn’t know how he (his horse, Edesa S Banjan) would react but he did great today. It is a great achievement for an old chap from Norway!” joked the 53-year-old rider who has been the linchpin of the Norwegian team for many years now.

 Meanwhile Brash reflected on yet another great day’s work. “It feels great and my horse feels in very good form. It is great to start off with a win” he said. He talked about the frenzy that ensued when his horse’s noseband broke.

 “We rushed around trying to borrow one, luckily Jimmy (Geir Gulliksen) had just got off the ring and he let me borrow his – it turned out to be lucky for him and and me as well!” he explained. And he talked about Hello Sanctos, the 11-year-old gelding which he rode to team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games last year, and who played a pivotal role again at the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships in Herning, Denmark this summer.

“He is the horse of a lifetime considering what he has done for the country – he is outstanding. You don’t get too many like him. He is very clever, very sharp. When you work him at home he is very lazy, as if to say ‘do we really have to do this training?’, but then he goes into the ring and gives you his heart!” he said. 

Result: 

1, Hello Sanctos (Scott Brash) GBR 0/0 34.29;
2, Nino des Buissonnets (Steve Guerdat) SUI 0/0 36.52;
3, Copin van de Broy (Marcus Ehning) GER 0/0 37.72;
4, Winningmood (Luciana Diniz) POR 0/0 39.00;
5, Edesa S Banjan (Geir Gulliksen) NOR 0/0 39.64;
6, Ego van Orti (Edwina Tops-Alexander) AUS 0/0 44.57;
7, AD Camille Z (Athina Onassis de Miranda) GRE 0/0 46.55;
8, Clouwni (Marlon Zanotelli) BRA 0/4 39.27;
9, Winchester HS (Frank Schuttert) NED 0/8 44.17;
10, Mic Mac du Tillard (Angelica Augustsson) SWE 4/69.21 in first round.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League - Standings after Round 1 at Oslo (NOR):

1. Scott Brash (GBR) - 20
2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) - 17
3. Marcus Ehning (GER) - 15
4. Luciana Diniz (POR) - 13
5. Geir Gulliksen (NOR) - 12
6. Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) - 11
7. Athina Onassis de Miranda (GRE) - 10
8. Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) - 9
9. Frank Schuttert (NED) - 8
10. Angelica Augustsson (SWE) - 7
11. Pius Schwizer (SUI) - 6
12. Simon Delestre (FRA) - 5
13. Gerco Schroder (NED) - 4
14. Kevin Staut (FRA) - 3
15. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) - 2
16. Juan Carlos Garcia (ITA) - 1

The FEI World Cup™ Jumping series celebrates its 36th season bearing the name of Swiss watch brand, Longines, which, last December, became Top Partner, and Official Timekeeping Partner, to the international governing body, the FEI.

 The first leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series took place today at the Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway.

A total of 40 riders from 21 nations lined out. The countries represented were Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

A total of 11 qualifying rounds will take place before the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is staged in Lyon, France from 20-23 March 2014. Defending series champion is America's Beezie Madden. 9 of the top 12 riders on the current Longines Rankings competed today in Oslo.

Course designer was Uliano Vezzani (ITA) assisted by Anders Hafskjold (NOR) and Treje Olsen-Nalum (NOR). 9 riders from 9 different countries qualified for second-round jump-off against the clock.

Today's winner was Olympic and European team gold medallist Scott Brash from Great Britain riding Hello Sanctos. He pipped reigning Olympic individual gold medallist, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, and Nino des Buissonnets, while three-time FEI World Cup™ champion Marcus Ehning from Germany finished third with Copin van de Broy.

9 riders retired in the first round and there was 1 elimination - Stein Endresen from Norway who was unseated when his 12-year-old grey mare, Cassiopeia 55, stopped at the very last fence in the first round. 

The second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2013/2014 series will take place in Helsinki, Finland on Sunday 20 October 2013.

by louise parkes

Dutch solar powered car crosses Australia in 33 hours to grab the “World Solar Car Challenge”


A team from Delft University in the the Netherlands wins the World Solar Challenge.
photo: static world

(The Guardian) October 13, 2013 - A Dutch team has won the World Solar Challenge for the fifth time after guiding its solar-powered car from Darwin to Adelaide in little more than 33 hours.

The Nuon team's Nuna7 car finished the 3000km race in light drizzle in Adelaide on Thursday, two hours ahead of Japan's Tokai University. Solar Team Twente, also from the Netherlands, was third.

read more

Tides Pitcher Josh Stinson in control against the Gwinnett Braves

Just one day before the Tides play out a 12-day, 11-game road trip Josh Stinson managed to control the Gwinnett Braves with a 2-1 achievement Sunday afternoon at Harbor Park. April 14, 2013. Photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV© 


Russ Canzler played up triple and bought in the out front run to send  the Gwinnett Braves home with a loss to the Tides at Harbor Park. April 14, 2013. 
Photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV© 


The Tides went to the field to exhilerate 4,610 fans at Harbor Park. April 14, 2013.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Thursday's International League opener between the Tides and Durham Bulls had to be rain checked


Tarp covered ball park during Opening Season night at Harbor Park.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Jade Ferrer selling cotton candy in the rain at Tides Harbor Park Opening Season Night. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Paul J. Tilly and his mother Julie Docteur came out to Opening Season night in support of the Suffolk VA. Honor Guard. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Stacey Breneman, Paige Breneman, Maddox Brenman, Jacob Brenman can from Ahoskie N.C for Tides Opening Season night. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Veronica Velez, Kristopher Velez and Carlos Velez are regulars at the Tides games hoping for rain to let up. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Tides fans sit in the rain waiting for game to start.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, April 5, 2013 - Eager fans waited patiently at Harbor Park for at what was slated as the "Norfolk Tides Season Opener" against the Durham Bulls, but the Offical 7:05 PM game start time  time was pushed. Around 7:33 PM the fans were asked to take raincheck.

by abhi ahmadadeen

Admirals "crunch" Syracuse during a two game challenge


Norfolk Admirals doing battle with the Syracuse Crunch at the Norfolk Scope Arena on Saturday night. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV© 


Frederik Andersen 30 made 41 saves and Norfolk stopped all eight Syracuse power plays as the Admirals (33-29-4-1) shut out the Crunch (39-19-4-5), 2-0, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV© 


Admirals Sami Vatanen 9 driving the puck against the Syracuse Crunch. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


John Mitchell 24 just scored against the Syracuse Crunch.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV© 


Norfolk Admirals game standouts against the Syracuse Crunch, Nate Guenin 5, John Mitchell 24, Devante Smith-Pelly 34, Kyle Wilson 7. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, March 30, 2013 – Frederik Andersen made 41 saves and Norfolk stopped all eight Syracuse power plays as the Admirals (33-29-4-1) shut out the Crunch (39-19-4-5), 2-0, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. 

The Admirals remain two points back of the Hershey Bears for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race with nine games remaining in the regular season. Sami Vatanen and John Mitchell scored for Norfolk while Devante Smith-Pelly and Kyle Wilson each had two assists. Andersen (20-14-1) earned his 20th win of the season and his third shutout. 

With the win, Norfolk denied Syracuse the chance to clinch a berth in the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Admirals will continue their five-game homestand by hosting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday night at Scope. The Crunch out-shot the Admirals, 13-3, in the first period, but Andersen kept the contest scoreless with several big saves. 

Norfolk took a 1-0 lead 7:21 into the second period. Smith-Pelly carried the puck into the attacking zone and dropped a pass to Wilson in the right circle. Wilson then sent a pass to Vatanen at the left point. Vatanen sent a wrist shot from the left circle past the outstretched glove of Crunch goaltender Riku Helenius for his eighth goal of the season. Andersen turned aside 11 shots in the second stanza as the Admirals took a 1-0 lead into the third period. 

The lead doubled 4:52 into the third period. Smith-Pelly fired the puck into the attacking zone along the right wing glass. The puck ricocheted off a stanchion in the right corner and bounded into the slot, where Mitchell was able to fire it past an unsuspecting Helenius for his tenth goal of the season. The Crunch had three third period power plays – including 1:40 worth of a five-on-three advantage. 

Andersen and the Norfolk penalty killers kept Syracuse at bay, and the netminder turned aside 17 shots in the final frame for the shutout. Helenius (16-13-0) stopped 25of 27 shots and was saddled with the loss. Norfolk was 0-for-4 on the power play. Syracuse was 0-for-8 in the game and 0-for-12 on the weekend against Norfolk. The Admirals will conclude a five-game homestand next week with contests against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday night before the Binghamton Senators invade Scope on Friday and Saturday nights. Tuesday’s game against the Penguins begins at 7:15 p.m. 

Patrick Maroon goes to Anaheim Ducks under a two-year contract extension

 

Patrick Maroon 19(Left) teaming up with Devante Smith Pelly 34 to take the puck to the basket. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) ANAHEIM, Calif; March 22, 2013 - The Anaheim Ducks, NHL parent club of the Norfolk Admirals, have signed left wing Patrick Maroon to a two-year contract extension through the 2014-15 NHL season. Per club policy, no financial terms of the deal were disclosed. Maroon, 24 (4/23/88), has appeared in 11 games for Anaheim this season, scoring two goals (2-0=2) with 10 penalty minutes (PIM). He scored the game-tying goal in a 2-1 victory on Mar.

12 at Minnesota and tallied his first career NHL goal on Feb. 16 at Nashville, beating Pekka Rinne in an eventual 3-2 shootout win. A native of St. Louis, MO, Maroon has earned 17-22=39 points with 115 PIM in 51 games with Norfolk this season.

Earning AHL Player of the Week honors for the period ending Mar. 10, Maroon currently co-leads the Admirals in scoring, and ranks second in goals and assists. Acquired from Philadelphia with David Laliberte in exchange for Danny Syvret and Rob Bordson on Nov. 21, 2010, Maroon has appeared in 13 career NHL games with Anaheim, collecting 2-0=2 points with 12 PIM. He has also played six American Hockey League (AHL) seasons with Philadelphia (2007-09), Adirondack (2009-10), Syracuse (2010-12) and Norfolk (2012-13), earning 109-158=267 points with a +3 rating and 520 PIM in 340 games.

The Admirals take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday night from Mohegan Sun Arena in Pennsylvania. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. All games can be heard on 102.1-FM, 1490-AM or 1021TheGame.com. You may also watch at AHLLive.com. After stopping in Charlotte, N.C., to face the Checkers next Tuesday, the Admirals will return to Scope on Mar. 29 and Mar. 30 to take on the Syracuse Crunch.

 

The Admirals kick up the ice to bring home 3-0 win over the Phantoms at Norfolk Scope Arena


The Admirals score against Adirondack Phantoms.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Patrick Maroon 19,on top of the puck as star player for Norfolk. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Kyle Wilson 7, star player for Norfolk. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Smith-Pelly 34 battling over the puck for Norfolk. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Norfolk Admiral Frederik Andersen 1 of three star players of the game. 
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, March 20, 2013 - Frederik Andersen made 32 saves while Kyle Wilson, Devante Smith-Pelly and Patrick Maroon each had two points as the Norfolk Admirals (30-28-4-1) shut out the Adirondack Phantoms (25-33-2-3), 3-0, on Wednesday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

With the win, Norfolk closes to within three points of a playoff spot with 13 games remaining in the regular season. Wilson, Smith-Pelly and Sami Vatanen each scored for Norfolk. Andersen improved to 17-13-1 on the season with his second shutout of 2012-13. The Admirals out-shot the Phantoms, 48-32. Norfolk now embarks on a two-game road trip beginning against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday night.

 The team will return to Scope to battle the Syracuse Crunch on Mar. 29-30. The Admirals took the lead 6:05 into the first period on Wilson’s second goal as an Admiral and seventh goal of the season overall. Phantoms goaltender Scott Munroe kicked the rebound of a Smith-Pelly shot to the left point. Ryan Parent collected the puck and sent a behind-the-back pass to Wilson in the slot between the hashmarks. Wilson sent a shot past Munroe’s glove for a 1-0 Norfolk lead.

The lead doubled less than seven minutes later on Smith-Pelly’s ninth goal of the season. Maroon won a puck battle along the boards in the right corner and centered the puck to Smith-Pelly in the right circle. Smith-Pelly rifled a shot past Munroe at 12:53 for a 2-0 lead for the home team.

 After a scoreless second period, the Admirals closed out scoring midway through the final frame while skating four-on-four. Maroon took the puck from the left corner behind the net and centered to Vatanen in the left circle. Vatanen netted his seventh goal of the season at 12:38 for the 3-0 lead. That was more than enough of a lead for Andersen, who turned aside eight shots in the first period, 11 shots in the second period and 13 shots in the third period for the shutout. Munroe (12-16-0) was strong for the Phantoms, making 45 saves on 48 shots, but he was saddled with the loss.

Norfolk was 0-for-6 on the power play. Adirondack was 0-for-4. The Admirals take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday night from Mohegan Sun Arena in Pennsylvania. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. All games can be heard on 102.1-FM, 1490-AM or 1021TheGame.com. You may also watch at AHLLive.com. After stopping in Charlotte, N.C., to face the Checkers next Tuesday, the Admirals will return to Scope on Mar. 29 and Mar. 30 to take on the Syracuse Crunch.

 Join us on Mar. 29 for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Night and on Mar. 30 for MDA Jersey Auction and Ticket Fundraiser. Through these exclusive online ticket offers, Red Level tickets for each game are available for just $11. If you were to buy these tickets at the Scope Box Office on game night, they’d be $19 you save 42%. Plus, a portion of Mar. 29 ticket sales goes back to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and a portion of Mar. 30 ticket sales goes back to the local MDA chapter. These special offers are only good online at norfolkadmirals.com/groups and only for a limited time.

 Please visit norfolkadmirals.com/groups or call (757) 640-1212 for more details. The 13th Annual MDA Jersey Auction, Presented by PAPCO, takes place immediately following the game on Mar. 30th. A live auction will take place on the ice with special jerseys being sold right off the players backs. All proceeds go to the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

 Don’t miss a minute of Admirals action by purchasing your season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime.

Three Stars: 1. Frederik Andersen, NOR 2. Kyle Wilson, NOR 3. Patrick Maroon, NOR

 
Admirals release opening night roster 

Admiral's Troy Bodie, 20 in the middle of things during pre-season game at the Norfolk Scope Arena: photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA. October 12, 2012 - Twenty-six players will be on the roster tonight as the Norfolk Admirals open the 2012-13 regular season with a contest against the Worcester Sharks at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Prior to releasing the roster, the Anaheim Ducks reassigned goaltender Marco Cousineau and forward Josh Brittain to the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets. Additionally, forward Kenndal McArdle was released from his training camp tryout.

Norfolk's opening night roster consists of 16 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders. Defenseman Nate Guenin will serve as the team's captain this season.

Goaltenders:
#30 Frederik Andersen
#35 Igor Bobkov

Defensemen:
#2 Mat Clark
#4 Hampus Lindholm
#5 Nate Guenin
#6 Jordan Hendry
#9 Sami Vatanen
#10 Gabe Guentzel
#25 Matt Smaby
#28 Nick Schaus

Forwards:
#11 Ryan Lasch
#12 John Kurtz
#14 Garrett Klotz
#15 Brandon McMillan
#17 Luca Caputi
#18 Chris Wagner
#19 Patrick Maroon
#20 Troy Bodie
#21 Kyle Palmieri
#22 Peter Holland
#24 John Mitchell
#26 Emerson Etem
#27 Matt Kennedy
#34 Devante Smith-Pelly
#38 Jay Rosehill
#39 Corey Elkins

The puck drops this weekend on the 2012-13 regular season at Norfolk Scope Arena as the Admirals face off in a pair of games against the Worcester Sharks. The puck drops for tonight's contest at 7:30 p.m. and will drop for tomorrow's match at 7:15 p.m. Fans will receive a 2012-13 Admirals magnetic schedule, courtesy of Michael and Son, both nights while supplies last.

Tonight's game is the first Military Appreciation Night at Norfolk Scope. Red Level tickets (normally $19 on game nights) will be available for just $11 at the Norfolk Scope Box Office for all active or retired military, their dependants and reservists with valid military identification.

On Saturday, the Admirals will hold their first post-game skate of the season where fans can skate at Scope with their favorite Admirals following the game. A limited number of skates will be available or fans may bring their own skates.

Individual tickets are on sale now at the Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com. Don�t miss a minute of Admirals action by purchasing your season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals� Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime. 

LA Clippers visit the Great Wall of China while on pre-season tour 

The Los Angeles Clipper at the Great Wall. photo courtesy of the staples center.
 
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, October 9, 2012 - The section of the Great Wall the Clippers visited Tuesday afternoon could not have been more picturesque. The weather was clear and crisp, the sun fading behind a range of mountains to the west, and the wall itself was greatly preserved.

Immediately following practice, the team was bussed to an area called Mutianyu, located in Huairau County about 50 miles north of Beijing. The section in Mutianyu is known for its more pristine condition than neighboring areas of the nearly 4,000-mile Wonder of the World. Among the many things Clippers players and staff might have taken away from the day: the wall itself is astonishing and everything at its base camp is negotiable. After riding six-person gondolas up the mountain side, the group, including players, coaches, organizational personnel, and family members made their way northwest.

 Matt Barnes and DeAndre Jordan were among those to sign their names inside a small watchtower where thousands of previous visitors had done the same. Next the team took a photograph together a few hundred yards away from a wider and stepper tower. All 16 players on the trip (Chauncey Billups and Trey Thompkins remained in Los Angeles due to injury) were captured by legendary NBA photographer Andy Bernstein, who was roosted atop the watchtower, giving him a vantage point for the passing sunlight and a stretch of the Great Wall trailing into the distance.

 On the way back down the mountain, a number of players purchased commemorative items, souvenirs and trinkets from vendors in a makeshift bazaar. Nearly the entire roster bought headwear, including Jamal Crawford and Marqus Blakely who donned big fuzzy winter hats and Blake Griffin who wore a hat shaped like a panda head.

Griffin’s antics were something to be seen. He negotiated prices with several vendors (wearing the hat), posed for pictures with passersby, and filmed much of his time on the wall with a camera phone. Perhaps the most pragmatic shopper was center Ryan Hollins, who took home three folding wooden chess/checkers sets of varying sizes. And, of course, Griffin for purely entertainment purposes.

by eric pattan

Norfolk Admirals Defeat the Charlotte Checkers in Preseason Opener

Pictured here is Cory Elkins number 39 lead scorer against the Charlotte Checkers Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Pictured here is Frederick Anderson number 30 who ended up being 0ne of the 3 stars against the Charlotte Checkers at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


Pictured here is Igor Bobkov number 35 who ended up being 0ne of the 3 stars against the Charlotte Checkers at Norfolk Scope Arena. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, October 6, 2012 - Last week Norfolk Admirals Assistant General Manager Bob Ferguson said in an video interview released by the Norfolk Admirals, that he was impressed with the intensity that the new players had brought with them to the Training Camp.

 He said that “obviously most of the players are chomping at the bit to get started, in fact a lot of the players were not able to attend AHL camp because of ‘Lockout’, and this was really the player’s first chance to get things going for the season”. “We have been very happy the players. All testing we have done has been outstanding.

The pace that the players are training at is outstanding, they have really picked up quick on the systems that Trent is putting in and we are looking forward to getting started”. “The first thing that has really jumped out at us is the quickness and the speed that we have been able to put together this year.

One of the things we lacked last year was that little bit of extra speed that it takes to win at this level, I think that we have addressed that”. “I think that we are a much quicker team, our skill level is outstanding, and we’ve got some players that I think will put up some good numbers offensively. The other thing that is encouraging to us is that our players are a little bit bigger, the size we have has been show in our scrimmages.

The size is maybe a little bit of something we were missing last year”. It appears last nights game was a bit of a ‘show and tell’ for Bob Ferguson as lead scorer Corey Elkins made effective use of his size and speed and skill. Elkins scored twice and goaltenders Frederik Anderson and Igor Bobkov combined for a 25-save shutout as the Norfolk Admirals opened their 2012-13 preseason schedule with a 3-0 win over the Charlotte Checkers at Norfolk Scope Arena.

 by abhi ahmadadeen 

Changes made in Norfolk Admirals training camp

(BMLTV)  NORFOLK VA, October 4, 20112 – Norfolk Admirals Assistant General Manager Bob Ferguson announced today that the Admirals' training camp roster has been reduced by six players.

The following five players have been released from their training camp tryouts:
Chris Auger – Forward
Andrew Conboy – Left Wing
Brandon Marino – Right Wing
Brett Perlini – Right Wing
Jean-Michel Rizk – Right Wing

In addition, defenseman Ryan Hegarty has been loaned to the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. Norfolk's training camp roster now stands at 18 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

The Admirals will play the Charlotte Checkers in a pair of preseason contests this weekend in Hampton Roads. On Saturday, the game will be played at Scope beginning at 7:15 p.m. Tickets for this game are $10 for all seats and are on sale now at the Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.

The second game will be played at the Chilled Ponds Ice and Turf Sports Complex on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. General admission tickets for this game are $10 and will only be available through the Chilled Ponds Ice and Turf Sports Complex.

They may be purchased on site (1416 Stephanie Way, Chesapeake, Virginia) or online at chilledponds.com. Limited seating is available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds will benefit the Chilled Ponds Ice and Turf Sports Complex youth hockey programs. For more details, please call (757) 420-4488.

The 2012-13 Admirals hockey regular season begins on Friday, October 12, at Norfolk Scope Arena against the Charlotte Checkers. Individual tickets are on sale now at the Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.

Don’t miss a minute of Admirals action by purchasing your season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals’ Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime.

Admirals bring to the ice four newly signed players 

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, September 26, 2012 - Norfolk Admirals Assistant General Manager Bob Ferguson announced today that four players have agreed to terms for American Hockey League Standard Player Contracts (SPC):

Nate Guenin - Defenseman

Garrett Klotz - Left Wing

Patrick Maroon - Left Wing

Matt Smaby - Defenseman

The 2012-13 Admirals hockey season begins on Friday, October 12, at Norfolk Scope Arena. Admirals season tickets are now on sale. Stop by the Admirals Administrative Offices at the Scope. You can call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime.

Admirals Announce Multi-Year Affiliation Agreement with NHL's Anaheim Ducks

Ken Young, President of Norfolk Admirals at 2012-13 season press conference.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA, June 21, 2012 – The Norfolk Admirals have entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League, Admirals President Ken Young and Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray announced today.

The Ducks organization will provide the Admirals with a full roster of players as well as a coaching and training staff in Norfolk. Trent Yawney, who coached the Admirals to the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the team's first five seasons in the American Hockey League (2000-01 – 2004-05), will return as head coach in 2012-13. He will be joined behind the bench by assistant coach Marty Wilford, who is Norfolk's all-time leading scorer among defensemen with 173 points (32g, 141a) in 318 games between 2000-01 and 2004-05.

"We are excited to have the Ducks as our partner and look for a terrific long-term relationship," said Young. "The Ducks have the nucleus of an excellent club in Anaheim and have a great system of prospects that we will see develop in Norfolk. We look forward to continued top-level hockey in Hampton Roads as Anaheim's top affiliate."

“We are excited to be affiliating with the Admirals in a great hockey market such as Norfolk, Virginia,” said Murray. “We look forward to working with the Norfolk organization and continuing the winning tradition the team has created at Norfolk Scope Arena. We would also like to thank the Syracuse Crunch and its fans for their support over the last two seasons.”

Twenty-nine of the 36 players who appeared for Anaheim during the 2011-12 season are American Hockey League (AHL) graduates. National Hockey League (NHL) All-Stars Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Jonas Hiller are among the current Ducks who have developed in Anaheim's AHL system.

The 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks have been affiliated with the Baltimore Bandits (1995-97), Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (1997-2005), Portland Pirates (2005-08), Iowa Chops (2008-09) and Syracuse Crunch (2010-12) in the AHL.

Anaheim’s AHL affiliate has combined for a 240-176-25-35 record in 476 games (.567 winning percentage) since 2005-06. The Ducks were most recently affiliated with the Syracuse Crunch from 2010-12, posting a 72-67-8-9 record in 156 games. Syracuse was one of the AHL's most successful teams down the stretch last season, winning 15 of their last 20 games (15-3-1-1) to earn a Calder Cup Playoff berth. From 2005-08, Anaheim was affiliated with the Portland Pirates, who reached Game 7 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals in two of three seasons (2006 & 2008).

Since 2005-06, numerous players who made their NHL debuts with Anaheim also played for the club’s AHL affiliate. Those current Ducks players include forwards Ryan Getzlaf (Portland), Corey Perry (Portland), Bobby Ryan (Portland/Iowa), Matt Beleskey (Iowa/Syracuse) and Nick Bonino (Syracuse), and goaltender Jonas Hiller (Portland).

Hampton Roads has been home to Admirals hockey since 1989. Prior to joining the AHL, the Admirals were the East Coast Hockey League’s Hampton Roads Admirals from 1989 to 2000, winning three league championships (1991, 1992, 1998). The team entered the AHL in 2000-01 and has been the top development team of the Chicago Blackhawks (2000-07) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2007-12) prior to joining forces with the Ducks. The Admirals won the 2012 Calder Cup earlier this month after making the playoffs for the twentieth time in 23 seasons.

Admirals victory celebration to take place wednesday


photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©


photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA, June 12, 2012 – The victory celebration for the 2012 Calder Cup Champion Norfolk Admirals will take place on Wednesday, June 13, from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.

The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a parade on Granby Street. The parade will begin on Plume Street and conclude on the Norfolk Scope Plaza at 5:00 p.m. The Honorable Mayor Paul D, Fraim will preside over the festivities, which will include entertainment, food and beverage available for purchase, and the chance to purchase Admirals Calder Cup Champion gear.

In addition to the celebration, the Admirals have teamed up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to shave the Admirals’ playoff beards to benefit pediatric cancer research. Admirals players and staff such as Eric Neilson, Scott Jackson, Mike Angelidis, Ken Young and Joe Gregory will have their beards shaven off on the Scope Plaza with donations benefitting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Fans may donate at the parade or by visiting shavetheadmirals.com.

In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be moved inside Norfolk Scope Arena.

The Norfolk Admirals have won the 2012 Calder Cup Championship after defeating the Toronto Marlies in the best-of-seven Calder Cup Finals, four games to zero. Norfolk earned its first ever American Hockey League championship last Saturday afternoon at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, after a 6-1 victory over the Marlies in Game 4.

The Admirals, who won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the AHL’s regular season champions with a 55-18-1-2 record, reached the Calder Cup Finals after defeating the Manchester Monarchs in four games in the best-of-five Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the Connecticut Whale in six games in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals and the St. John’s IceCaps in four games in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals.

Norfolk, the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, won its last 28 regular season games to establish a North American professional hockey record. The Admirals then went 15-3 in the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs en route to the first Calder Cup Championship in Virginia history. Norfolk brings a professional hockey championship back to Hampton Roads 14 years after the Hampton Roads Admirals of the ECHL won their third championship (1991 and 1992 Riley Cup, 1998 Kelly Cup).

Norfolk becomes the 28th different city to win the Calder Cup in the 76-season history of the American Hockey League’s championship trophy. The Admirals recorded the 17th sweep in Calder Cup Finals history (15th in a best-of-seven format).

Reserve your 2012-13 Admirals season tickets with a deposit of as little as $100 per seat today. Stop by the Admirals’ Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime!