Usually when we are discussing the Admirals it is an AHL reference to the bitter rival of the Manitoba Moose from Milwaukee. But yesterday the Jets and Moose announced they had extended their affiliate deal with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL.
This was a very beneficial relationship for the organization specifically when it came to the development of goalie Thomas Milic, the Jets 2023 5th rounder who played his first season as a pro during the 2023-24 campaign. Milic had a very successful rookie season which saw him play 18 games in the ECHL where he went 11-3-3 finishing with a 2.45 GAA and a .908 save% before he jumped to the American Hockey League and was a big reason that team ended up going from last place in the AHL to a playoff spot. He went 19-9-2 with a 2.72 GAA and a .900 save% in the regular season.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub/Manitoba Moose
When asked about it at the end of season Moose media availability Milic said of starting his pro career playing in the ECHL with Norfolk:
“I think it just made the transition a little easier. Had some time there to really figure out the pro game”
And he wasn’t the only Jets prospect getting some development time in the ECHL. The team also sent 2021 3rd rounder Dmitry Kuzmin there to play 24 games. He also played 18 games for the Moose.
Jets/Moose affiliates of the past:
No official affiliate (2011-12)
Colorado Eagles (2012-13)
Ontario Reign (2013-14, 2014-15)
Tulsa Oilers (2015-16, 2016-17)
Jacksonville Icemen (2017-18 to 2020-21)
No official affiliate (2021-22, 2022-23)
