HAMPTON ROADS — Postseason hockey returns to the Norfolk Scope this week as the Admirals begin the hunt for another ECHL Hockey title.
Despite dealing with a plethora of injuries during the 2024-25 season, the Admirals managed 40 wins against 25 losses, concluding the regular season in sixth place.
“We’ve had a high-powered offense that scores a ton of goals, our defensive core has been really firm and stout. We feel like it’s the best defensive core or one of the best in the league all-encompassing. Our goaltending has been nothing short of outstanding,” Admirals head coach Jeff Carr said.
The group mathematically clinched a playoff berth during a series in early April against the Reading Royals. The Admirals clinched the third seed in the Kelly Cup Playoffs and will face off in the first round against the second-seeded Wheeling Nailers.
The Admirals last appeared in the ECHL playoffs in 2014.
Carr has been with the organization for three years, first as an assistant and now as head coach.
“Some of the guys that have been here for three years with me, or 2 1/2 years with me, have experienced the lowest of lows of being the worst team in this league at one point. They have now experienced some really incredible milestones for individuals and team accolades. They have really lifted Norfolk off of the 10-year drought of making the playoffs. They weren’t satisfied but they were very happy and proud that they could be the group that rebuilt this team,” Carr said.
With the playoffs set to get underway tonight, Carr has been speaking to the team about the playoff game atmosphere and keeping them locked in on what is at stake.
“Every guy in our locker room wants to win a championship. There is no 99% and there is no grey area. It’s black and white for every guy on our team,” Carr said.
Fans can get in on the playoff action with home games taking place April 15 and 16 at the Scope Arena.
“Every bit of the crowd, the amount of fans that come out, the noise they make, it dramatically affects our guys in a good way. It really helps to give us an advantage,” Carr said.
Watch parties for round one’s road games are being hosted at Waterside District.
For playoff tickets and more information, visit norfolkadmirals.com.