By Brian Foley, Special to OnMilwaukee   Published Jan 03, 2019 at 3:01 PM

With the holidays behind us and hockey season in full swing, it’s time to finally turn our attention to the Milwaukee Admirals, the local AHL affiliate for the Nashville Predators of the NHL.

The Ads (17-12-5-1) are in the midst of a playoff push, currently sitting in one of the final spots of the 16-team bracket. The top four teams from each division qualify; the Admirals are fourth in the Central Division.

After qualifying for the Calder Cup Playoffs in 14 of the previous 15 years, Milwaukee missed the postseason in 2017-18. The Admirals have not missed the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns since 2000-01 and 2001-02. (The latter season was also the last time Milwaukee finished below .500.)

The Admirals are 9-5-2-0 at home this year, and they will look to protect home ice this month with these five matchupsloaded with giveaways at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena:

Wednesday, Jan. 9 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings affiliate)

  • Winning Wednesday: If the Admirals win, you get a free ticket to the next Wednesday home game (Feb. 6)

  • Hat Trick Night: $3 beer, $3 brats and $3 pretzels

  • Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: $9 tickets for all current or veteran law enforcement personnel

Saturday, Jan. 12 vs. San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks affiliate)

  • Winter Hat Night: First 4,500 fans will receive a winter hat

  • Kids and Seniors Day: Half-price tickets for children (14 years old and under) and seniors (62 years old and up)

  • Family Day and Post-Game Skate: Purchase two blue section tickets and two Wendy’s value meal vouchers for $30. Fans can also hit the ice for an open skate night after the game.

Tuesday, Jan. 22 vs. San Antonio Rampage (St. Louis Blues affiliate)

  • Taco Tuesday: Two tacos and a regular fountain drink for $5

  • Salute to Hot Sauce: Local vendors will have samples for fans

Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild affiliate)

  • Post-Game Concert with country music star Brett Young

Saturday, Jan. 26 vs. Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets affiliate)

  • Weekend Matinee Concession Special: $2 hot dogs, $2 sodas and $2 popcorn

  • Admirals Plate: First 3,000 fans will receive an Admirals plate

  • Salute to Wrestling: Legendary wrestlers Razor Ramon, Gail Kim, Jeff Jarrett and Al Snow will be available for autographs

  • Kids and Seniors Day: Half-price tickets for children (14 years old and younger) and seniors (62 years old and up)

With football season coming to a close, it is truly #MILhockey time in the Brew City. So grab your favorite sweater and head down to Panther Arena to cheer on the Admirals as they begin the stretch run towards the postseason!