The Norfolk Admirals today unveiled their 20th-anniversary season logo.
"Several exciting events have been taking place this summer," said Admirals vice president Joe Gregory, "including player signings, the announcement of a new coaching staff, the installation of a new state-of-the-art video scoreboard at Scope Arena and the announcement of the first home exhibition games in Norfolk Admirals history. While we eagerly anticipate the drop of the puck on October 10th to kick off a successful 2008-09 season, we are equally excited to begin celebrating the rich history of Admirals hockey.
The logo features components of all four logos that have been used by the Admirals since the team’s inception in 1989. The battleship that is prominent in the current Admirals primary logo takes center stage in the 20th-anniversary logo, as well.
All but one of the logos used in Admirals history contains five stars, and the 20th-anniversary logo is no different. A platinum band containing five gold stars crowns the battleship. The words "20th Anniversary" run along the top of the platinum band.
A large gold anchor runs behind the ship and emerges behind the word "Admirals" in the familiar script of the current Admirals logo. The dates "1989-2009" are etched on the bottom of the anchor.
Dennis McEwen, known as "The Original Admiral" for being one of the first players ever signed by the Admirals in 1989, designed the anniversary logo. McEwen appeared in 262 games with the Admirals from 1989-99 and ranks in the top ten lists for games played, goals, assists and points. He is currently the team’s corporate sales manager.
The Admirals’ choice to unveil their 20th-anniversary logo on August 30 has historical significance. On Aug. 30, 1989, the first Admirals logo – commonly referred to as the "anchor" logo – was unveiled following the conclusion of a fan logo design contest.
The Hampton Roads Admirals began play in the 1989-90 season in the East Coast Hockey League. The team won a record three ECHL championships, and was granted a franchise in the AHL for the 2000-01 season. Over 100 former Admirals have also played in the NHL including Olaf Kolzig, Andrew Brunette, Aaron Downey, Duncan Keith and Karri Ramo, and six former Admirals have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.
