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Peoria,IL–Three power play goals led the Peoria Rivermen over the Milwaukee Admirals Sunday at Carver Arena in Peoria 4-2.

The Admirals dropped to third place in the Midwest Division with the loss. The team has lost four of its last five games.

Peoria scored a power play goal at 4:55 of the first period when Admirals starting goalie Atte Engren couldn’t grasp the puck in the crease. Rivermen forward Brett Sterling was able to jam it away from the netminder to T.J. Hensick who buried his 12th goal of the season.

Milwaukee tied the game with a power play goal of its own at 7:48. Michael Latta passed the puck from the left corner, looking for Zack Stortini in the slot. Stortini was tied up so the puck came to Juuso Puustinen at the right faceoff dot. His quick shot went through the pads of Rivermen goalie Jake Allen for Puustinen’s 12th goal of the season. Latta and Blake Geoffrion recorded the assists.

Peoria took the lead at 16:18 with a 5-on-3 power play goal. After Danny Syvret’s shot from the point went over the net, Hensick passed the puck from the left circle to the right for a one-timer from Derek Nesbitt.

The Rivermen scored another goal with 48 seconds left in the first period when Syvret floated a shot from the right point that was deflected by Sterling into the net for a 3-1 Peoria edge. The goal was Sterling’s 15th of the season.

Jeremy Smith replaced Engren in Milwaukee’s net after the first period. Engren stopped seven of ten Peoria shots.

The Admirals made it 3-2 with 2:30 to play in the third period. Taylor Beck stole the puck at neutral and carried on the right wing. His shot was stopped by Allen, but Chris Mueller crashed the net and knocked the puck across the goal line for his 15th goal of the season.

Peoria’s Anthony Nigro scored an empty net power play goal with 41 seconds left in the game to ice the win.

Milwaukee will visit Chicago to resume the Amtrak Rivalry against the Wolves Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 pm. Milwaukee’s next home game is Saturday, Jan. 14. Saturday, the first 5,000 fans will take home a bobblehead of Admirals defenseman Scott Ford courtesy of Lee Jeans. Also, the Inflatamaniacs will appear to entertain all in attendance.

Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

- Lindback recalled; Smith reassigned to Milwaukee -

Nashville, Tenn. (January 8, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has reassigned goaltender Jeremy Smith to Milwaukee (AHL) and recalled goaltender Anders Lindback (AHN-dehrs LIND-bahck) from the Admirals.

Lindback, 23 (5/3/88), started two games during his weekend with the Admirals, going 1-1-0 with a 3.53 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage. The Gavle, Sweden native has gone 2-4-0 with a 2.75 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage in eight appearances for the Predators this season.

Smith, 22 (4/13/89), backed up Pekka Rinne during Saturday’s 5-2 victory over Carolina. The Deaborn, Mich., native ranks among the American Hockey League leaders in wins (16), appearances (25), minutes (1,461) and goals-against average (2.30).

Fresh off a 5-2 win over Carolina on Saturday, the Predators kick off the front-end of a home-and-home set with the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday in Denver (8 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game). Both teams then come to Smashville for a Thursday night tilt (7 p.m.) at Bridgestone Arena, which has been sold out for a franchise-record eight straight games. Tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling 615-770-PUCK (7825) or by visiting nashvillepredators.com.

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Milwaukee, WI— One game after being shutout for the first time this season, the Milwaukee Admirals offense erupted for six goals from six different players to take a 6-3 win over the Lake Erie Monsters on Friday night at the Bradley Center. The win snapped a brief two-game losing streak for the Admirals and put a share of first-place on the line Saturday night against the Charlotte Checkers, who lead the Ads by two points in the Midwest Division.

The Admirals jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the first period on Michael Latta’s 11th goal of the season at the 8:55 mark. Ads defenseman Victor Bartley took the puck from the Milwaukee zone and fired it up ice to Blake Geoffrion, who sent a quick pass to a speeding Latta. Latta skated into the Ads zone and then fired a wrister top shelf over the shoulder of Lake Erie goalie Trevor Cann.

A busy second period saw the Admirals post four goals to grab a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes. Ryan Flynn got things going for the Ads with his first of the season just 1:50 into the period when he deflected a Taylor Beck shot and the puck snuck past Cann.

Scott Ford made it 3-0 Milwaukee when he found a loose puck in the slot and unleashed a slapper for his third of the season at the 4:30 mark.

Lake Erie tied the score with a power-play marker by Patrick Rissmiller at 9:11 of the second, but the Ads responded with a PPG of their own when Kyle Wilson roofed a shot from the bottom of the right circle with just under five minutes left in the stanza.

The Admirals pumped their lead to four on a beautiful touch pass by Beck. With Milwaukee on another power-play Geoffrion sent a pass to Beck, who was stationed on the on the right post. With his back to the play, Beck flicked a backhand through the crease and right on the tape of a crashing Bartley for an easy tap-in.

The Monsters cut the lead to three when Evan Brophey redirected a pass from Rissmiller by Admirals goalie Anders Lindback with just 37 seconds to play in the second and then pulled to within two on a shorthanded goal by Tyson Barrie 3:03 into the third. However, Juuso Puustinen halted any momentum Lake Erie had when he beat James Reid, who had replaced Cann after Wilson’s goal, five-hole to take the lead back up to three with just under ten minutes to play in the game.

Geoffrion paced the Admirals offense with three helpers on the night, while Bartley (1g-1a), Puustinen (1g-1a), Beck (2a), Jon Blum (2a), and Teemu Laakos (2a) all recorded multi-point games for Milwaukee. Lindback ended the night with 30 saves to earn the win in his first game with the Ads since February 26^th of last season.

The game also saw four fights and a season high 30 penalty minutes for the Admirals.

The Ads and Checkers hit the ice tomorrow night at 7:00 pm at the BC. Fans can purchase tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or logging on to milwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more people receive at least $2 off the face value of each ticket. For more information or to purchase group tickets fans can call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550 or visit milwaukeeadmirals.com. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

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PREDATORS RECALL GOALTENDER JEREMY SMITH

- Lindback & Blum assigned to Milwaukee -

Nashville, Tenn. (January 6, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has assigned rookie goaltender Anders Lindback (AHN-dehrs LIND-bahck) and defenseman Jonathon Blum to Milwaukee (AHL) and recalledgoaltender Jeremy Smith from the Admirals. This is Smith’s first career recall.

Smith, 22 (4/13/89), has yet to appear in an NHL game. The Deaborn, Mich., native leads the American Hockey League in wins (16), while ranking second in appearances (25) and minutes (1,461), and tied for eighth in goals-against average (2.30). Nashville’s second choice, 54th overall (second round), in the 2007 Entry Draft is in his third professional season after playing from 2005-09 with Plymouth and Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League.

Lindback, 23 (5/3/88), has gone 2-4-0 with a 2.75 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage in eight appearances for the Predators this season. His only experience at the AHL level came last season when he went 2-2-0 with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in four starts from Feb. 22-26.

Blum, 22 (1/30/89), has seven points (3g-4a) in 33 NHL games with Nashville and two goals in three games at the AHL level with Milwaukee in 2011-12.

With seven consecutive sellouts under their belt, a franchise record achieved last night vs. Dallas, the Preds look to make it eight when the Carolina Hurricanes come knocking on Saturday (7 p.m., 102.5 The Game) for an inter-conference matchup. Tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling 615-770-PUCK (7825) or by visiting nashvillepredators.com.

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Milwaukee, WI— The Milwaukee Admirals scored four of the game’s final five goals to take a 4-2 win over the Chicago Wolves in Amtrak Rivalry action on Wednesday night at the Bradley Center. The win was the ninth in a row at home for Milwaukee, putting them just one shy of the franchise record of ten straight, set back in 1992 and then equaled again in the 2008-09 season.  The Ads will attempt to tie the record on New Year’s Day when they host the Peoria Rivermen.

Chicago grabbed an early 1-0 lead when University of Wisconsin alum Steve Reinprecht scored his second goal of the year with the Wolves on the power-play at 5:45 of the first.

The Admirals responded with a power-play goal of their own with 2:27 remaining in the first. After Chicago iced the puck, Milwaukee netminder Jeremy Smith corraled the puck behind the Milwaukee net and left it for defenseman Victory Bartley. Bartley sent an outlet pass from the Ads zone to the far blueline to Chris Mueller, who got behind the defense and then beat Wolves goalie Eddie Lack with a wrister top shelf.

Milwaukee took their first lead early in the second period when Scott Valentine ripped a one-timer from the top of the left circle that found its way through traffic and into the back of the Chicago net. The tally, which took place at the 2:35 mark of the second, was assisted by Teemu Laakso and Kyle Wilson

Chicago tied it again with a 4-on-4 goal by former Admiral Darren Haydar, who carried the puck down the slot and roofed it past Smith at 7:36

However, the Admirals responded again when Scott Ford connected on his third goal of the year at 13:10 of the second. After a scramble in front of the Chicago net Milwaukee forward Ryan Flynn chipped the puck back to Ford, who beat Lack glove side.

The got some insurance in the third period when Taylor Beck carried the puck into the Chicago zone three-onthree along with Ryan Thang and Michael Latta. Beck held the puck long enough to freeze Lack, before passing to Latta on the far post for an easy tap-in with 11:12 to play in the game.

Once again the Admirals found a balanced scoring attack as all four goals were scored by different players and 13 skaters found their way onto the scoresheet. Jeremy Smith earned his AHL-leading 16^th win of the season, stopping 28 shots on the night. The win also snapped a three-game losing streak versus their Amtrak rival.

The Admirals finish off 2011 on New Year’s Eve when they travel to Grand Rapids, before commencing the 2012 portion of their schedule on Sunday, January 1^st at 5:00 pm against Peoria. Fans can order tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by logging on to the Admirals website at www.milwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more get $2 off every ticket. For more info on how to order group tickets please call (414) 227-0550. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

Today, we got a reason why. And no, it wasn’t trade-related.

Preds forward Blake Geoffrion has been reassigned to the AHL-affiliate Milwaukee Admirals.

Geoffrion isn’t exactly relied upon for his scoring touch but he has to at least cheap in every once in a while, something he hasn’t done since his hat trick in Buffalo on March 20 last season. He’s now played in 43 NHL games (including playoffs) without finding the back of the net.

In the same release, Nashville also stated that defenseman Kevin Klein has finally been put on injured reserve with “an illness” (a/k/a “the flu”).

The Bourque recall is still peculiar (even in the light of Geoffrion’s reassignment) as one would think the two moves would go hand-in-hand. Nashville recalls Bourque and sends Geoffrion down in the same transaction. Instead, it was a single recall.

Not saying anything is afoot. Just saying it’s an odd series of events for this organization.

The official press release is below.

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Nashville, Tenn. (December 28, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has reassigned forward Blake Geoffrion to Milwaukee (AHL) and placed defenseman Kevin Klein on injured reserve.

Geoffrion, 23 (2/3/88), has three assists in 22 games for the Predators this season, and one assist in three games for the Admirals.

Klein, 27 (12/13/84), has missed the past four games due to illness.

The Predators wrap up their December home slate tonight when the Minnesota Wild come calling for a McDonald’s Family 4 Pack game in Smashville (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). The team closes out their 2011 calendar on Dec. 30 when they take on the division rival St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). The Preds ring in the new year on New Year’s Day when they face the Calgary Flames for a special 5 p.m. start time (FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua // Flickr (used with permission)

Bourque, Nashville’s fifth round pick in 2009, tallied 18 goals and 36 points in his first pro season last year. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down either as he’s already amassed 16 points in 25 games this season. He leads all Admirals in assists (14) and is their seventh leading scorer.

But are the Predators really calling Bourque up for scoring depth? Not likely. Nashville, as of now, has a healthy forward roster and adding someone else is interesting. Also, teams usually don’t recall players on non-game days because it doesn’t make financial sense to do so. In this case, Bourque was officially recalled on a non-game day and in the middle of the afternoon, not around 11am or noon, per usual.

It’ll be interesting to see if something else comes up now that the NHL roster freeze has expired.

The 21-year old Rimouski, Quebec native really turned some heads in training camp. A long shot to make the club straight out of camp, he was one of the last forwards cut. Furthermore, Head Coach Barry Trotz told the media after the pre-season game on October 1 that “if he plays like he has been playing, we’ll find a way to get him here this year.”

Bourque won a silver medal for Team Canada, along with Ellis, at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan.

If Bourque suits up for Wednesday night’s tilt against the Minnesota Wild, he will become the sixth Nashville Predator rookie to make his NHL debut this season. Craig Smith (October 7), Mattias Ekholm (October 13), Ryan Thang (October 31), Roman Josi (November 26) and Ellis (December 26) were the others.

Smith, Josi and Ellis are still on the roster. Looks like one of the NHL’s youngest teams just got younger.

The official press release is below.

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Nashville, Tenn. (December 27, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Gabriel Bourque (gah-BREE-ehl BOHRK) from Milwaukee (AHL). This is the Rimouski, Que., native’s first career recall – he has yet to appear in an NHL game.

Bourque, 21 (9/23/90), leads the Admirals in assists (14) in 25 games this season, most recently notching three helpers in Milwaukee’s 7-3 victory over Rockford on Monday night. Nashville’s ninth choice, 132nd overall (fifth round), in the 2009 Entry Draft ranked third on the Admirals in goals during his rookie pro season in 2010-11, then led Milwaukee in 2011 Calder Cup Playoff goals (7) and points (13), while ranking second on the team in postseason plus/minus (+7).

The 5-10, 192-pound left wing finished off his junior career in 2010 by helping Moncton win the President’s Trophy as QMJHL Champions and advance to the 2010 Memorial Cup, earning the Guy Lafleur Trophy as Playoffs MVP in the process. Bourque earned a silver medal with Canada at the 2010 World Championships, and tied a Team Canada record for points in a World Junior Championship game with seven (3g-4a) in the nation’s opening-game win over Latvia.

The Predators wrap up their December home slate tomorrow night when the Minnesota Wild come calling for a  McDonald’s Family 4 Pack game in Smashville (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). The team closes out their 2011 calendar on Dec. 30 when they take on the division rival St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). The Preds ring in the new year on New Year’s Day when they face the Calgary Flames for a special 5 p.m. start time (FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 the Game). To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

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PHOTO CREDIT: The Milwaukee Admirals (used with permission)

No official word has been sent out but his name appears on the NHL roster on the team’s official website.

The 20-year old Freelton, Ontario native was the captain of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and is the most decorated defenseman in Canadian Major Junior History. In his career already Ellis has the following awards in his trophy case: the 2008 Bobby Smith Trophy (the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year), the 2009 Max Kaminsky Trophy (OHL Defenceman of the Year), the 2011 Red Tilson Award (OHL’s most outstanding player), two Wayne Gretzky Trophies (the OHL’s West Conference Championship), two J. Ross Robertson Cups (the OHL Championship), two Memorial Cups (the CHL Championship), a gold medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships, two silver medals from the World Juniors (2010, 2011), a gold medal at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, a gold medal at the 2008 Under-18 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2008 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. This past season he was named he CHL’s Player of the Year and won the 2011 Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.

Ellis is the leading scorer among Admirals defenseman with 17 points.

He should also provide a boost to the power play unit as he has a shot similar to Weber’s.

Expect low minutes on the third pairing for Ellis but also expect a energetic game. It will be his NHL debut.

He will be the fifth Nashville Predator to make his NHL debut this season and the second to do it against the Red Wings. Roman Josi had one shot on goal, one hit and logged 12:20 of ice time in his maiden voyage back in Detroit on November 26.

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UPDATE (3:28 pm Central): The official press release is below.

Nashville, Tenn. (December 26, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Ryan Ellis from Milwaukee (AHL). The Freelton, Ont., native is scheduled to make his NHL debut tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.

Ellis, 20 (1/3/91), is tied for ninth among American Hockey League defensemen, and tied for first among rookie blueliners, in points with 17 (4g-13a) in 26 games. One of the most decorated defensemen in Canadian Hockey League history, Ellis became just the third d-man in Ontario Hockey League history to record 300 career points (73g-241a-314pts, +145, 207 PIMs, 226 gp), joining Rick Corriveau (329) and Denis Potvin (330) a season ago, winning the 2011 Red Tilson Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year, the 2011 Max Kaminsky Trophy for the second time in three years as the League’s Most Outstanding Defenseman of the Year and the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy for leadership on and off the ice.

The 11th overall (first round) selection in the 2009 Entry Draft is also one of just seven players to represent Canada at three straight World Junior Championships (2009, 2010 and 2011), and just the fourth Canadian ever to win three medals at the WJC. With 25 points (5g-20a) in three tournaments, he is the all-time leading defensive scorer in the history of the event.

Fresh off the two-day Christmas break, the Predators will look to make it six consecutive home victories tonight when they host the Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. Fox Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game). The Preds will continue to enjoy home cooking for the majority of the next two-plus weeks with seven of their next nine game to be played on Bridgestone Arena ice. Tickets are available and may be purchased at nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or by calling 615-770-PUCK (7825).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua // Flickr (used with permission)

Blum had been a healthy scratch for the first time in his NHL career and Geoffrion was returning from an injury. Instead of keep the players with the big club, limiting their ice time only to practices, it was the team’s philosophy to send them to Milwaukee where they’d log valuable minutes during game action.

Both Blum and Geoffrion played in three games during their cup of coffee with the Admirals. The defenseman registered two goals while Geoffrion collected an assist, ironically on Blum’s first marker.

Also of note, tonight at 11:00pm Central begins the NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze. No trades can be made from December 20 through Tuesday, December 27.

The Predators’ official press release is below.

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NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL GEOFFRION AND BLUM FROM MILWAUKEE

Nashville, Tenn. (December 19, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Blake Geoffrion and defenseman Jonathon Blum from Milwaukee (AHL).

Geoffrion, 23 (2/3/88), has two assists in 19 games for the Predators this season. He was assigned to the Admirals after missing six NHL games from Nov. 29-Dec. 10 due to an upper body injury, where he notched an assist in three AHL games.

Blum, 22 (1/30/89), has five points (2g-3a) in 27 games for the Predators in 2011-12. He also spent three games with Milwaukee, scoring a pair of goals.

After Saturday’s 2-1 shootout win over the St. Louis Blues, the Preds look to make to make it six-straight victories when they head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Capitals tomorrow night (6 p.m. Fox Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game). The Preds return home on Thursday when they face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets for a College Night showdown in Smashville (7 p.m., 102.5 The Game).

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Milwaukee, WI—The Milwaukee Admirals scored three unanswered goals to turn a 1-0 deficit to a 3-1 victory over the Peoria Rivermen on Sunday afternoon at the Bradley Center. The win was the seventh straight for the Admirals at home and sent them off on Christmas break on a high note.

Atte Engren earned his first win since December 3^rd by stopping 29 Peoria shots, while Kyle Wilson and Chris Mueller each finished the game with a goal and an assist.

Peoria took a 1-0 lead into the locker room after the first, as Brett Sterling recorded the period’s only goal when he jammed a loose puck by Engren at 8:59. T.J. Hensick and Derrick Nesbitt assisted on the play.

The Admirals picked up a pair of goals in the second to grab a 2-1 lead. Wilson evened the score at one with a six-on-five goal at the 10:13 mark of the period. With Engren out of the net on a delayed penalty, Wilson held the puck just below the left circle and fired a shot that went over the net. Mueller corralled the puck behind the net and sent it back to Wilson for a second try and he buried it top shelf over Peoria goalie Jake Allen.

Milwaukee grabbed the lead with 4:52 remaining in the second, just after a Jonathan Cheechoo’s boarding penalty expired. Victor Bartley slid the puck over to Taylor Beck, who sent a shot towards the net. Ryan Thang redirected the shot right over to Michael Latta, and he had plenty of room for his ninth goal of the year.

The Ads picked up an insurance goal with less then five minutes to play in the game when Wilson and Mueller came into the Peoria zone 2-on-1 and Wilson chipped it across to Mueller, who ripped a one-timer past Allen.

Peoria had a golden opportunity at the end of the game to at least get within one when Admirals Tyler Sloan went to the box for cross-checking at 16:58 and then Teemu Laakso was whistled for holding at 18:15. The Rivermen pulled Allen in favor of an extra attacker and had 43 seconds of 6-on-3 time and then 62 seconds of 6-on-4 time. However, Engren and the Ads held strong and didn’t give up another goal.

The Admirals are off the until after Christmas and don’t hit the ice again until they host the Rockford IceHogs on Monday, December 26^th at 7:00 pm at the Bradley Center. Fans can order tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000 or by logging on to the Admirals website at www.milwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more get $2 off every ticket. For more info on how to order group tickets please call (414)227-0550. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook.

Probably not but it’s a question worth asking after the Nashville Predators reassigned Kyle Wilson to their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, today.

With Wilson headed to Milwaukee, the Preds now have only 12 forwards on their current NHL roster: Martin Erat, Mike Fisher, Matt Halischuk, Patric Hornqvist, Sergei Kostitsyn, David Legwand, Brian McGrattan, Craig Smith, Jerred Smithson, Nick Spaling, Jordin Tootoo and Colin Wilson. That gives the Preds exactly four lines worth of players up front and zero extras standing by, either as healthy scratches or as players on injured reserve.

Keep in mind that this is a club who has always carried a couple extra players just in case something goes awry. Hence why we pose the trade question.

The NHL’s holiday roster freeze begins on Monday, December 19 and doesn’t release until midnight (okay, 12:01am) Eastern on Wednesday, December 28. This means that, if General Manager David Poile wanted to pull the trigger on a deal, he would need all of his ducks in a row by Monday morning or have to wait a week and half.

A week and a half in which Nashville has four games. Five if you assume the player(s) coming into town wouldn’t be here in time for Wednesday night’s tilt against the league’s best Minnesota Wild. In five games, there are 10 points on the line. In the Western Conference especially, that can be the difference between getting into the playoffs and being a lottery pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

In short, don’t be surprised if news breaks that the Predators have made a trade before Monday’s roster freeze. But, at the same time, don’t be surprised if nothing happens at all. Poile is always at his best when everyone least expects it. And, right now, we’re half expecting it.

The official press release is below.

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Nashville, Tenn. (December 16, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has reassigned forward Kyle Wilson to Milwaukee (AHL).

Wilson, 26 (12/15/84), suited up for five games during his first stint with the Predators, going pointless and averaging 8:08 of ice time.

Coming off an exciting 4-3 come-from-behind victory last night over the Central Division rival Detroit Red Wings, the Predators return to action tomorrow (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game, McDonald’s Family 4 Pack Night) to take on the St. Louis Blues, looking to finish up their current home stand with a 4-0-0 sweep. To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com,ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

Today, Geoffrion joined him.

After being activated from IR, Geoffrion was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals in an effort to get him valuable ice time.

Nashville was just 3-6-1 without him in the lineup. By contrast, they were 11-5-3 with him.

The Brentwood, Tennessee native has missed the last six games with an injury he sustained when former Predator Ryan Jones took a run at him behind the Nashville net on November 28 in Edmonton.

The official press release is below.

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Nashville, Tenn. (December 13, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has activated forward Blake Geoffrion from injured reserve and assigned him to Milwaukee (AHL).

Geoffrion, 23 (2/3/88), has missed the past six games due to an upper-body injury. He has one assist in 19 games for the Predators this season.

The Predators take on the Calgary Flames tonight (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game,  Daily’s Super Tuesday), game two of a four game home stand. The week in Smashville continues on Thursday when the Detroit Red Wings come to town (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game) and Saturday when the St. Louis Blues make a stop in Music City (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game,  McDonald’s Family 4 Pack Night). To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

This month, after a decade and a half of events, Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena celebrates its 15th anniversary. Visit nashvillepredators.com/15thanniversary for a special “15 Years of Bridgestone Arena in 15 Days” daily feature that takes a year-by-year look back at the signature stories and events that defined Bridgestone Arena and impacted the Nashville community.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua // Flickr (used with permission)

As Seth Lake very astutely pointed out via Twitter, this is what the Preds would have done with Colin Wilson last season when they just, frankly, ran out of warm bodies to put on the ice.

The Rancho Santa Margarita, California native was a healthy scratch in back-to-back games this past week. Before Thursday night’s contest in Columbus, he had never been scratched in his brief NHL career.

The coaching staff must see more in rookie Roman Josi than they do in Blum right now.

The official press release is below.

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NASHVILLE PREDATORS ASSIGN DEFENSEMAN JONATHON BLUM TO MILWAUKEE

Nashville, Tenn. (December 12, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has assigned defenseman Jonathon Blum to Milwaukee (AHL).

Blum, 22 (1/30/89), has five points (2g-3a) in 27 games for the Predators in 2011-12.

The Predators take on the Calgary Flames tomorrow night (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game,  Daily’s Super Tuesday) for game two of a four game home stand, with the Detroit Red Wings visiting Smashville on Thursday (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game) and the St. Louis Blues making a stop in Music City on Saturday (7 p.m., FSTN, 102.5 The Game,  McDonald’s Family 4 Pack Night). To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

This month, after a decade and a half of events, Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena celebrates its 15th anniversary. Visit nashvillepredators.com/15thanniversary for a special “15 Years of Bridgestone Arena in 15 Days” daily feature that takes a year-by-year look back at the signature stories and events that defined Bridgestone Arena and impacted the Nashville community.

BELOW IS THE PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS. For full Admirals coverage, follow our good friends @adsroundtable on Twitter.

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Milwaukee, WI—For the second time at the Bradley Center this weekend the Milwaukee Admirals trailed after two periods and for the second time they tied the game in the third and then won it in a shoot-out as the Ads took down the Rockford IceHogs 5-4 Sunday afternoon. Milwaukee has now won five straight games at home and finished the weekend with two wins in three games.

The IceHogs held a 4-3 lead as play began in the third period, but just 3:02 into the frame Mark Van Guilder scored his second goal of the game to even the score at three, where it would stay the rest of the period and through overtime. Milwaukee defenseman Victor Bartley fired a shot from the left point that was stopped by Rockford goalie Alec Richards. The rebound was gathered behind the net by Ryan Flynn, who chipped a short pass over to Van Guilder on the right post and he knocked it in.

Milwaukee netminder Jeremy Smith stopped all four Rockford shooters, while the Admirals Michael Latta and Ryan Ellis each went five-hole to beat Richards and the Ads had their fifth win in their last six tries. Counting Friday night’s win over Grand Rapids, Smith has now turned aside eight consecutive shooters.

The first period certainly didn’t look like it was the third game in three nights for both teams as they combined for five goals and many more scoring chances. After the first 20 minutes the Admirals held a 3-2 lead.

Rockford got on the board first when Jimmy Hayes sent a pretty cross-ice pass to the tape of defenseman Dylan Olsen 4:09 into the game.

The Admirals answered with Joel Champagne’s second goal in as many nights, as Ryan Flynn found him streaking towards the right face-off dot and he buried the one-timer. Van Guilder added an assist on the goal. However, Rockford took the lead back when Peter LeBlanc deflected Brian Fahey’s shot and it squirted through Smith’s legs at 13:12 of the opening frame.

Milwaukee responded again with Van Guilder netting his first goal of the night off a similar play to Champagne’s tally and it was knotted at two with 5:50 to play in the first. Jani Lajunen gave the Ads their first lead of the game when he pockted his first pro goal at the 18:51 mark. Defenseman Tyler Sloan fired a shot from the right point that was stopped by Richards. However he Rockford netminder couldn’t handle the puck and Lajunen pounced on it for the tally.

The IceHogs picked up the only two goals of the second period to take a 4-3 lead. The first came just 2:04 into the stanza on Andrew Shaw’s tally and the second came on the power-play by Rostislav Olesz at 6:54.

The Ads had a great opportunity to tie the game late in the second when Jeremy Morin was whistled for a major elbowing penalty and a game misconduct, putting Milwaukee on the power-play for five minutes. However, despite a number of good chances the Admirals could crack Richards and the Hogs went into the third with the lead.

Van Guilder’s two goals paced the Milwaukee offense, while Flynn netted a pair of assists for the Ads, who fired a season-high 45 shots on goal.

The Admirals return to action next Friday, December 16^th at 7:00 pm against the Toronto Marlies at 7:00 pm at the Bradley Center. The first 10,000 fans will take home a 2012 Admirals/We Energies Calendar. Fans can purchase tickets for this weekend’s games, or any Admirals game, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or logging on tomilwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more people receive at least $2 off the face value of each ticket. For more information or to purchase group tickets fans can call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550 or visitmilwaukeeadmirals.com. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

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Peoria, IL – Atte Engren turned aside 29 shots to lead the Milwaukee Admirals to a 3-2 win over the Rivermen in Peoria Saturday night.

Engren’s biggest save came in the final minutes of the game when he kicked his right pad to stop Peoria sniper Brett Sterling’s breakaway.

Milwaukee improved to 4-0 this season against the Rivermen and 3-0 at Carver Arena.

Milwaukee got on the board at 9:28 of the first period. Defenseman Teemu Laakso sent a pass from the right wing boards into the slot for Joel Champagne. Champagne tipped the puck to the left post where Mark Van Guilder buried it for his third goal of the season.

Peoria tied the game at 8:15 of the third period with a power play goal by Jonathan Cheechoo. Cheechoo picked up a turnover and fired a shot from the left circle for his seventh goal of the season.

With 5:10 to play, Milwaukee reclaimed the lead on a power play goal from Zack Stortini. Laakso sent a shot from the right circle on net. Goalie Jake Allen made the save but Stortini stuffed the rebound for his third goal of the season and first on the power play. Laakso and Ryan Ellis recorded the assists.

Just 13 seconds later, Laakso went to the penalty box for interference and Peoria evened the score once again at 15:10. T.J. Hensick fired a wrist shot from the left circle past a Cheechoo-screened Engren for his seventh of the season.

The Admirals scored the game-winner just 29 seconds after the score was tied. Jani Lajunen’s shot from the slot went behind the Peoria net. With Allen following the play, Ryan Thang passed the puck into the slot for Gabriel Bourque to plant for his second goal of the season.

Milwaukee returns home Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:00 pm against Grand Rapids. Fans can order tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000 or by logging on to the Admirals website at www.milwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more get $2 off every ticket. For more info on how to order group tickets please call (414)227-0550. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

Nashville, Tenn. (December 3, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Chris Mueller (KRIHS MEW-luhr) from Milwaukee (AHL).

Mueller, 25 (3/6/86), leads the Admirals in points (9g-8a-17pts) and is tied for the team lead in points through 19 games in 2011-12. The West Seneca, N.Y., native is also tied for 14th in the AHL in power-play goals (4). A season ago, the 5-11, 203-pound forward appeared in his first 15 NHL contests with Nashville, registering three assists. Signed as a free agent on Dec. 27, 2010, Mueller posted 104 points (42g-62a) in 166 games (missing just four contests total) with Michigan State University from 2004-08, and helped the Spartans win the 2007 NCAA National Championship, ranking fifth in points (3g-2a) during the NCAA Tournament.

Fresh off a 6-5 come-from-behind victory at Vancouver on Thursday, the Predators return to Smashville tonight for the first time since Nov. 22 when they host the Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m.,McDonald’s Family 4 Pack Night). To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.comor call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

This month, after a decade and a half of events, Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena celebrates its 15th anniversary. Visit nashvillepredators.com over the next two weeks for a special “15 Years of Bridgestone Arena in 15 Days” daily feature that takes a year-by-year look back at the signature stories and events that defined Bridgestone Arena and impacted the Nashville community.

Rookie forward Michael Latta led the way for the Admirals with two goals and an assist on the night, while fellow first-year players Taylor Beck (1g-1a) and Ryan Ellis (2a) each tallied multi-point efforts as well. Jeremy Smith stopped 24 of 25 shots to pick up his 11^th win of the year.

After a scoreless first period, Juuso Puustinen almost made the bears rain when he was hooked from behind on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot at 11:42 of the second. However, his attempt was no-good as he pushed a forehand just wide of Peoria goalie Ben Bishop and the net.

Peoria’s Derrick Nesbit gave the Rivermen a 1-0 lead at 15:57 of the second on a power-play tally, but their lead wouldn’t last long.

With time running out on the teddy bear toss, Michael Latta beat Bishop with a wrister to tie the score and also unleash an avalanche of teddy bears. The goal was assisted by Beck and Ellis, while the teddy bears were collected and then donated to UMOS.

Defenseman Victory Bartley scored what would eventually be the game winner at 3:18 of the third period. Bartley carried the puck through the neutral zone and then ripped a slapper from just inside the blueline that beat a screened Bishop low to the stick side.

The Admirals picked up some insurance on a beautiful backhand goal by Beck at 5:42 of the third. With Beck stationed in front of the net, Latta sent a pass to him from the right point. Beck caught it on his forehand and then chipped a backhand that rose quickly to beat Bishop over his right shoulder.

Milwaukee would tack on two more as Joel Champagne notched his first goal as an Admiral at 12:46 of the third and then Latta ended the scoring with his second of the night with 3:15 to play in the game.

The Admirals and Rivermen finish up their home-and-home series on Saurday night in Peoria at 7:00 pm.

The Ads next home game is next Friday, December 9^th at 7:00 pm against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Fans can purchase tickets for Friday’s game, or any Admirals game, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or logging on to milwaukeeadmirals.com. Groups of ten or more people receive at least $2 off the face value of each ticket. For more information or to purchase group tickets fans can call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550or visit milwaukeeadmirals.com.

But two NHL teams did say “peace out” to their bench bosses this morning. The Washington Capitals fired Bruce Boudreau after four seasons and the Carolina Hurricanes severed ties with Paul Maurice for the second time.

It’s the Hurricanes move that impacted the Predators.

Maurice went 116-100-30 in his second stint manning the benches in Carolina but a Southeast Division worst 8-13-4 record this season along with a 70-point captain (Eric Staal) playing terrible hockey (11 points in 25 games and a league worst minus-17 rating) led to his demise.

Milwaukee Admirals Head Coach Kirk Muller will take Maurice’s spot and Admirals’ Assistant Coach Ian Herbers will take Muller’s.

Muller has never been a head coach at the NHL level. His coaching resume consists of a single year as the bench boss of Queen’s University, five years as the assistant coach of the Montreal Canadiens and then 17 games as the head coach of the Ads. He will coach his first NHL game on Tuesday when the Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers.

The Kingston, Ontario native won a Stanley Cup while skating for the Canadiens in 1993.

Herbers was the head man with the ECHL’s Johnstown Chiefs for two years before becoming an assistant in Milwaukee in 2009. He was also considered a finalist for the head coaching gig before it was awarded to Muller this past summer.

He may have missed out then but he obviously didn’t have to wait long. His first game as head coach will be tomorrow night when the Admirals face off against the Abbotsford Heat at Bradley Center.

UPDATE (11.28.11, 4:01pm): The Milwaukee Admirals’ official press release is below:

IAN HERBERS TABBED AS NEW ADMIRALS HEAD COACH

Herbers takes Over for Kirk Muller

Milwaukee, WI–The Milwaukee Admirals announced today that Ian Herbers has been named the team’s new head coach. Herbers replaces Kirk Muller, who was named the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes today.

Herbers, the 19^th head coach in Admirals history, has spent the past two plus seasons as the team’s top assistant. During his time in Milwaukee he has helped the Admirals to a combined 95-58-8-16 record, an impressive .605 winning percentage. In addition to his overall duties as bench boss, Herbers will continue to be responsible for the team’s defensive corps and the penalty kill unit.

In addition, Nashville Predators Director of Player Development Martin Gelinas will serve as Herbers assistant coach on an interim basis.

Herbers joined the Admirals after spending two seasons as the head coach of the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. During his time at the helm of the Chiefs, Herbers guided the team to a 73-60-8-3 record and a berth in the Kelly Cup Playoffs in 2007-08 where they lost in the second round to the eventual champions. Prior to joining the Chiefs, the Jasper, AB native spent three seasons with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, including two as the associate head coach. During those two years the Spirit compiled an impressive 80-51-2-3 record and a pair of playoff appearances.

The 44-year old Herbers, ended a successful 12-year playing career after the 2003-04 season. He totaled five assists and 79 penalty minutes in 65 career National Hockey League games with the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders and helped two teams win league championships: the 1993 Cape Breton Oilers in the American Hockey League and the 1997 Detroit Vipers in the International Hockey League.

The Buffalo Sabers 10th pick in the 1987 NHL draft, Herbers played 586 games in parts of ten seasons in the AHL and IHL with the Oilers, Vipers and Cleveland Lumberjacks. He totaled 147 points on 40 goals and 107 assists to go along with 1113 penalty minutes. He also posted 26 points (5g-21a) and 179 PIMs in 91 career post-season contests. His best seasons from an offensive perspective came with Detroit in the 1998-99 campaign when he set career highs in goals (8), assists (16), and points (24).

Muller leaves the Admirals as the shortest tenured coach in team history. The previous mark was held by Richard Jamieson, who was fired after 25 games (6-15-4-0) in the 1979-80 season. This is the first time in Admirals history that they have had a coach promoted to the NHL during the season and the first time they have had a coaching change mid-year since 1984-85 when Jim Pappin replaced Cliff Coroll behind the bench.

Herbers will man the bench for the first time on Tuesday, November 29^th when the Admirals host the Abbotsford Heat at 7:00 pm at the Bradley Center.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Nicholson // special to all Nashville Predators blogs (used with permission)

It appears as if 2008 second round draft pick Roman Josi has been recalled. Fellow Milwaukee Admiral Michael Latta sent out a series of tweets that said the following:

Josi was considered a front runner (among the defensive prospects) for an NHL roster spot in training camp but suffered a concussion. After finally returning to the Admirals lineup, Josi has registered four points in his five AHL games this year. He put up impressive numbers last year too, bagging six goals and 34 assists in 69 games.

Also of note, he spent the majority of the 2010-11 season skating with Blum until his recall in February. Perhaps those two could be paired together again on the power play.

He is generally considered the best Swiss prospect not in the NHL.

The Bern, Switzerland native will be the second Nashville prospect to make his NHL debut after a mid-season call-up. Ryan Thang debuted in Chicago back on October 31, logging 8:32 of ice time on 12 shifts. He was sent back to Milwaukee the next day despite a decent outing.

If officially recalled, Josi will make his NHL debut in Detroit on Saturday night.

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Predators have made it official, release included:

NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL DEFENSEMAN ROMAN JOSI

Nashville, Tenn. (November 25, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Roman Josi (ROH-man YO-see) from Milwaukee (AHL).

Josi, 21 (6/1/90), has points (1g-3a) in four of five games he’s played for the Admirals this season. A season ago, the Bern, Switzerland native was one of just three AHL rookie defensemen to post at least 40 points (6g-34a-40pts); he also led the 2010-11 Admirals in power-play points (3g-22a-25pts). Nashville’s third choice, 38th overall (second round), in 2008 Entry Draft helped SC Bern win both the Swiss League regular season and playoff titles in 2009-10, and represented his nation in both the 2009 and 2010 World Championships.

The Predators continue their five-game road trip tomorrow night at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit (6 p.m., 102.5 The Game, FOX Sports Tennessee) before heading to Western Canada for three games. The Preds won’t return to Smashville until the calendar flips to December, when, after a decade and a half of events, Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena celebrates its 15th anniversary.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Milwaukee Admirals (used with permission)

The Södertälje, Sweden native had tremendous offensive upside but it was unclear whether he would fit into the Nashville Predators’ play-all-200-feet-of-ice system. And while he did improve as the season went along, he didn’t do enough to earn a full time roster spot and was exposed to waivers once the team was fully healthy.

He managed only a goal and an assist in a Preds jersey but, let’s face it, he didn’t exactly get every opportunity to succeed. On most — if not all — nights he was skating on the fourth line. Hoping an offensive player can give you offense while skating on a line with Jerred Smithson and Blake Geoffrion is flat out asking too much.

That being said, a player has to earn his opportunities. Especially in Nashville. Bergfors didn’t do that, plain and simple. For every flash of talent he exhibited, he also had a bad turnover in his own end. Matter of fact, he failed to clear the puck at key times in at least three different games that come to mind. If you’re going to lace up the skates for Head Coach Barry Trotz, you better take care of your own end, and “Bergy” didn’t do that.

This was, quite frankly, looked at as a make-or-break year for Bergfors. After making the 2009-10 NHL All-Rookie Team with the New Jersey Devils, his reputation took a hit. With a good year in Nashville, it was thought, he could realize his full potential and deal himself back into the league’s good graces. With a poor campaign, however, he might very well find himself playing hockey in Europe for the rest of his professional career.

His clearing waivers and being assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals seem to be the final steps toward the latter.

The good news for Bergfors (if there is any) is that there’s still plenty of games left to make an impression. If the 24-year old can make waves at the AHL level, he may be able to get his confidence back and earn himself a recall. Unfortunately he could just as easily throw in the towel, go through the motions and play out the remainder of his contract.

His true character will be tested while wearing an AHL sweater, that much is certain.

For more on the move, CLICK HERE. Our good friends over at Admirals Roundtable weighed in from their perspective.

For now, however, the Predators’ official press release is below.

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Nashville, Tenn. (November 23, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that forward Niclas Bergfors has cleared waivers and been assigned to Milwaukee (AHL).

Bergfors, 24 (3/7/87), has two points (1g-1a) in 11 games with the Predators this season.

The Predators kick off a five-game road trip tonight against the Minnesota Wild (7 p.m., 102.5 The Game, FOX Sports Tennessee), then head to Detroit and Western Canada. The Preds won’t return to Smashville until the calendar flips to December, when, after a decade and a half of events, Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena celebrates its 15th anniversary.

This Friday and Saturday, the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena are jumping in on Black Friday madness, offering massive discounts of up to 50 percent to the general public for 2011-12 Nashville Predators home games, Pro Shop items and Bridgestone Arena events. This two-day, limited inventory, Black Friday super sale kicks off at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 and runs through 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26. To take advantage of this opportunity, call 615-770-7800, go online to nashvillepredators.com/blackfriday or visit the Bridgestone Arena Box Office. Parking on Friday and Saturday is free from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for all fans in the Bridgestone Arena Sixth Avenue garage (at the corner of Sixth Ave. and Demonbreun St.).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua // special to section303.com