The Milwaukee Admirals, a professional ice hockey team, are the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Founded in 1970, the Admirals have grown from an amateur club to a respected force in professional hockey. Their logos, evolving over five decades, have mirrored this progression, transitioning from playful to increasingly fierce and professional.

Team Origins and Evolution

The Admirals began in 1970 under the ownership of Erwin J. Merar. Initially part of the United States Hockey League (USHL), they transitioned to the International Hockey League (IHL) in 1977, gaining prominence in a more competitive arena. By 2001, the Admirals joined the American Hockey League (AHL), aligning with the Nashville Predators.

Among their many achievements, the Admirals' Calder Cup victory in 2003-2004 remains a pinnacle of success. Known for cultivating NHL-caliber talent, they consistently balance competitive excellence with community engagement, making them a Milwaukee sports staple.

What is Milwaukee Admirals?

The Milwaukee Admirals are an AHL ice hockey team, proudly affiliated with the Nashville Predators. Their history includes decades of playoff runs, player development, and a deep-rooted connection to Milwaukee’s sports culture.

Logo Evolution

The Admirals' logo history reflects the team’s dynamic growth, evolving from lighthearted to aggressive and professional.

1971–1973

The inaugural logo was a white circle with black accents, centered on a red “A” crafted from two hockey sticks. A tiny hockey player stood in front, with the team’s name encircling the design in sans-serif black lettering.

1973–1977

Building on the previous logo, the hockey player remained but was now blue, set against a tricolor backdrop (blue, white, and red). The circular format evolved into a rectangular shape with the team name in red and blue along the white outline, separated by two stars.

1977–1981

This redesign introduced a friendly admiral caricature in a military uniform, his eyes hidden by his hat. Holding a hockey stick, the figure represented a playful and approachable identity.

1982–1997

The admiral transformed into a more determined character, featuring an exaggerated nose and chin. This aggressive depiction included a saber, emphasizing a competitive edge.

1997–2001

The admiral's head became the focal point, surrounded by the team name. This marked the transition toward a more modern and minimalist approach.

2001–2006

Slight refinements brought sharper lines and improved proportions to the admiral's head. The burgundy wordmark balanced the graphical elements.

2006–2015

The most dramatic redesign replaced the admiral with a skeleton head, donning a black and blue hat adorned with an anchor. A custom, narrowed typeface introduced a sleek wordmark in black with a light blue stripe through the center.

2015–Today

The current logo blends the aggressive nature of the skeleton motif with refined professionalism. A skeletal admiral now anchors the design, set against a blue and white palette with a stylish, custom wordmark. The logo captures the team's fierce spirit and modern identity.

Milwaukee Admirals Today

The Milwaukee Admirals are a symbol of perseverance and community pride, captivating fans with their competitive play and bold branding. Their striking logo and affiliation with the Nashville Predators continue to solidify their reputation as a powerhouse in minor league hockey.