Admirals to Honor Berry and McNeill
Published on December 3, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Milwaukee Admirals News Release
Milwaukee Admirals' Executive Vice President/General Manager Phil Wittliff announced Wednesday that former Admirals Fred Berry and Mike McNeill will be honored at the Admirals games on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 7:00 pm against the Cleveland Barons.
The jersey #14 worn by both Admirals stars during their careers will be retired during an intermission ceremony.
"Fred Berry and Mike McNeill represent two different eras of Milwaukee Admirals hockey and they exemplify, both on and off the ice, the qualities of which the Milwaukee Admirals organization is extremely proud," said Wittliff. "Both are dedicated family men, and each continues to be an integral parts of the Milwaukee community long after their playing careers."
Berry played for the Admirals from early 1980 through the 1986-87 season. He was one of the most prolific scorers in Milwaukee Admirals history. In 465 games with the Admirals over six and a half seasons Berry scored 604 points, including 379 assists.
In addition, Berry, who was acquired by the Admirals from the Toledo Goaldiggers during the 1979-80 season, ranks among the greatest players in IHL history. He sits 17th among All-Time IHL point leaders with 791 points and 15th among All-Time IHL assist leaders with 533.
"Fred's statistics speak for themselves," said Wittliff. "He was clearly a dominant offensive performer in the IHL during the 1980s."
McNeill played six full seasons in Milwaukee from 1992 through 1998. He scored 207 points, including 97 goals in 452 games. He had back-to-back 20 goal seasons in 1993-94 and 1994-95. He also logged 63 National Hockey League games scoring 16 points, including five goals for the Chicago Blackhawks and Quebec Nordiques.
His contributions to the Admirals far outweighed his offensive prowess and he earned a league-wide reputation as an outstanding two-way player. During the 1989-90 season, as a member of the Turner Cup Champion Indianapolis Ice, he was the recipient of the N.R. "Bud" Poile Trophy (Playoff MVP) despite finishing ninth among Indianapolis scorers during those playoffs. "Mike may have been the best defensive player to ever play for the Admirals," added Wittliff. "His penalty killing was superb and he also chipped in offensively.
On the evening of December 27th and 30th the Admirals will wear "retro" jerseys similar to the ones worn by Berry and McNeill during their playing career. The jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting The Variety Club, a Children's Charity.
Pat McCurdy will also perform in the East Atrium on December 27th, pre-game, post-game and during intermissions.
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