Admirals' 'Worst Game of Year' Leads to Series Split

Norfolk Admirals fall to Trois-Rivières Lions in ECHL matchup

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Norfolk Admirals suffered a tough loss against the reigning Kelly Cup champion Trois-Rivières Lions, with the team's head coach describing it as their "worst game of the year." The defeat means the Admirals split their series with the Lions as they completed their homestand.

Why it matters

The Admirals are looking to build momentum and challenge for a playoff spot in the ECHL, so this loss against the defending champions is a setback in their season. The team will need to regroup and learn from this defeat to bounce back in their upcoming games.

The details

The Admirals were outmatched by the Lions, who took control of the game early on. The Lions' superior play resulted in the Admirals' head coach describing it as their "worst game of the year." Despite the loss, the Admirals were able to split the series with the reigning Kelly Cup champions, suggesting they can compete with the league's top teams.

  • The game took place on January 31, 2026.

The players

Norfolk Admirals

An ECHL hockey team based in Norfolk, Virginia.

Trois-Rivières Lions

The reigning Kelly Cup champions, an ECHL hockey team based in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

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What they’re saying

“That was our worst game of the year.”

— Norfolk Admirals Head Coach

The takeaway

The Admirals' loss to the defending champion Lions is a setback in their season, but the team's ability to split the series shows they can compete with the league's top teams. The Admirals will need to learn from this defeat and regroup to continue their push for a playoff spot.