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Season Review: Norfolk Admirals 2025â26 â A Year of Transition and Tough Lessons
TL;DR
The Norfolk Admirals faced a challenging 2025â26 season marked by inconsistency and defensive issues, falling short of expectations after previous successes. The team struggled to compete in the tough North Division and Eastern Conference.
Key points
- Norfolk Admirals had a difficult 2025â26 season
- Team struggled with consistency and defensive issues
- Previous season included a strong 40-win campaign
- Expectations were high for sustained contention
- Competed in a highly competitive North Division
The 2025â26 season proved to be a difficult step back for the Norfolk Admirals, a team that entered the year with momentum from the previous seasons, but ultimately struggled to find consistency in a highly competitive North Division.
After posting back-to-back strong seasons, including a 40-win campaign in 2024â25, the expectations in Norfolk were to build toward sustained contention. Instead, the year became one defined by inconsistency, defensive lapses, and an inability to keep pace in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Record and Standings
Photo Credit: Norfolk Admirals
Norfolk finished the season with a 28-37-4 record (60 points), placing them near the bottom of the North Division and outside the playoff picture.
The drop-off was significant compared to the previous yearâs playoff appearance, highlighting just how thin the margin can be in the ECHL. A negative goal differential 211 goals for, 250 againstâunderscored the teamâs struggles, particularly on the defensive side of the puck.
Offensive Bright Spots
Despite the overall record, there were notable individual performances that kept the Admirals competitive on many nights.
Veteran forward Brady Fleurent led the way offensively, putting together a standout season with 61 points (31 goals, 32 assists), serving as a consistent offensive driver.
Additional contributions came from players like KristĂłf Papp, Jack OâLeary, and Jaydon Dureau, who provided secondary scoring and flashes of offensive creativity.
đ¨JD SEALS IT WITH THE HAT-TRICKđ¨
Jaydon Dureau buries the empty-netter for his 18th goal of the year, completing the hat trick and putting the finishing touch on the afternoon and the season! @ECHLpic.twitter.com/1Byxl4VlPq
â Norfolk Admirals (@NorfolkAdmirals) April 19, 2026
At their best, Norfolkâs offense showed the ability to generate chances off the rush and capitalize on speed, but sustaining that pressure game-to-game proved difficult.
Q&A
What were the Norfolk Admirals' standings in the 2025â26 season?
The Norfolk Admirals struggled in the 2025â26 season, failing to maintain their previous success and facing challenges in the North Division.
What caused the Norfolk Admirals' struggles in the 2025â26 season?
The team's struggles were attributed to inconsistency, defensive lapses, and an inability to keep pace with a competitive Eastern Conference.
How did the Norfolk Admirals perform compared to the previous season?
The Admirals experienced a significant decline, moving from a strong 40-win season in 2024â25 to a disappointing performance in 2025â26.
What were the expectations for the Norfolk Admirals heading into the 2025â26 season?
Expectations were high for the Admirals to build on their previous success and aim for sustained contention in the league.
