Slashing is a penalty in hockey, but not the kind the Admirals did last week when they cut all their ticket prices to $12 for next season. Was it an act of desperation, or a move that other local pro sports franchises will follow?

Certainly, the fact the Admirals had a losing season on the ice -- a relative rarity -- and at the box office -- a regular occurrence -- played a big part in the team's decision to make the bold move.

Let's hope it is not an act of desperation. Administrators of the trust of the late Jane Pettit, which now owns the Admirals, have been rumored to be interested in selling the team, but other sources say that strict restrictions put into the trust will protect the franchise.

Phil Wittliff, the Admirals' executive vice-president and GM, said the price slashing was the result of the team listening to its fans, and sports fans in general who are fed up with high prices.

"We have listened and we do get it," Wittliff said on the night the team announced the slash.

The Admirals should be commended, although their move is not unprecedented in sports. Also, don't expect it to lead to a lot of copycats in this market.

First, of all we are still a reasonable sports market, believe it or not. My wife sat right behind the glass at the Wave's final playoff game for only $16. Regular season tickets are cheaper for the indoor soccer team.

The Rampage's ticket prices are $9 for adults and $7 for kids, and certain packages reduce those prices even further.

When you turn to so-called major league sports, the prices go up. The Bucks' tickets last season ranged from $10 to $70, but on special bonus nights you could get a ticket for as little as $7.

The Brewers pulled a real PR boner when they increased some of their ticket prices after announcing they had a profitable season last year. But, you can still go to a game at Miller Park for as little as $1 if you want to sit in the Uecker seats.

Plus, perhaps in response to the bad publicity, the Brewers have had numerous promotions this spring. You could get good seats for as little as $5.

As for the Packers, forget asking since they have been sold out since 1960. In 2003, they will sell some individual game tickets. Don't expect them to be cheap, but they likely will still be more reasonable than many NFL teams.

Believe me, I don't like to see what has happened in sports with ticket prices. I remember my dad rounding up the whole neighborhood and taking all of us to games. I doubt if a working class dad could afford to do that now.

But, Milwaukee and Wisconsin teams still are a relative bargain, compared to many other markets in the country.

The Rampage had a big weekend, first with the initial night game at its soccer complex in Franklin on Friday. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Thunder beat the Rampage, 3-2, but newly elected county exec Scott Walker and other dignitaries helped turn on the lights at the complex.

On Sunday, during some foul weather, the Rampage was drubbed 7-0 by TSV 1860 of Munich, Germany, in an exhibition match. The Rampage will play a second German team next Monday, May 20, when it hosts FC Nurnberg.

The Milwaukee Bombers will play their next Australian Rules football game in a big tournament in Kansas City this Saturday. You'll have to wait until June 22 to see Footy in Milwaukee.

The Bombers play the Chicago Sharks at home on that date. All their games before then are on the road.

Our golf buzz last week about Fox Hills drew some attention from others around the state. Here's news about a package for Lake Arrowhead, Sentryworld and the Ridges courses. All three locations are great courses with Lake Arrowhead having two 18-hole courses.

A Super Saver for Lake Arrowhead deal includes golf on Sunday afternoon, a room Sunday night at the Hotel Mead and golf Monday morning for $107.45 per person, based on double occupancy.

Look for more golf buzz in upcoming columns.

I seldom include Brewers' news in this column, since The Brew Crew Review is devoted exclusively to that team on Thursdays.

But, the sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley Field this past weekend cannot wait until Thursday. You can see brief reviews of the Friday and Sunday games on the BCR news and message board. See more about the Brewers and Cubs, as well as the Crew's series with the Reds at Miller Park this coming Thursday.