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Milwaukee Admirals player makes a comeback on the ice after alcohol abuse suspension

Posted at 10:16 PM, Mar 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-29 23:16:10-04

First game back and Austin Watson scored two goals for the Milwaukee Admirals.

"You know, haven't played a game in awhile...haven't, you know, up until the last week or so, haven't been able to, haven't been able to skate," Watson said. "So to come out and jump right into a heated rivalry, one that I've played many games in, back and forth with Rockford."

Watson is back after suspension for alcohol abuse while with the Nashville Predators.

"It feels awesome, I mean...I'm a hockey player," he said. It's what I do for a living and it's what I enjoying doing. It's my passion so to be back out here, and to be with the guys laughing and joking around, working hard, you know, playing big, meaningful games. It's, you know, it's just fun."

TODAY'S TMJ4 Sports Anchor Lance Allan asked Watson what the other guys on the team say to him.

"What do the guys say to me? Do your job!" Watson said.

"The old Bill Belichick?" asked Allan.

"Yeah, yeah, basically. 'Get out of the way!" said Watson.

With his off-ice struggles, Watson could help others.

"I feel like an inspiration? I don't know. I don't know. Right now, I just feel like, feel like a hockey player for the Milwaukee Admirals right now just kind of getting my legs back and you know, trying to, trying to contribute," Watson said.

Maybe Milwaukee is bringing the fun back for him with the Admirals, where he started his pro career.

"I love the city," said Watson. "I really enjoyed my first two years here, really fond memories.You know, this is where I kind of grew up, so to speak."

In the short amount of time he's here he could spark the ads to the postseason.

"And that's exactly it, I, you know I don't want to take away from anything or you know, cause any distraction or anything like that," he said. It's contribute."

But Nashville will be calling soon.

"I'll be excited to go back and, you know, see my family, see my daughter, see my wife," he said. "And, you know, be able to go back but also whenever that does happen? To be able to hopefully contribute, contribute in Nashville with the playoffs rolling around, right around the corner."