MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Admirals are celebrating their 50th season this year.

There's a strange story behind how they got their name.

"The gentleman who owned the team also owned an appliance company, and he decided that one of his brands was one he wanted to put forth, and it was Admiral Appliances," said Admirals President Jon Greenberg. 

The Admirals, who have always been represented by some kind of nautical or naval mascot, actually owe their name to a popular brand of appliances from the 1960's.

The team is unveiling new merchandise honoring those roots.

Shirts and other items will be on sale on Black Friday at the Admirals team store. The Ads will also wear jerseys with a refrigerator on them for their April 4 game.