Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 18, 1990 TAG: 9003182526
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Randy King
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Three weeks ago, New Yorker Richard Geery, who bought the Virginia Lancers from Brabham in July 1989, announced there was a "good chance" he would move the club at the end of the season because of a lack of fan support.
"I know that all of you have read in the paper about the team leaving here and so forth," said Brabham, addressing the crowd during the first intermission to the Greensboro-Virginia playoff game.
"Chances are, the present franchise will be moving. But if we're able to obtain 500 or more season-ticket holders, I can assure we'll have a team back in Virginia.
"We'll need the support, though, to do it. We must have 500 to bring a new [franchise] in."
Geery was unavailable for comment. He was in London on Saturday to attend an organizational meeting for the proposed Global Hockey League. He is studying the possibility of starting a Global franchise in Orlando, Fla.
Geery has said he may move the Lancers to Greenville, S.C., for the 1990-91 ECHL season.
Brabham has received permission from the ECHL to bring a new franchise into Vinton if Geery moves the team.
Brabham also owns controlling interest in the league's Johnstown, Pa., franchise.
When asked if Brabham could own interest in two clubs, ECHL Commissioner Pat Kelly replied, "No comment."
by CNB