THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 24, 1994 TAG: 9412240470
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Five weeks ago, with his team in the midst of a five-game losing streak, Hampton Roads Admirals coach John Brophy threatened to trade most of his players. A few weeks later he began talking trades with half a dozen ECHL teams.
He had nearly brokered a 3-for-3 deal with Birmingham before negotiations broke down earlier this month. But now that the Admirals are winning, Brophy is no longer considering a trade.
``We can win with the guys we've got,'' said Brophy, whose Admirals blasted Charlotte, 8-0, Friday for their ninth win in their last 14 outings.
``It was never a question of talent. When these guys play hard, they win. Now they're playing hard.''
That doesn't mean Brophy won't listen when others call. He is notorious for pulling off midseason deals, usually in January, that strengthen his team for the stretch run and the playoffs.
But for now, the Admirals are no longer looking over their shoulders.
EMBARRASSED: Shawn Wheeler has had better nights than Friday. The Charlotte player/assistant, who played for the Admirals last season, tripped before a faceoff in the first period and fell flat on the ice. He waved and smiled at fans who hooted as he stood back up.
Later, he entered the Admirals penalty box by mistake, and had to be ushered to the correct box as fans again hooted.
In the second period he was assessed penalties for slashing and roughing. Both led to Admirals power-play goals.
After entering the penalty box for the second penalty - this time he found the right door - he began arguing with fans who were chiding him and raised his stick in a menacing gesture.
Finally, late in the third period, when the score was 8-0, he hit Admirals forward Tony MacAulay with his stick, then jumped MacAulay from behind, and a brief boxing match ensued.
MacAulay was assessed a double-minor for roughing. Wheeler was given a game-misconduct and the accompanying automatic ejection, a major for high-sticking and a double-minor for roughing.
It was the third game against Hampton Roads in which Wheeler has been thumbed. As he left the ice for the final time, he gestured to MacAuley and then to the fans.
And the smile was long gone.
There was no smile on MacAulay's face, either. It took six stitches to close two cuts around his right eye.
PADS ARE OFF: Assistant coach Al MacIsaac is no longer working out with the team full-time, and that has ended speculation, for now, that me night become a player/coach.
``They don't need me,'' said MacIsaac, an all-star defenseman with the Admirals two years ago. ``We have too many players as it is.''
MacIsaac put on the pads and began working out full-time when the team was losing and short of defenseman.
However, the Admirals now have three players on injured reserve and a fourth - Mike Nemirovsky, who was waived but is working out with the team in the hope that a roster position will become available.
MacIsaac could return later if needed. He continues to skate and lift weights and could be in game shape within a short time. by CNB