THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 4, 1995 TAG: 9502040470
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
The Portland Pirates have told Hampton Roads Admirals coach John Brophy they may sign John Porco to a contract, perhaps as early as Monday, a move that apparently would ensure the high-scoring center remains in Norfolk the rest of the season.
Porco recently returned from a three-week stint with San Diego of the IHL, and had two goals and two assists in six games. But he only played in about half of the Gulls' games and did not play on special teams, where he excels.
``They had three younger guys under contract to Anaheim (San Diego's NHL affiliate) that were just sitting around,'' Porco said. ``They said they were pleased with how I played, but they were under pressure to get those guys some ice time.''
Brophy says two IHL teams have called and asked about Porco since his return earlier this week. However, if Portland signs him, Porco can't go anywhere except to the Pirates, the Admirals' AHL affiliate, and would almost surely finish the season in Norfolk.
``We told them the guy is a great prospect, and they're interested in signing him,'' Brophy said.
Regardless, Porco says he won't return to San Diego unless the Gulls guarantee him a contract for the rest of the season.
``I'm glad I went because I proved to myself I can play at that level,'' he said. ``But I was there almost three weeks, living out of a suitcase, eating every meal at hotels. Then I'm on a plane back here, flying from coast to coast. It disrupts your entire life.
``I'm very happy playing hockey here.''
CULT FIGURE: Steve Buffery, a reporter from the Toronto Sun, has been in Hampton Roads most of the week working on two stories. He's writing a feature on Brophy, who coached the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2 1/2 seasons in the mid-1980s. He's also doing a story on Canadian boxer Egerton Marcus, who calls Virginia Beach home.
``When Toronto fans think of former coaches, many of them think of John Brophy first,'' Buffery said.
``They admired his personality and his drive. They know it wasn't his fault that the team didn't win, that the organization was in poor shape at the time.
``He's almost a cult figure in Toronto. I think a lot of people would like to see him back in the organization.''
Marcus will fight German boxer Henry Maske in Frankfurt, Germany, for the IBF light heavyweight championship. He is training at Wareing's Gym.
``He's here because there are no sparring partners and no coaching in Canada,'' Buffery said. ``Trying to train a pro boxer in Canada is like trying to run a hockey league in Mississippi.''
STENCH: Several dozen fans at Scope complained to Admirals officials about a terrible odor that brought tears to their eyes Friday and forced some to leave midway through the game.
Although officials were unable to pinpoint a cause, they think a teargas or pepper gas cannister broke in a bathroom below the stands.
``It's unfortunate,'' Admirals president Blake Cullen said. ``We had no place to relocate the fans. We're sorry it happened and will refund money or provide replacement tickets to the fans who were affected.'' by CNB