THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 24, 1995 TAG: 9510240390
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Hampton Roads Admirals goaltender Corwin Saurdiff was admitted Monday to Chesapeake General Hospital with complications resulting from colitis.
Saurdiff was sidelined indefinitely last week after losing 16 pounds in two weeks from the colitis, which is an inflammation of the colon. The condition worsened over the weekend, when he lost 5 more pounds and an undetermined amount of blood.
Kelly Sorensen, a former Admiral who rooms with Saurdiff, called trainer Rick Burrill late Sunday night to tell him that Saurdiff was getting sicker.
After being seen by Dr. Edward Hanna on Monday morning, Saurdiff was taken immediately to Chesapeake General, Burrill said.
``His colitis has flared up to the point that . . . when he stands up, his blood pressure drops 20 points,'' Burrill said. ``That means his (blood) volume level is less than it's supposed to be.''
Saurdiff is on a liquid diet and receiving medication, yet his body is digesting very little.
``At this point, I don't know if this requires surgery or not,'' said Burrill, who added that he expects doctors to treat Saurdiff with medication and intravenous fluids before considering surgery.
``He probably won't be able to play for a month, minimum. . . . The worst-case scenario is that this could be season-ending.''
PASCUCCI COMING? There's been no official word yet, but it appears that Ron Pascucci, an All-ECHL defenseman for the Admirals last season, will be assigned to Hampton Roads this week from the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates.
Pascucci made the cut in Portland in training camp but has yet to dress this season. Portland expects to receive a player or two from the parent Washington Capitals, who recently signed holdouts Peter Bondra and Michal Pivonka.
Several Admirals who played with Pascucci last season say he's told them he'll be returning to Norfolk soon.
Pascucci had 45 points in 52 games last season with the Admirals. He also played for a month with Kansas City of the International Hockey League.
Unless Saurdiff is placed on the 60-day injured-reserve list, the Admirals will have to waive a player to make room for Pascucci on their 20-man roster. ILLUSTRATION: Corwin Saurdiff has lost more than 20 pounds due to colitis, an
inflammation of the colon.
by CNB