THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 23, 1995 TAG: 9512230505
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
The Hampton Roads Admirals received a double dose of bad news Friday when they learned they will lose two of their best players, and that another is facing a personal crisis.
Defenseman Chris Phelps' baby girl, who was born Wednesday, has a small hole in her heart that might require corrective surgery. Kayla Phelps is in intensive care in an Ottawa hospital.
Doctors were doing tests late Friday to determine whether surgery will be necessary. The condition sometimes heals on its own, said Admirals trainer Rick Burrill, who spoke with Chris Phelps briefly Friday.
Phelps was unavailable for comment, but he has told Admirals officials that his wife, Dawn, is doing well.
``Phelpsie is fine,'' Admirals coach John Brophy said. ``The doctors have things in hand. He says his baby will be OK. They know how to handle this sort of thing.''
The Admirals, however, are hurting. Rookie right wing David St. Pierre, who entered Friday's game with 35 points in just 20 games, and defenseman Ron Pascucci, an ECHL All-Star last season, will report to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League after Christmas, Brophy said. Their last game will be tonight in Roanoke.
``We're losing a guy who's potentially the best defenseman in the league and another who's probably the best forward,'' Brophy said.
The players are under contract to both the Admirals and the Pirates, the team's AHL affiliate. By moving up, they'll both double their salaries. They're paid approximately $15,000 per year by both teams to play in Hampton Roads. In Portland, their salaries would exceed $30,000 a year.
Brophy said he's unsure how long they'll remain in Portland.
``No way to tell,'' he said. ``But I wouldn't expect Portland would call them up if they didn't expect them to stay.''
Right wing Mark McFarlane, released earlier this season by Dayton and Raleigh, will be activated to replace St. Pierre. McFarlane is a native of Amherst, Nova Scotia, who played four years at Acadia University. He has been working out with the team for a week in hopes of landing a spot.
In reality, Brophy said, there's no way to replace St. Pierre, whose 28 assists are one short of the league lead even though he's missed nine games. Portland is not expected to send the Admirals any players.
``The guy has it all,'' Brophy said. ``He's played great. He's earned a chance to move up.''
Pascucci won't immediately be replaced, although the Admirals called up defenseman Mike Larkin on Thursday from Lakeland, Fla., of the Southern Hockey League to replace Phelps.
The callups will give Portland five players who are ex-Admirals. Goalie Darryl Paquette was called up earlier this season and had a shutout in his first start for the Pirates last weekend. Steve Poapst and Andrew Brunette are other former Admirals with the Pirates. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
David St. Pierre
Ron Pascucci
Chris Phelps
by CNB