THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300518
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: GULFPORT, MISS. LENGTH: 74 lines
The Hampton Roads Admirals will remain in the ECHL, John Brophy almost surely will stay on as coach and ticket prices will not increase next season.
Not even the familiar blue and gold anchor logo will change once Mark Garcea and Page Johnson assume control of the club next week from team founder Blake Cullen.
``We don't want to change a whole lot in the first year,'' Johnson said. ``We want to get to know the fans. We have a lot to learn and we want to hear what the fans have to say.''
Still, it's only inevitable that some changes will occur. Based on interviews with Garcea and Johnson during the ECHL's spring meetings, Joe Fan can expect the following:
The front office, now located in Scope's basement, will move to a yet-to-be-determined location astride the Norfolk-Virginia Beach border. The office will be combined with that of the Hampton Roads Mariners soccer team, also owned by Garcea and Johnson. ``We want it to be accessible,'' Garcea said.
More promotions and more entertainment. The new owners plan to push group sales to businesses, schools, the Navy and churches. Expect to see face-painting and other family-oriented entertainment at Scope, more media advertising and more emphasis on player appearances off the ice. The Mariners gave away a boat at a recent game, and have giveaways of some sort at most games. So will the Admirals.
A mascot, something many ECHL teams instituted in the '90s in an effort to lure more children to games.
A return to television after being on TV locally only once in two seasons. Moreover, for the first time, the team will broadcast games from Scope. ``We've got to be on TV,'' Garcea said. ``That's a priority.''
A possible change of radio stations. WTAR has been the team's radio voice for the last seven seasons, and Cullen had a close relationship with the station's owners and management. But the contract has expired and the station was recently sold. It isn't known whether the station's new owners want to retain the Admirals, whose broadcasts have been profitable, but may not fit the station's planned format.
``We'd like to keep things as they are,'' Garcea said. But he has a close working relationship with WGH and likely will speak with both stations. Regardless, Pete Michaud will be asked to return as the team's radio voice. ``I've heard him (on the air) and he's very good,'' Johnson said.
Although a general manager will be hired to run the team, Garcea will play an active public relations role, perhaps as much as did Cullen.
``I have so many other things going on that I don't really have time to get that involved in the team,'' Johnson said. ``But I think Mark will. Early on, we'll both be involved, and after we hire someone to run the team, Mark will continue to be involved.
``He will be very visible in the community, listening to what fans and the business community have to say.''
Added Cullen: ``Once they get their feet wet, they'll begin doing things their own way. Things will change. That's only natural.''
One thing that won't change, the new owners say, is a commitment to winning. Asked what kind of team he wants on the ice - a tough team or a kinder and gentler squad - Johnson said: ``We want a winner. The rest is up to the coach.''
And that coach likely will be Brophy. Garcea and Johnson are scheduled to meet Monday with Brophy. While they decline to commit publicly to Brophy in part because they have never met him, their actions during the ECHL meetings indicated a desire to keep him.
``During our first (owners meeting) I had three people come up to me and urge us to keep John Brophy because he sells tickets in their arenas,'' Johnson said. ``That's quite a compliment.''
Garcea has indicated some uneasiness with Brophy's on-ice antics and temper tantrums, which have resulted in numerous fines and suspensions. But said Garcea: ``I understand he's a man who can't stand to lose; it's something he just can't accept.
``Well, that's something we have in common. I can't stand to lose.
``I want a winner. I want a (championship) cup.'' by CNB