THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 10, 1996 TAG: 9610100509
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: YORK LENGTH: 48 lines
The Hampton Roads Admirals reached into their storied past Wednesday when Randy Pearce, the leading scorer for the franchise's last championship team, reported to training camp.
Pearce, a 26-year-old center, has been in the IHL and AHL the last three seasons. He was released last week by Grand Rapids of the IHL.
Pearce had 32 goals and 46 assists in 55 games with the Admirals in 1991-92. He also had 14 points in the playoffs, in which the Admirals defeated Louisville for the ECHL championship.
Admirals coaches are jubilant over the addition of Pearce to a team already loaded with talent.
``He's a very good player and a very good team guy,'' head coach John Brophy said. ``He makes us a better hockey team. Nothing more needs to be said.''
Pearce played briefly in Hampton Roads in 1992-93 but spent most of that season in Portland of the AHL. The Pirates, for whom assistant coach Al MacIsaac played that season, won the AHL title.
Pearce signed with Phoenix of the IHL in 1994-95 but blew out his knee in an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Kings. The knee required reconstructive surgery. He played sparingly last season in Phoenix, and his contract was not renewed.
``After the knee injury, I was sort of out of their plans,'' Pearce said. ``I haven't played much in the last two years. I figured I'd come here and try to have a good year and hopefully move back up next season.
``I played here before. I know it's a good organization and a great place to play. I know the coaches are good. So I figured, why not?''
How long the Admirals will keep Pearce isn't known. Brophy predicts that the Elmira, Ontario, native will be signed by an AHL team within months.
``That's why he's here, to try to move up,'' Brophy said. ``While he's here, he'll do what Trevor Halverson did for this team last year.''
Halverson was the Admirals' dominant player before being called up to the IHL last season.
Because of the ECHL salary cap, Pearce will be taking a significant pay cut over what he made in Phoenix.
``I knew that before I came here,'' he said. ``We don't have a contract yet, but we've pretty much agreed to terms.'' ILLUSTRATION: Randy Pearce had 32 goals and 46 assists in the
1991-92 season and added 14 points in the Admirals' successful
playoff run. by CNB