The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 1996            TAG: 9611120371
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   48 lines

GERVAIS REJOINS ADMIRALS A HERO OF THE '92 TITLE TEAM WAS WITH GRAND RAPIDS AFTER

Victor Gervais, one of the heroes of the Hampton Roads Admirals two championship seasons, has returned to the team and will play Wednesday when the Admirals host Louisville at Scope.

Gervais was playing for Grand Rapids, Mich. of the International Hockey League but was unhappy with his role, he said Monday after his first workout with the Admirals.

Gervais played in Cleveland the three previous seasons. Though he had a brief, three-game stint with Hampton Roads last season, Wednesday's game will be his first at Scope since 1992, when the Admirals won their second ECHL championship.

``I'm back because I played three years in the IHL and I'm just tired of playing at that level,'' he said. ``I'm tired of not doing the thing that I do best, and that's scoring.

``I did score my first two years in Cleveland, but the last two years I was used basically as a defensive player, a checker. For me to be happy, I have to be an offensive player. That's why I made the decision to come back to the East Coast Hockey League.''

He rejoins former teammates Randy Pearce and Rod Taylor, who also played on the 1991-92 championship team.

Gervais was one of the team's most popular players and still ranks among the team leaders in three categories: first in assists (190), third in goals scored (98) and third in points (288).

Gervais was released from his contract by Grand Rapids and says he plans to finish the season in Norfolk.

``I wouldn't have gone anywhere else,'' he said. ``I love the city and love the fans. I missed playing in front of these fans.

``My wife and I made the decision to come back down. It was either that or pack it up and go home.

``I decided I'd rather play some more hockey for (coach) John Brophy.''

The Admirals got more good news when defensemen Chris Phelps and Alex Alexeev and forwards Ryan Mulhern and Rick Kowalsky were returned to Hampton Roads by Portland of the AHL. Forward Aaron Downey is scheduled to return today. ILLUSTRATION: FILE

Victor Gervais is still the Admirals' all-time leader in assists

with 190. He ranks third in goals scored (98) and third in points

(288). by CNB