DATE: Saturday, October 11, 1997            TAG: 9710110511

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: YORK COUNTY                       LENGTH:   48 lines

ADMIRALS EVEN SLATE, OUTHUSTLING CHESAPEAKE IN EXHIBITION

His teammates call him ``Killer,'' and Hampton Roads Admirals forward Rick Kowalsky says he'll truly live up to the nickname this season.

Kowalsky, in his fourth season with Hampton Roads, had the game-winning goal for the Admirals on Friday in a 3-1 exhibition victory over the Chesapeake IceBreakers at the Ice Palace.

The goal came on a hustle play, with the game tied at one apiece and the Admirals skating shorthanded. Kowalsky picked a defensemen at center ice and buried the breakaway, putting the puck over the shoulder of goalie Martin Bradette at 5:46 of the third period.

Kowalsky gave the Admirals hustle on more than his game-winner, playing with fervor he didn't often display last season at Scope.

``I wasn't happy with my season at all last year,'' he said. ``I didn't contribute offensively like I have in past years.

``I want to get back to the way I played my first couple of years here. My game has always been to play with a chip on my shoulder. I didn't play physically enough last year, and I'm going to this year.''

Another player who got physical was defenseman Chad Ackerman, who spent most of the game putting IceBreakers flat on their backs any time they got near the Admirals' goal.

``That's probably the best game Ackerman has played here,'' coach John Brophy said of the second-year pro. ``He keeps playing like that and he'll be an all-star.''

There were also highlights from Admirals' newcomers:

Jason Saal sparkled in goal, recording 24 saves, including three in a five-second stretch in the second period when he made two kick saves on opposite sides of the net.

Rookie forward Billy Lincoln played well for the second game in a row. He scored the Admirals' first goal - also shorthanded - and put the puck past Bradette in spite of being dragged down by a defenseman. He was also impressive on penalty-killing.

Center Rob Bonneau, considered the Admirals' top rookie, also had a goal. ``He finally got something for all the hard work he's been doing,'' Brophy said.

Yuri Yeresko, a Russian defenseman who didn't have a strong game in Thursday's 5-1 loss to Richmond, impressed Brophy in his second outing. ``He was very, very good,'' Brophy said.

The Admirals made several cuts from their 35-man roster following the game, though Brophy won't reveal who was cut until tonight, when the Admirals travel to Richmond for a 7:35 exhibition.

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