THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Friday, March 10, 1995 TAG: 9503100470 SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
ECHL owners held a sometimes emotional meeting Thursday in Charlotte, but adjourned without making a decision on the AHL's attempt to wrest away four franchises.
AHL officials are trying to persuade Hampton Roads, Charlotte, Greensboro and South Carolina to move up to their league next season and form a Southern Division.
Admirals president Blake Cullen was unavailable for comment, but Greensboro owner Bill Black said ``not much happened of substance'' on the AHL proposal.
``There was quite a bit of discussion,'' he said. ``It was our first time together (since the proposal surfaced) and a lot of views were exchanged. There were are a lot of scenarios.
``This is like a boa constrictor trying to swallow an elephant. It's going to take some time.''
The owners will meet again March 20 in Charlotte, and by then the league could be short a team or two.
AHL sources say any decisions on jumping leagues have to be made prior to April 1.
Sources say Charlotte is all but committed to leave, with Greensboro also inclined to go but still undecided.
The Admirals are undecided, and perhaps leaning toward staying, and South Carolina appears inclined to remain in the ECHL.
Black conceded it's possible the four franchises will remain in the ECHL.
``It is still very difficult to say what's going to happen,'' he added. ``If it doesn't happen before next season, it might not happen at all.
``Whatever ends up happening probably will be considerably different from the scenario that's been discussed in the newspapers. That's the nature of these things. Circumstances change.''
Elsewhere, AHL sources say a decision on a Baltimore expansion franchise will be made within a week. A group in Baltimore is trying to put together an ownership group and procure a lease to the Baltimore Arena.
The Portland (Maine) Press Herald reports AHL sources as saying Baltimore's chances are 50-50.
AHL officials did not attend the ECHL meeting. But AHL owners apparently are close to putting together a package to present to the four teams. Tuesday in Boston the league agreed to ensure all four would have NHL affiliates, but have not yet agreed on transfer fees or questions about scheduling.
As of Wednesday, Cullen said he had still not heard from AHL officials.
As expected, owners from ECHL teams would be left behind - with Roanoke, Richmond and Raleigh the most vocal - expressed alarm at the proposal. Sources say Raleigh has threatened to close down operations if the four teams leave.
``I think there is a certain amount of fear and uncertainty for everybody,'' Black said. ``Nobody has any real answers yet.''
Meanwhile, the Toledo Blade reports that ECHL commissioner Pat Kelly might be in trouble with league owners. The Blade quoted unnamed sources as saying owners are concerned that Kelly has not provided adequate leadership on the AHL and players union issues.
The newspaper quoted Tallahassee general manager Tim Mouser as saying Kelly handled the union situation ``very poorly.''
UNION UPDATE: The ECHL players will decide March 17 by secret ballot in nine league cities whether to form a players union. The vote will be held prior to nine ECHL games.
The Admirals host Richmond that night and a ballot box apparently will be set up at Scope for both teams. Results will be announced March 22. by CNB