THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 9, 1996 TAG: 9601090330
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
The Hampton Roads Admirals will lose their best player today, but they are expected to gain three defensemen.
Trevor Halverson, who leads the ECHL with 34 goals and has fueled the Admirals in their recent hot streak, has been called up by Portland of the American Hockey League. He is scheduled to leave this morning.
Meanwhile, defenseman Chris Phelps, who has been in Ottawa, where his newborn baby recently underwent surgery, is scheduled to return today after a three-week absence. He was an ECHL All-Star last season.
The Admirals also picked up two newcomers on defense - Rob Striar was obtained from Erie and Rich Bronilla was signed from the Ottawa 67s junior hockey team.
The Admirals' defense has been decimated by injuries and callups in recent weeks, forcing coach John Brophy to put forwards Steve Richards, Bob Woods and Rick Kowalsky on defense.
Halverson had 10 goals and six assists in his last seven games. The Admirals won six of those seven, including two shootouts in which he netted the game-winning goal.
``They didn't say much when they called for him, so I don't know how long he'll be gone,'' Brophy said. ``They're going to take a look at him.''
Halverson, third in the league in scoring with 61 points, probably won't be back, Admirals president Blake Cullen said.
``I hope the fans got a chance to see him here,'' Cullen said. ``We were flattered when he called last year and asked to come here. He knew John would get him in shape and get him another look (in a higher league).
``Selfishly, I wish he'd stayed and scored 70 goals.''
The loss of Halverson brings to six the number of former Admirals playing for the Pirates. Portland previously called up Darryl Paquette, who starts in goal; forward David St. Pierre, who had a goal and an assist this past weekend; and defenseman Ron Pascucci.
Former Admirals Andrew Brunette and Steve Poapst are veteran stars for the Pirates. by CNB