
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990                   TAG: 9003071414
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HOCKEY TEAM NEEDS SUPPORT

What does it take for the "fans" of this valley to support sports? Specifically, I am talking about the Virginia Lancers, the first-place hockey team playing at the LancerLot in Vinton. The league is superior, the coach is excellent, and the team is fantastic. There are no goons, and hockey is like nothing that has been seen in the valley since the Roanoke Valley Rebels.

There has been talk that people won't go to the LancerLot because it is not convenient and because it's in Vinton. Unfortunately, this may be true. I have been a citizen of this valley all my life and have seen this type of childish behavior since I was old enough to read. The fact that they play in Salem, Roanoke or Vinton should have nothing to do with supporting this team.

I would like to know where all the hockey fans from 15 years ago have gone. If you want to see hockey continue, you need to come forth and try a night at the LancerLot. It may not be as classy as the Roanoke Civic Center, but you will see the best minor-league hockey you have seen since the early '70s.

Come on, Roanoke, Salem and Vinton, let's give these great hockey players and league a chance.

MARGARET C. DREWRY\ ROANOKE

by CNB