REBELS HOPE FRESH BODIES PROVIDE POSITIVE INFLUENCE

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 8, 1992                   TAG: 9201080064
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RANDY KING SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
REBELS HOPE FRESH BODIES PROVIDE POSITIVE INFLUENCE
Amid all the negatives, there was one positive note concerning the Roanoke Valley Rebels' trip to Ohio last week - the bus made it home.
"Without a flat tire, too," noted Rebels forward Mark Woolf, shaking his head. "You know, I didn't think about that. So the trip could have been worse. I doubt it, though. Talk about a road trip to hell."
Not only were the reeling Rebels blown out in three losses, but they also lost four players to injuries.
His roster decimated, his team locked in a season-high six-game losing streak, beleaguered Rebels coach Roy Sommer could be looking a slap shot in the face and not be as concerned.
"It's not a pretty sight," Sommer said. "I've got to bring some other guys in here. We're banged up physically. And, let's face it, some of the guys here are just not doing the job.
"This whole thing just blindsided me. There was absolutely no sign this was coming. We had been playing well. I can't understand how we were playing so well, and now, we're fighting for our lives."
The holes keep opening faster than Sommer can patch them. While combing for bodies to replace Wayne Muir, Devin Derksen, Bill Harrington and Ron Jones - all hurt on the trip - Sommer saw goaltender Ray Letourneau recalled to Hershey (Pa.) of the American Hockey League on Monday.
"When it rains, it pours," Sommer said. "Everything bad seems to be happening all at once."
Sommer spent Monday and Tuesday on the telephone trying to find replacements for the injured and incompetent.
By late Tuesday afternoon, Sommer's only sure catch was Ken Maffia, a center who opened the season with Knoxville.
"I've got some other deals burning on which I expect to hear something in the next 24 hours," Sommer said. "I guess we've got to Friday to get things together."
Meanwhile, new faces dot the Rebels' locker room. Four players - forwards Jeff Hogden, Paul Rossi and Don Bogeson, plus goalie Dan Bouchard - were picked up on the trip. Even the Rebels' most faithful fan could need a program Friday when Raleigh visits the LancerLot.
Woolf, one of the players who has been producing, admitted to being frustrated.
"It could get worse before it gets better," Woolf said. "I do think it will get better, eventually.
"We've got to find some guys. I think we do have some guys who think we've lost the game before we go out and play. If they are going to continue to think like that, they should pack up now and leave.
"Personally, I don't like being a loser."

Rob Jones, a former assistant trainer with Binghampton (N.Y.) of the AHL, has been hired as the Rebels' new trainer. Jones replaces Tim Lennon, who was fired by Sommer before the team hit the road last Wednesday.

ICE CHIPS: Sommer said goaltender Mike James (hip flexor) should be ready to return to action this weekend. After entertaining Raleigh on Friday, the Rebels start a string of four road games at Louisville (Saturday) and West Division-leading Toledo (Sunday). . . . Woolf's two hat tricks in the past week have been overshadowed by the club's lackluster play. He leads the Rebels in goals (31) and points (54).

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB