Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 5, 1993 TAG: 9304050208
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICK KELLEY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
NO ICE
I HAVE WATCHED with great interest the continuing saga concerning the Roanoke Valley Rampage and its association with the fans, civic and government leaders who have given their support and opinions, good or bad, of ice hockey in the Roanoke Valley.Professional ice hockey has had a bumpy road in valley, to say the least, with the past dismal season and the collapse of the LancerLot being perhaps the last straw.
Fingers have been pointed in many directions. However, the people and leaders of the valley and surrounding areas have to share in the loss of a professional franchise. This stems from improper support from the Roanoke Valley.
The valley has shown its intent to attract business with its revitalization of downtown and such projects as Renew Roanoke. However, it has come up short in its support of our two professional organizations as well as the many youth and adult (including college) amateur sports in the area. To grow, the valley has to be aggressive, in the recreational area as well as the business area.
The collapse of the LancerLot not only cast doubt on the future of professional ice hockey, it caused the loss of ice time for the LancerLot's remaining tenants.
These groups include the Roanoke Valley Figure Skating Association, the Valley Youth Hockey Association, the Roanoke Valley Adult Hockey Association, the Southern Collegiate Hockey Association, and Special Olympics - as well as the many people who attend public ice skating sessions.
Much of the money that was spent at the LancerLot came from outside the valley. The ice hockey groups all hold tournaments throughout the year, bringing people into the valley. This creates revenue for area hotels and restaurants, as well as regional interest.
Six area colleges - Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee, Radford, Roanoke College, Lynchburg College and Liberty University - played home games at the LancerLot.
Because of the large number of groups involved, there was virtually no unused ice time during the fall and winter months. The Roanoke Civic Center (or Salem Civic Center) could put down ice. However, I do not think any of the above-mentioned groups could get the game and practice times needed for a successful program.
The groups I have spoken with think the answer lies with rebuilding the LancerLot ice rink.
Henry Brabham created the LancerLot nine years ago to fill a need that the civic centers did not seem to have an interest in meeting. In the past nine years, I have watched all skating groups grow.
The LancerLot ice rink is an asset to our community. The community, civic, as well as government leaders, should stand behind Mr. Brabham as he considers his options and show him the proper support in what many feel to be a very important issue.
Let's see the Roanoke Valley pull together for this cause. I think the return to the Roanoke Valley, as well as the skills learned by our youth, will reinforce the seriousness of the issue at hand.
\ AUTHOR Rick Kelley is director the Roanoke Valley Adult Ice Hockey Association.