Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 13, 1994 TAG: 9410130069
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Well, the Roanoke Express coach's job didn't get any easier Wednesday night.
In a strong showing before a crowd of 2,751 at the Roanoke Civic Center, the Express steamrolled the Johnstown Chiefs 8-3 in its East Coast Hockey League preseason opener.
The rout was even more impressive considering Anzalone didn't even dress most of the veterans expected to make his final 18-man roster.
``We've got a bunch of guys who can play,'' Anzalone said. ``That was one pretty good exhibition. I don't think I saw one player who I can honestly say looked weak. I wish a couple had. That would make this a lot easier for me.
``But somebody has got to go. That's the rules. We can't keep 'em all.''
A lot of guys were fighting for jobs - literally. The game was marred by 189 minutes in penalties - 101 against Roanoke - and there were seven fights.
``You've got to do anything you can to show off a little,'' said rookie forward Carl Fleury, who opened eyes with his two goals. ``Frank's getting ready to make some cuts, so you know you've got to do something good out there if you want to stick around.''
While the offense skated circles around the leaky Chiefs defense, Dan Ryder was busy showing his stuff in net. The San Jose Sharks farmhand was in midseason form, making a number of good stops as Roanoke built a 4-1 lead. Ryder stopped all but one of 20 shots he faced in 30 minutes of work.
Some considered it a pivotal game for Ryder, whose return has been overshadowed by the Express' signing of ECHL veteran Dave Gagnon.
``The acquisition of Gagnon gives us two guys who do the job,'' Ryder said. ``Last year, until we got Paul Cohen we didn't have anyone who could step in and play when I couldn't.
``I don't feel pressure here. I want to play here, and Frank knows that. There's not going to be any problem between me and Dave Gagnon.''
ICE CHIPS: Ilja Dubkov, Paul Belleza, Oleg Yashin, Mark Luger, Robin Bouchard and Craig Ralph had the other Express goals. ... GM Pierre Paiement took over the bench chores for the second period as Anzalone moved to the press box for an overhead view. ... Anzalone figures to make his first wave of cuts today. ... Charlotte visits Friday for an exhibition. Raleigh comes to town for Saturday's preseason finale.
by CNB