Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 15, 1994 TAG: 9412160019
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Teaching the Express that you can't make mistakes and survive in the East, the Charlotte Checkers capitalized on a rash of Roanoke blunders and rallied for a 4-2 preseason win at the Roanoke Civic Center.
``When you play Charlotte, you can't afford to make any mistakes,'' Roanoke coach Frank Anzalone said.
``If you make any in their rink you could lose by nine goals. And if you make 'em in this rink, you're going to get beat. It's just a fact of life in this division.''
Picking right up where it left off in Wednesday's 8-3 romp over North member Johnstown, the Express led 2-0 after one period on a pair of goals by player-assistant Derek Laxdal.
After Anzalone lifted goaltender Dave Gagnon, who stopped all 12 shots he faced, the roof caved in on replacement Dan Ryder.
The Checkers scored three goals in a span of 4 minutes, 42 seconds - two on deflections and another on a rebound - to take a lead they never relinquished.
``All the goals were off mistakes guys made, just blatant errors,'' Anzalone noted. ``I thought our forechecking just backed right down. We gave 'em ice to skate and they took it.
``I was interested in seeing how we'd compete with Charlotte's skating. We did OK, then kind of dropped off a little and they took it and grabbed the goals.''
Despite the loss, Anzalone said he was happy with the toughness his club displayed. Thus far, this Roanoke club doesn't appear to be a bit intimidated.
``I like where we're going,'' Anzalone said. ``We're on the right page. I really like our individuality; everybody is standing up. [Jeff] Jestadt stood up; Marty Schriner stood up; Jason Clarke, Robin Bouchard, too.
``I've got to believe that somewhere down the road our lack of fear it going to help us win hockey games.''
Anzalone indicated he would make his final cuts by Sunday. The final evaluation will be made in tonight's 7:30 preseason finale against at the civic center.
ICE CHIPS: Anzalone cut defenseman Patrick LaRose on Friday, reducing the camp roster to 26 players. ... Charlotte coach John Marks viewed the game from the press box, leaving new player-assistant coach Shawn Wheeler to handle the bench chores.
by CNB