Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 6, 1994 TAG: 9411100036
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Heading into Friday's game against Greensboro, the Express' player-assistant coach had yet to score his first East Coast Hockey League goal.
As a former NHL player, Laxdal had been expected by many to have his way against the much younger and much less experienced ECHL defenses.
But through seven games, Laxdal's statistics line still carried the big doughnut - 0 goals.
``Yes, it really has been frustrating to this point,'' Laxdal said. ``I've certainly had my chances - some two-on-ones, some great chances that I haven't been able to bury. Hopefully, if I ever get the first they'll start coming in bunches.''
When Frank Anzalone signed Laxdal in early October, the Roanoke coach said the 28-year-old forward ``would be a major force to be reckoned with.'' That hasn`t happened, but Anzalone isn't given up on Laxdal.
``Derek hasn't scored yet and he's really pressing,'' Anzalone said. ``He's had some good chances he should have buried, but he hasn't gotten any breaks, either. There always seems to be a leg or a body in the way.''
Laxdal acknowledged the talent level in the ECHL is better than he anticipated.
``This is a good league,'' he said. ``I don't think some people realize how good this league really is.''
NAME GAME: After consultation with two Roanoke-based Russian interpreters, the Express issued a release this week announcing it has been incorrectly spelling the names of two of its three Russian players.
Second-year center Ilja Dubkov will hereafter be known as Ilya Dubkov, and rookie forward Ruslam Tyzhikov is now Rouslan Toujikov.
Maybe it's a good thing to Express officials had better get these guys' names right. Heading into Friday's game, Roanoke's Russian line - which also includes Oleg Yashin - had scored nine of the club's 12 goals in the past four games.
RIPPING BLIZZARD: There's still room for levity in the ECHL, unlike most of today's professional sports leagues.
The Huntington Blizzard has taken more than its share of potshots on the heels of last season's 14-49-5 comedy act.
Before Roanoke's 5-2 loss at Huntington on Oct.27, Blizzard management passed out fliers to its fans that included a not-so-complimentary preseason capsule published in the Roanoke Times & World-News.
More bulletin-board fodder has arrived in Huntington, W.Va., courtesy of the Knoxville Cherokees. Inside the Cherokees' 1994-95 program is a list of ``Top 10 Suggestions for the Huntington Blizzard.''
The list includes such zingers as:
``Cut down on number of hitching posts in parking lot to allow more space for cars.''
``Replace arena sundial with clock, as former became obsolete when roof was completed.''
``Melt ice between home games so cheerleaders can get a drink.''
``Adding light bulbs in ceiling will eliminate need for players to wear coal-mining hats.''
``Eliminate radio ... tin can and string not long enough to reach Tallahassee.''
``Having fans remove shoes before entering will eliminate manure smell in arena.''
CAN'T PLAY HERE, PAL: The Hampton Roads Admirals have said thanks but no thanks to an agent's offer to bring two NHL players to Norfolk.
Blake Cullen, the Admirals' president, said the agent recently called, saying the players were looking for a place to stay in shape during the NHL lockout.
Cullen declined to reveal the players' identities, other than to say the two ``are players hockey fans have heard of.''
Cullen declined the ``tempting'' offer for two reasons.
``We value our relationship with the NHL,'' Cullen said. ``We're trying to cultivate it and this is something that wouldn't have helped.''
The second reason is that such a move would have been disruptive, forcing the Admirals to cut two players who worked hard in camp to make the team. ``And who knows if they would have been available when the NHL players left?'' Cullen said.
BOMB SQUAD: Entering Friday's action, the Dayton Bombers had won their first seven games - the best start in ECHL history.
Dayton's 4-3 overtime victory over two-time defending Riley Cup champion Toledo on Wednesday enabled the Bombers to surpass the previous fastest start of 6-0, by Greensboro in 1989-90.
While their coach may be named (Jim) Playfair, the Bombers' early-season raid could be rated anything but fair for the ECHL North Division. Dayton outscored its seven foes by a collective 45-20 count, winning by margins of eight (once), four (once) and three (four times).
While the Bombers have no players under contract to a higher league and only one veteran - center Craig Charron - 14 players on their 18-man roster received invitations to IHL preseason camps.
ECHL ON TUBE: Saturday's Hampton Roads-Greensboro game will be shown by Home Team Sports, which is picking up assorted ECHL games to replace Washington Capitals contests during the NHL lockout. ... An ECHL highlights show, produced by Richmond's Ivan Alzuro, will be seen soon on HTS. The show is schedule to air at 11:30 p.m. each Tuesday. The package will feature mostly Richmond and Hampton Roads highlights at first, but the intent is to include as many ECHL clubs as possible, Alzuro said.
QUOTE OF WEEK: ``I would have done anything that wouldn't land me in the electric chair.'' - Greensboro coach Jeff Brubaker, revealing how he made it to the NHL, where he amassed more than 300 penalty minutes in 1984-85 with Toronto.
ICE CHIPS: Speaking of bruising ``Bru,'' Roanoke fans may be surprised to learn the hulking Greensboro coach is the son of a Michigan State microbiology professor. ... Tuesday may be the worst night for Express home attendance, but it's a good night for victories. Roanoke is 2-0-0 this season and 12-3-0 overall on Tuesdays at home. ... During Roanoke's 4-3 home victory over Charlotte on Tuesday, there was an announcement on the civic center public-address system stating that a jeep with Alabama license plates had to be moved or be towed. ``Must have been Larry Revo,'' said Sandy Patterson, longtime off-ice official. Revo, the owner of the infamous Roanoke Valley Rampage, still lives in Huntsville, Ala., where his Huntsville Blast also failed. ... Roanoke's IHL affiliate, the Minnesota Moose, is struggling. The Moose was 3-7-2 and had yet to win at home in five games heading into Friday's action.
by CNB