Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 18, 1995 TAG: 9501190033
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTE, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
Jason Clarke scored on an overtime breakaway, completing an improbable four-goal comeback as Roanoke defeated the Charlotte Checkers 6-5 in overtime at Independence Arena.
The Express, which broke a six-game winless streak, was coming off a blown three-goal lead against Hampton Roads at the Roanoke Civic Center on Saturday. Roanoke turned the tables in a similar fashion Tuesday night.
After three consecutive failures on third-period power plays, with a Derek Laxdal goal waived off for crease interference, Laxdal tied the score at 5 on a goal-mouth scramble for his third hat trick of the season with 6 minutes, 1 second remaining in regulation. Laxdal also had an assist in a four-point night.
Midway through overtime, Clarke reached from behind to receive Marty Schriner's break-out pass, walked in alone on Checkers goalie Jon Hildebrandt and scored his third goal of the season, through the goaltender's legs.
The Express (20-11-6) won in Charlotte for the first time since Oct.28, 1993, beating the Checkers (23-12-5) for the fifth time this season. The victory went to Gagnon (20 saves).
Gagnon, who returned to Roanoke from the International Hockey League's Minnesota Moose two days ago, will be recalled by Minnesota, possibly as soon as today.
``I'm going back [to Minnesota today], I think,'' said Gagnon, who barely had enough time to unpack his bags and play Tuesday night. ``I'm supposed to be on a flight to somewhere. Hopefully, I'll be in Minnesota.''
Gagnon likely will be heading west. The Moose, who could afford to return Gagnon to Roanoke since they are in the middle of the five-day IHL All-Star break, doesn't play again until Friday in San Diego. It's possible Minnesota could send Gagnon back to Roanoke for this weekend's games at Erie and Johnstown.
Gagnon was the second-leading goaltender in the East Coast Hockey League when Minnesota signed him to a 25-game tryout contract on Jan.3. He was called up to replace injured goalie Frank Pietrangelo, who still is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Express officials expected Gagnon to be returned within two weeks. They did not, however, expect him to be returned only for one game.
``That wasn't part of the original plan,'' said Frank Anzalone, the Express' coach.
It is likely defenseman Michael Smith also will be recalled by the Moose this week. Smith was called up by Minnesota on Saturday for the third time this season, then returned with Gagnon only 24 hours later.
The Express waived back-up goalie John Bradley when Gagnon was reassigned. If Gagnon isn't available this weekend, Roanoke likely will re-sign Bradley if he is not claimed.
ICE CHIPS: The Express placed forward Darwin McClelland on the 14-day injured reserve list, retroactive to Jan.13. McClelland suffered a slightly separated shoulder during practice Thursday. Forward Mike Krygier, acquired from Knoxville on Monday, took his place on the roster and played against Charlotte.... The Express announced its Feb.4 game in Charlotte will be televised locally. The game can be seen at 6:35 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 9 in Roanoke, on Salem Cable Channel 13, on American Cable Network Channel 1 in Radford and on WDRG Channel 24 in Danville. Home Team Sports also may air the production.
by CNB