Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 11, 1995 TAG: 9502140048
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``It's been a good season for fishing,'' said Berthiaume. ``Too good. I wanted to play hockey.''
Berthiaume finally hooked a 121/2-pound pike from the icy St. Lawrence, but the Roanoke Express reeled in the biggest catch when it landed the 155-pound goalie.
Now, the former NHL player must make the transition from keeping his nets full to keeping them empty.
Berthiaume, acquired from Erie in a trade for cash considerations earlier this week, made 41 saves in his first start for the Express, a 2-1 shootout win at Charlotte. He held the Checkers scoreless in four shootout rounds to clinch the victory.
The Express plays Erie tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Roanoke Civic Center, but Roanoke coach Frank Anzalone may go with Dan Ryder in goal.
``I may not start [Berthiaume] against Erie,'' Anzalone said. ``That's just a gut feeling I have.''
Erie acquired Berthiaume's rights from the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins. When he refused to report, Erie coach Ron Hansis and Berthiaume's agent, Larry Reausch, contacted Anzalone about a trade. The Panthers also talked to Greensboro about a possible deal.
Although the East Coast Hockey League is a long way from the Hollywood hills where Berthiaume won 20 games for the Los Angeles Kings in 1990-91, Berthiaume is just happy to be playing again. At 29, Berthiaume knows his NHL days are behind him. His last appearance in an NHL game came a year ago when he allowed two goals in one minute for the Ottawa Senators.
``This guy has seen the Brett Hulls, Craig Janneys, Al MacInnises,'' said Anzalone. ``Nothing should surprise him.''
At 5 feet 9, Berthiaume won't take up a lot of space in front of the net. He smacks away shots with quickness and reflexes. Those skills helped him win 20 games or more twice in his nine-year NHL career with Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Boston Minnesota and Ottawa.
``I had nine good years [in the NHL],'' said Berthiaume. ``I think now I just want to get a contract in the IHL for next season. I'm glad just to be playing again.''
Berthiaume was expected to land in the International Hockey League or American Hockey League, but he couldn't work out a deal. He posted a 6-1-1 record for Wheeling this season, but the Thunderbirds had to release him when their AHL affiliates assigned them two goaltenders.
Berthiaume may start against Wheeling on Sunday afternoon in the Civic Center.
``I'd like to beat them,'' said Berthiaume. ``I'd like to build a brick wall around the net. I usually do OK against my old teams.''
HOT HERR: Heading into Friday's game at Charlotte, no Express player was hotter than center Craig Herr, who has seven goals and three assists in Roanoke's past seven games. Herr has scored at least one point in 22 of 29 games since being traded to Roanoke from Tallahassee. Herr had one goal and eight assists in nine games with the Tiger Sharks, but he had scored a point in seven straight games when he was traded, meaning he has notched a point in 29 of his past 36 games.
ICE CHIPS:In his last six games with the Express before being traded to Charlotte, center Oleg Yashin had two goals and two assists. After going 7-for-8 in shootouts last season, Yashin slumped to 2-for-11 this year. ... The Roanoke Civic Center will be running shuttle buses for this weekend's home games. Shuttles will make round trips from the Williamson Road parking garage to the civic center and will resume service immediately after the games. Shuttle service begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight and at 2:15 p.m. Sunday. ... Fans can skate with Express players following Sunday's game. To be allowed on the ice, skaters must have attended the game and must bring their own skates.
by CNB