ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 1996 TAG: 9605200031
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
Frank Anzalone has waited a month for a contract extension that he no longer is certain is forthcoming from the Roanoke Express.
Anzalone, the team's only coach in its three years of existence, formally has asked the team's board of directors to decide whether or not to extend his contract beyond the 1996-97 season.
If the Express does not extend the contract, there is speculation he will look for work with another club.
``I've asked them for a decision and I'm waiting,'' said Anzalone.
The battle for control of the Roanoke Express that cost two owners their spots on the club's board of directors also has delayed contract talks with Anzalone.
Anzalone was expecting the club to add a year to his current contract, which runs out after next season. Although Anzalone has met with members of the board of directors in the past month, there has been no movement toward a contract extension.
Anzalone would not speculate on his future, but he probably will ask for permission to interview with other clubs if he does not get a contract extension. One club source said Anzalone already has been given permission to interview for a college coaching job.
``I've acknowledged their restructuring [of club ownership], I've acknowledged their reorganization and revitalizing,'' he said. ``I'm waiting. They need to tell me what they want to do. I'm committed to them and committed to Roanoke. I've been gracious and respectful of the organization for the last five weeks.''
Team president John Gagnon and general manager Pierre Paiement were ousted as team officers by minority shareholders on April 19 following a long dispute over Gagnon's and Paiement's involvement in an East Coast Hockey League expansion team in Biloxi, Miss.
Paiement, who retained his job as general manager after satisfying Express owners that he had divested himself from the Mississippi club, said he was working on a contract extension for Anzalone when the management turmoil began. Express vice president Joe Steffen, who has become management's spokesman, said an extension for Anzalone was still a possibility.
``We have had so much to do involving the [ownership] situation, we haven't had time to talk about [Anzalone's contract],'' said Steffen. ``Everything's still on solid ground for next year. There's no cause for anyone to be concerned about Frank's future with the Express. There's a strong possibility the extension issue will be looked at before the season. It's not a closed door.''
The Express has compiled a 112-75-19 record in three seasons under Anzalone and has made the East Coast Hockey League playoffs each year. This year's squad went 36-28-6 and was swept in the first round of the playoffs by eventual Riley Cup champion Charlotte.
The Express board of directors has ``given me a vote of confidence and let me know they want me to coach next season,'' said Anzalone. ``I have to take care of my family and look to the future. You've got to grab an extension when you're winning, because you rarely get them when you're losing. I don't think it's unfair to ask for this and I don't think anybody [in the organization] thinks it's unfair for me to ask for this.''
The team's off-season agenda was crowded even before the ownership coup. The organization needs a practice rink, an affiliation with a club from a higher league and players to replace several veterans who will be leaving the team.
``We certainly have some pressing concerns,'' said Steffen. ``We've already got a lot of work to do.''
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: File Express coach Frank Anzalone wants to know whatby CNBhis future is with the hockey club. color.