ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, June 21, 1996 TAG: 9606210027
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
Frank Anzalone and Roanoke Express management have broken off negotiations on a new contract for the East Coast Hockey League team's coach, who will begin the 1996-97 season in the last year of his existing deal.
Anzalone, the only coach in the Express' three-year history, signed a two-year agreement with the expansion team in 1993. He has worked the past two seasons under one-year deals that have been rolled over annually. Anzalone's existing contract contains a clause that requires Express management to notify him immediately after the season whether or not he will receive an additional year beyond the upcoming season.
Anzalone would like to continue under that arrangement at least through the 1997-98 season. Express management has tried to rework Anzalone's contract into a basic two-year deal through the 1997-98 season that probably would not contain an extension rollover. The two parties have been unable to work out their differences.
Joe Steffen, the team's vice president and director of communications, said both parties decided to postpone any further talks, possibly until after the season begins.
``We discussed a variety of things, including long-term agreements,'' Steffen said. ``To date, we haven't come up with an agreement that serves everybody's interests. We're going to revisit the extension issue at a later date, probably early in the season.
``It's a situation where everybody talks, talks and talks and you reach a point where you have to step away from the table for a little while. The ownership was looking at one way to do the contract, whereas Frank's opinion is different. It's something I think we'll eventually resolve.''
The contract talks were placed on hold Thursday morning after six of the seven Express owners held a conference call. Majority owner John Gagnon, who was removed as team president in April during a management shake-up, was unable to participate in the call, but Steffen said Gagnon's view ``was voiced during the call.''
Anzalone, reached at his home Thursday, had no comment. His attorney, Tony Anderson, has been out of town and could not be reached.
Anzalone and Express general manager Pierre Paiement met Thursday to discuss several hockey matters, including the contract talks. Paiement said the two also discussed player recruitment and affiliation possibilities.
``We've said, `Let's just revisit the [contract] issue at a later date and go on with business as usual,''' Paiement said. ``We'll look at the situation and say what direction the program is going.''
Asked if the postponement of contract talks indicated an unhappiness with Anzalone - who has guided the Express to the playoffs in each of his three seasons - or with his job performance, Paiement said: ``We're totally happy with the hockey aspect. Frank's a professional. He's going to do the best job he can do.''
Since the ownership upheaval in April, when Gagnon was deposed after minority owners became unhappy with his purchase of an ECHL expansion franchise in Biloxi, Miss., ``everyone has been a lot more cautious in how to handle legal matters and contract issues,'' Steffen said. ``Contracts have become more and more complicated.
``I believe it is important for our fans to know that Frank Anzalone and the Roanoke Express are still working toward a singular goal, and that is to have a great year this year.''
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