ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, September 4, 1996 TAG: 9609040080
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
ROANOKE GETS two promising, young players in the Jason Clarke deal.
The Roanoke Express completed its trade of forward Jason Clarke to the Birmingham Bulls for forward Olie Kjenstad and defenseman Brad Prefontaine.
The Express also included defenseman Wade Gibson in the deal.
Clarke, who gained popularity in Roanoke by slugging his way to 958 penalty minutes in two ECHL seasons, had 20 goals and 18 assists for the Express in 1995-96. Kjenstad, 23, tallied 30 goals and 36 assists in 67 games for the Bulls after scoring 59 points in 1994-95. Prefontaine, a 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, had one goal and seven assists and collected 279 penalty minutes in his rookie season. He is 24.
``This should be a good deal for both teams,'' said Frank Anzalone, the Express' coach. ``We are enthusiastic about obtaining two first-rate players from Birmingham. Prefontaine will add size and toughness on defense, while Kjenstad is one of the brightest and most talented young forwards in the league. He has the ability to score the big goal.''
Clarke's 467 penalty minutes in 1994-95 were an ECHL record until that total was surpassed last season.
``With ongoing recruiting, Calgary's expected help and the addition of Prefontaine, we may well have more team toughness this year,'' said Pierre Paiement, the Express' general manager.
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines KEYWORDS: HOCKEYby CNB