ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 1996 TAG: 9611190073
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: HOCKEY NOTES
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
Another week, another formidable schedule for the Roanoke Express.
Roanoke's November marathon continues with four games in five days, including three in as many days - home games against Wheeling tonight and Charlotte on Thursday sandwich a Wednesday trip to Knoxville.
By the time Saturday's game at Raleigh rolls around, the Express will have played 14 games in 23 days on its way to playing 17 this month. Through Monday, Roanoke had played an East Coast Hockey League-high 17 games.
It's something every team in the league goes through at some point during the season because ECHL arenas often are booked for other events.
There are advantages and disadvantages to playing so many games so early. By getting its toughest month out of the way early, the Express will have an easier schedule in December, when it plays eight games. However, the bad thing about that is it allows other teams in the ECHL to make up games in hand and possibly pass the idle Express in the East Division standings.
``We know other teams have so many games on us,'' said Jeff Jablonski, the Express' leading scorer. ``We've got to make up as many games and get as many points as we can now, so when we take December off, those guys don't blow right by us.''
In short, the Express needs to pile up as many points in the standings as possible during its next seven games, four of which will be at the Roanoke Civic Center.
While Roanoke's 17 points rank third in the ECHL East, the Express is averaging only one standings point per game. Only Charlotte (.92 point per game) has a lower average in the East.
The standings can be deceiving this time of year. South Carolina has lost just once this season in regulation, yet the Stingrays are sixth in the seven-team East with 16 points because they have played only 10 games. Division-leading Richmond is three points ahead of the Express, but the Renegades have played four fewer games and have five fewer losses in regulation.
When those teams hit the meat of their schedules, though, the grind could take its toll. Extended trips can take a lot out of a squad. The Stingrays, for example, are 0-1-1 on their excursion.
``We know we're probably going to get passed by some teams,'' said Express goaltender Dave Gagnon. ``All we can worry about is getting [the record] to
MILLAR TIME: Rookie wing Kyle Millar, who missed the first 11 games with an ankle injury, has been one of Roanoke's hottest players. Millar (pronounced like ``Miller'') has four goals and three assists in five games.
``Things are coming along day by day,'' said Millar, who hurt his right ankle during an exhibition game. ``I've caught a few breaks and the puck has just gone in. I'm just trying to contribute any way I can.''
Millar has teamed with center Jeff Loder and right wing Tim Christian to form a line of hard-working grinders who have combined for 33 points.
``You play with guys like that,'' said Millar, ``and you'll get some chances.''
ICE CHIPS: The Wheeling club changed its nickname from Thunderbirds to Nailers during the off-season. Wheeling, W.Va., is home to one of the oldest factories that still produces square nails. Wheeling once was called ``Nail City.'' Several Express players improved their plus-minus ratings significantly in Saturday's 11-1 rout of Louisville. Duane Harmer was a plus-7, Bobby Brown and Chris Lipsett were plus-6 and Sean Brown was plus-5.
LENGTH: Medium: 66 linesby CNB