ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, January 3, 1997 TAG: 9701030062
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: IN THE REGION
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
If two Smiths are better than one, the Roanoke Express should be in pretty good shape defensively.
Two-time East Coast Hockey League All-Star Michael Smith has been re-assigned to Roanoke by the American Hockey League's Saint John Flames, who also sent the Express defenseman Jason Smith (no relation).
Michael Smith, 25, had been with the Flames since Dec.14 and had three assists and a plus-4 rating in five games.
Jason Smith, 22, is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound rookie under contract with the NHL's Calgary Flames and was assigned to Saint John after he attended Calgary's camp.
Both players are expected to be in Knoxville, Tenn., for Roanoke's games against the Cherokees today and Saturday, although Jason Smith's arrival had been delayed Thursday because of a visa problem.
``Of course, the return of Michael is great news for our organization because he consistently performs at an all-star level,'' said Pierre Paiement, the Express' general manager. ``And after seeing Jason in Calgary's camp, I look forward to what his size and skills will add to our defense.''
In other sports news in the region:
* Virginia football star Tiki Barber and soccer standout Mike Fisher are among eight student-athletes selected to receive NCAA Today's Top Eight Award recognizing athletic and academic achievement and leadership.
Barber, from Roanoke, was the ACC football player of the year and Fisher received the Hermann Trophy as the national men's soccer player of the year. UVa is the only school with two Top Eight Award winners.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB