ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 6, 1997 TAG: 9702060041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
Ilya Dubkov will be returning to the Roanoke Express after a week-long stint in the American Hockey League, his agent said Wednesday.
Eric Kuperman, who negotiated Dubkov's tryout with the Hamilton (Ontario) Bulldogs, said the Russian center could be in town later today. Dubkov traveled with the Bulldogs to a game in Rochester, N.Y., on Wednesday night.
``Unless they sign him to a one-way contract [exclusively with Hamilton], he's coming back'' today, said Kuperman. ``If they wanted to sign him to a two-way contract [which would allow him to be property of Hamilton and Roanoke], I don't know what we'd do.''
Kuperman said Dubkov signed a contract for a 25-game tryout with Hamilton that included an escape clause after four games. Wednesday's game was the fourth for Dubkov with the Bulldogs, although he had seen action in only two of the first three games. He had one assist and two penalty minutes in those games.
``Ilya knows, no matter how good you are, sometimes you don't get a chance with an American League club,'' Kuperman said. ``Some teams have contract players from their affiliates and may not have room for you.''
Kuperman felt he had been unfairly criticized by some Roanokers for getting Dubkov an AHL tryout. He said an Express fan, who would not give his name, called him at his Boston residence Wednesday to inquire why he had masterminded the departure of the Express' all-time leader in points and goals.
``I represent Ilya Dubkov; I try to do what's best for him,'' Kuperman said. ``I want to sign him with the AHL. I advised Ilya to sign'' with Hamilton.
``Taking him out of Roanoke is a hard thing to do. The city of Roanoke is a home for Ilya Dubkov. He loves the city, the team, the fans. Pierre Paiement is a great general manager. Frank Anzalone is a great coach. His family is there. It would have to be the right opportunity.''
Hamilton is the only North American club other than the Express for which Dubkov has played since he came to the United States in 1993. He left Roanoke last summer to join Russia's Red Army hockey program before returning to the Express on Nov.12.
He has 18 goals and 33 assists in 27 games this season with Roanoke. He is the all-time leader in goals (91), assists (171) and points (262) for the Express. If he returns today or Friday, he could be available to play against the Knoxville Cherokees on Friday night at the Roanoke Civic Center.
``Will he finish the season in Roanoke? I think so,'' Kuperman said. ``As an agent, I would advise him to move up. I know other Roanoke players have been good enough to move up. I think Ilya deserves a chance.''
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