ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 18, 1997 TAG: 9703180062
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
Ownership, Express coach are first class
As longtime season-ticket holders with various hockey organizations in Roanoke, we feel compelled to address Mike Milona's letter. While a practice rink is desperately needed, we believe he is way off base if he thinks the owners and especially coach [Frank] Anzalone are content being a fourth-place team.
Coach Anzalone does a monumental job, not only coaching our team, but handling all recruitment and many other duties handled by assistant coaches with other organizations.
We do not understand the statement regarding other players here - that if they want to move up, they shouldn't play here. For goodness sake, we have lost Jeff Cowan, Eric Landry and Wayne Strachan to call-ups and Michael Smith and Jeff Loder for shorter periods of time. Matt O'Dette has signed a contract with the Flames. And what about Dave Gagnon? He played here in 1994-95 (was an All-Star goaltender), went up to the Minnesota Moose, where he signed a two-year contract, then chose to come back and play for the Roanoke Express. And what about Pat Ferschweiler and Dave Morissette?
Milona needs to be reminded the ECHL is an instructional league, and he should know that we have the best instructional coach in the system. Just ask any players or former players who have passed through Roanoke.
Our ownership and coach are top of the line. Instead of risking having the majority owner move our team or sell to someone who might, the owners got together and bought out his ownership, thus assuring fans that hockey would stay in Roanoke.
Certainly there are issues that need to be addressed for future success. The practice rink should be a priority. Also on the wish list could be first-class bus accommodations and an assistant for Anzalone.
And, personally, I think a $25 deposit on a season ticket is quite a bargain. Milona is not correct in his statement ``it is actually cheaper to buy [tickets] game-to-game.'' A season ticket ensures a fan of discounted tickets, not to mention the convenience of always being assured of the same seat, not having to wait in line, having specified parking (paid in advance), two yearly parties and many other amenities.
GARY and MAGGIE DREWRY
ROANOKE
Express a quality organization
Regarding the so-called loyal Express fan ...
I have heard it all now. For someone who calls himself a ``loyal fan,'' you sure have jumped the tracks. I agree that Roanoke has been a middle-of-the-pack team. But if you would remember, as a true Express fan would, two years ago the Express was one period away from a banner hanging from the Roundhouse rafters.
I don't go to games to socialize. I enjoy pulling for a winning team as much as any person. I want a team that will stand up for themselves, but not a bunch of back-yard brawling gang members.
Coach [Frank] Anzalone should be commended for the job he has done while in Roanoke. He develops and works with players, trying to get them to the next level. Until this year he has not had an affiliate that would send players and take players on a consistent basis like Calgary has done. Look around the league and see what a good affiliate will do for a team.
I'm proud to say that I'm a season-ticket holder and will stand by this quality organization that has gotten where they are by hard work and sweat. I'll stand up and cheer coach Anzalone and his group of star-gazing hockey players.
DAVID LOVELL
GOODVIEW
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Roanoke, Va. 24010
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LENGTH: Medium: 79 linesby CNB