THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 17, 1995 TAG: 9502170669
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
The ECHL's Richmond Renegades have signed former Washington Capitals standout Rod Langway, who was twice named the top defenseman in pro hockey during his 15 years in the NHL.
Langway, who last played for the Capitals in 1992-93, will be in uniform tonight when the Renegades play at Wheeling and will remain with the team the rest of the season, officials said Thursday.
If Langway sticks with the Renegades as promised, he'll play three times against the Hampton Roads Admirals - March 10 and 17 in Norfolk and March 19 in Richmond.
Langway, 37, who lives in Annapolis, Md., signed with Richmond as a favor to former Capitals teammate Craig Laughlin, who is general manager of the Renegades.
``Rod has the ability to teach our young defensemen as we get ready for the playoff push,'' Laughlin said. ``What better way to promote hockey than to bring to Richmond an NHL superstar?''
Richmond is first in the East Division with a 33-13-6 record.
Langway has practiced with Richmond since last weekend, and Renegades officials insist he's game-ready even though he hasn't played competitively in two seasons.
``He can still play hockey,'' said Harry Feurstein, the Renegades' president and majority owner.
``When the season is over, we hope Rod will be involved with the team both on and off the ice.''
Langway replaces 35-year-old Scott Gruhl, who is out with a bone chip in his ankle and won't return until next month.
Langway, a member of Montreal's 1978-79 Stanley Cup championship team, played in seven NHL All-Star games. He had 51 goals and 278 assists in the NHL.
Feurstein said Langway signed a conventional ECHL contract, which means he'll probably be paid about $400 per week.
``Obviously, he's not doing this for money,'' Feurstein said. ``He's doing this to help us promote hockey.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Richmond officials say Rod Langway is game-ready despite a layoff of
nearly two years.
by CNB