Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 5, 1993 TAG: 9310050316
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
While the most violent uprising since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution left scores dead and many more injured in Moscow on Tuesday, Russians Lev Berdichevsky, Oleg Yashin and Ilja Dubkov were tucked away safely in Roanoke, talking about the start of their prospective careers in the East Coast Hockey League.
Nevertheless, the Russians' primary thoughts were thousands of miles away, where political turmoil has gripped their homeland. Dubkov is a Moscow native, and Berdichevsky and Yashin hail from nearby Voskresensk.
"We talked a little bit last night about the situation in Russia, which they hadn't had any press about," said the trio's translator, Jack Atwell, a professor of Russian history at Hollins College.
"They didn't know about the bloodletting in the center of Moscow [Sunday night] and they're very concerned about that.
"But they're relatively calm about it. People have been expecting it for some time, but their main concern is that their wives [Berdichevsky and Yashin are married] are going to be able to get their passport papers soon and get out of there. I would anticipate that's going to happen soon."
The Russians flew into Washington, D.C., on Friday, and were picked up and driven to Roanoke by Atwell. They enjoyed their first weekend in America, Atwell said.
"We talked about how extremely friendly the people are, and I think that's one thing they expected from an area like this," Atwell said. "They haven't been disappointed in the friendliness, support and enthusiasm for them. They really appreciate that. They understand the values of a smaller city like this. We talked about that quite a bit.
"Of course, the level of consumption of living is so much higher here. And right now, there's no revolution in America, which is a definite advantage, too."
Coach Frank Anzalone unexpectedly signed the Russians after attending a June free-agent camp in Boston.
"Due to the situation in Russia, we are fortunate to have gotten these guys out," Anzalone said. "I talked to John Marks [coach of the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers] this morning and he's very, very concerned about his hockey players. He has two, I think, trying to get out of there right now. The airports are closed today, so we were fortunate.
"Oleg and Lev . . . their wives did not get their passports on schedule. We put the paperwork in awhile ago, but the passport exchange is very slow. We expect in the next 10 days to two weeks, with the help of their agent, Eric Cooperman, their wives will be coming over without any problems. We're looking forward to having their families here. They understand why their wives are not here so far."
The Russians moved into a Northwest Roanoke apartment complex during the weekend, Anzalone said.
"Right now, no TV set seems to be their biggest problem," said Atwell, glancing at the smiling Russians.
Atwell said the players indicated to him that the Russian conflict won't affect their commitment to hockey.
"They're ready to play and show what they can do," Atwell said. "They're hoping not to disappoint anyone. They understand what all is expected of them and they're anxious to get going."
Anzalone said the Russians, who likely will be teamed on the same line, will be key players for the expansion Express, which opens its first training camp Saturday.
"There's no question that they can be the nucleus of a lot of wins," Anzalone said. "By the same token, they have to have a supporting cast. We've got to find one or two defensemen who complement their style of moving the puck to them at the right moments. They live and die with the puck. They need the puck to be moving.
"They're definitely a tremendous building block in any success we're going to have this year."
Berdichevsky, 27, and Yashin, 24, were hoping to land a contract in the American or International leagues before opting to sign and play together with the Express.
"They didn't want to be separated their first year over here," Anzalone said. "They felt it was best they played together, and that helped us get them."
Berdichevsky (6-foot, 180 pounds) and Yashin (5-11, 180) played last season with Khimik Voskresensk in the Soviet Elite League. Both played for Team Khimik against NHL competition in 1990-91.
Dubkov (6-3, 180), who played last season for the Central Red Army team, is the kid of the trio. The 21-year-old center will serve up the puck for the two older wings.
"They're all good players," Anzalone said. "Yashin just buries the puck. He has great hands. He's smooth, a finisher. And he can really fly."
"I was most interested in Dubkov, though. I thought he was a very good young prospect who played a two-way game already.
"Berdichevsky, the big thing with him is that he's not afraid. I saw him get into a fight at the camp. Not a very good fight, but he dropped his gloves and fought."
The Russians are hoping a much bigger fight is over in their homeland.
"Until this thing is over in Russia," Atwell said, "they're just watching and holding their breaths with us."
by CNB