Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 12, 1994 TAG: 9410120069
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In front of an expected crowd of 2,500, the Express opens its East Coast Hockey League preseason schedule at 7 p.m. today when the Chiefs come calling at the Roanoke Civic Center.
``I think the guys are looking forward to taking it out on somebody else for a change,'' said Derek Laxdal, Roanoke's new player-assistant coach. ``Some guys have been getting a little feisty out there in practice. That's what happens when you've got a bunch of hungry guys looking for a job.''
In warmups before Tuesday night's scrimmage game, two of the camp's heavyweights, forwards Jason Clarke and Rock Isabel became involved in a scuffle at center ice. Clarke, according to several sources, wanted to make Isabel pay for his morning altercation that left ECHL All-Star defenseman Michael Smith needing four stitches over his left eye.
``It was nothing really,'' said Smith, who also suffered a chipped tooth. ``That kind of stuff happens in camp. No big deal.''
Thus far, reviews of the 37 players in camp appear to be positive. Rough stuff aside, several of the rookies have looked impressive, particularly the line of Canadians Robin Bouchard, Christian Desrochers and Dominic Maltais. The trio produced at least four goals in Tuesday's 105-minute scrimmage session.
``Yeah, they looked good,'' Laxdal said, ``but let's wait and see what they do against a first-line defense. It's early yet. What I like is the grinding line, including [Pat] Ferschweiler and [Jeff] Jestadt. Boy, I'd like to play with those two.''
Laxdal, who spent parts of six seasons of his career in the NHL, said the camp has been a real workout.
``We've done more skating than in any NHL camp I've ever been in,'' he said.
Roanoke coach Frank Anzalone won't decide which players will dress tonight until this afternoon. No cuts are expected until at least Thursday.
ICE CHIPS: Forward Steve Phillips, who didn't play last season, pulled up in workouts Tuesday with a strained quadriceps muscle in his right thigh. His status is uncertain for the remainder of camp. ... The Express entertains Charlotte on Friday and Raleigh on Saturday in exhibition games. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. ... Former Express enforcer Dave ``Moose'' Morissette has reinjured his left knee and is on the injured reserve list of the International Hockey League's Minnesota Moose.
EXHIBITION OPENER Johnstown Chiefs at Roanoke Express, 7 p.m. today, at Roanoke Civic Center. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 12 and younger.
by CNB