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(Wed, 10-Oct-01 4:47 AM)

www.knoxnews.com/kns/spee...57,00.html

Speed sign Roland as insurance policy

By Nick Gates, News-Sentinel sportswriter

Knoxville Speed coach Mike Vandenberghe found an insurance policy, if player-assistant coach Marc Rodgers leaves the team.

Layne Roland, an eighth-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1992, signed a United Hockey League contract with the Speed and practiced Monday at Civic Coliseum.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound forward had 23 goals and 20 assists in 39 games with Corpus Christi (Western Pro League) last season before going to Germany to play. He was a 50-goal scorer in the Western Professional League.

Roland, 27, gives the Speed eight veterans on their 22-man roster. UHL rules allow a roster limit of 20 and no more than six veterans - players with at least 250 games pro experience - can play in a game.

"I'm covering myself if Rodgy leaves," Vandenberghe said. "He's a sniper."

Rodgers played 21 games for the Detroit Red Wings two seasons ago and played with Cincinnati (American League), which was stocked with NHL players from Anaheim and Detroit last season.

Corey Isen, who missed virtually all of training camp last week because of a groin pull, skated.

Alexander Alepin (stomach), Imre Matyas (concussion) and Kevin McKinnon (hip flexor) didn't practice.

The Speed, who swept a pair of preseason games from the Asheville Smoke over the weekend, open the regular season at home against Asheville on Friday.

NOTEBOOK: The city has ordered new goals and nets. ... The Speed's bus, which was conviscated by an Alcoa firm because of a debt, is back in the team's possession.