Can you smell it? That fresh sheet of ice, the sharp leather of the gloves, and the sweet, sweet scent of a new season finally on the horizon! After what felt like the longest summer ever, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are officially back in business!
Training Camp for the 2025-2026 season kicks off right here in the Star City on Monday, October 7th, at the Berglund Center Coliseum. This is it—the first look, the first skates, and the beginning of the journey back to championship glory.
The Dawgs have announced that most of the practices will be open to the public, so get ready to sneak a peek at the boys before the puck officially drops!
What We’re Watching at the Rink
This camp isn’t just a skate-around; it’s a battle for roster spots, and every drill counts. Coach Dan Bremner has assembled a hungry crew, and here are the biggest storylines we’re glued to:
1. The Dynamic Returners: Blue Line Leaders Are Back!
We’ve got a solid core coming back, and their momentum is key. Carson Gallagher, our reigning SPHL Rookie of the Year, is returning to dominate and show he’s not slowing down. Defensive anchor Matt O’Dea is back for his sixth season—that kind of veteran presence is priceless. Speaking of defense, the always-dependable C.J. Valerian is back! Valerian is a two-way monster on the blue line, giving us depth and reliable grit that every contender needs. We also need to see how dynamic forwards like Andrew Harley and Gustav Müller step up their game after great campaigns last year. These guys know the system, they know the barn, and they know what it takes.
2. The Return of the ECHL Sniper: Travis Broughman is Home!
This is huge! The biggest comeback story of the offseason is the return of Travis Broughman! The local Richmond native exploded onto the SPHL scene a couple of years back and spent the last three seasons tearing it up in the ECHL. Broughman consistently put up solid numbers at the next level, and his decision to bring that ECHL-level offensive firepower and veteran hustle back to Roanoke is a massive boost. Get ready for some serious scoring, Dawg Park!
3. The Return of a Champion Goalie & New Grit! 🏆
The competition between the pipes just got a whole lot more exciting with the return of Brody Claeys! Brody is back in Roanoke for the first time since the beginning of the 2023-2024 season. After spending last year in Pensacola, our 2023 President’s Cup champion netminder is back where he belongs.
We all remember that magical playoff run in 2023, and Brody was a critical backbone as the backup goalie, ready to step in at any moment. That championship experience and ability to handle pressure is invaluable as he fights for the starting role this year.
But let’s not forget the new grit coming in! New guys like forward Matt Dorsey are known for throwing the body and racking up penalty minutes—the kind of edge-of-your-seat, punishing hockey the Star City loves. Plus, the sibling synergy with the newly signed Fechko brothers, Marcus and Trey, promises a high motor and relentless forecheck.
Opening Night is Locked In!
Just ten days after camp opens, the lights go up for real!
Get your tickets and your voices ready for Friday, October 17th, as the Dawgs host a massive home opener against a major rival: the Huntsville Havoc! There is no better way to kick off the new season than with a rivalry tilt right here at home.
It’s time to stop talking about hockey and start watching it! Let the fun begin, Dawg Park!