If you’ve been following the transaction wire this week, your head might be spinning faster than a puck on fresh ice. Coach Bremner has been busy, and the roster we’re seeing today looks a whole lot different than it did just ten days ago.
Between a major trade and the return of a locker-room legend, the Dawgs are clearly loading up for that late-season push. Let’s break down what these moves mean for our boys in the Star City.
The Return of the “Heart and Soul”: C.J. Valerian is Back
Let’s be honest: the Dawgs just haven’t looked the same without C.J. Valerian patrolling the blue line. After a two-month stint with the Tahoe Knight Monsters in the ECHL, our alternate captain is officially back in Roanoke.
- Why it matters: Valerian isn’t just a body on defense; he’s the franchise’s all-time leader in plus/minus (+47). He brings a “calm in the storm” energy that this young defensive core desperately needs.
- The Vibe: Expect the Berglund Center to be extra loud for #27’s first home shift back. He’s the bridge to that 2023 President’s Cup championship team, and his leadership is worth its weight in gold.
The Trade: Ashton Paul for Fabrice Bourgeois
In a classic “need for need” swap, the Dawgs traded rookie defenseman Fabrice Bourgeois to the Quad City Storm in exchange for forward Ashton Paul.
- Who is Ashton Paul? He’s a 6’2” winger with a high motor. He’s already suited up for Huntsville and Quad City this season, but don’t let the travel fool you—this kid has talent. He was a teammate of Bourgeois back in the SJHL (Flin Flon Bombers), so they’re basically trading places.
- The Fit: With Tyson Kirkby recently being placed on team suspension and returning to the FPHL, we had a massive hole in our forward depth. Paul brings 11 points and 40 penalty minutes to the table—he’s got the size to play Bremner’s physical style and the touch to chip in on the scoresheet.
- Saying Goodbye to Fab: It’s tough to see Bourgeois go. At 6’4”, he was a physical presence and a willing fighter (3 fighting majors this season). We wish him the best in Quad City, but with Valerian returning, the blue line was getting crowded.
The Bottom Line
Bremner is making a statement: The Dawgs are not content with 5th place. By swapping a rookie defender for a versatile forward and welcoming back a veteran leader, Roanoke is balancing the scales. We’re getting tougher to play against and smarter in our own zone.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Fayetteville coming to town this weekend for a massive double-header, these new-look Dawgs need to gel fast.