Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs 2024-2025 *Off* Season Preview (8-28-24)

By: Joey Raymond

All Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network 

Well, it’s that time of year again, “hockey night” with the Salem Red Sox and you guys know what that means! Hockey in the Star City is right around the corner. This season the Dawgs look to once again bring home a President’s Cup and with the roster they’ve been building and fan support at an all-time high, the excitement is palpable. Let’s look at what the Dawgs have done this offseason and what to look forward to going into this season. 

Roster Overview

The Rail Yard Dawgs have set their foundation for the upcoming season with a robust protected list featuring key returning players. CJ Stubbs and Nick Ford, who led the team in scoring last season, are expected to be pivotal offensive contributors again. Defenseman Brendan Pepe, the SPHL Defenseman of the Year, anchors the defense, providing stability and experience.

The Dawgs have strengthened their roster with key additions and familiar faces. Ryan Hunter, a standout from the Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), joins after an impressive rookie season with 29 goals and 46 assists in 52 games. Jacob Kelly returns after a solid SPHL debut, contributing 18 goals and 13 assists. Newcomer Tim Kent, a former Curry College standout, adds fresh talent despite missing his senior year due to injury. The team also welcomes back dependable players Nick Ford, Brenden Pepe, and Aiden Girduckis from last season. 

Roanoke also made some bold offseason moves, including the controversial trade of fan favorite Dominiks Marcinkevics to Pensacola for veteran center Joe Widmar. Marcinkevics, who tallied 69 points (27 G, 42 A) in 95 games over two seasons with the Dawgs, also had a stint in the ECHL with the Adirondack Thunder. In return, the Dawgs gained Widmar, a seasoned player with 130 SPHL games and 157 ECHL games, where he has consistently contributed, recording 39 goals and 104 assists in the SPHL.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Player Retention and Development: The return of key players like Kelly, Gerduckis, and Pepe gives the Dawgs a strong foundation to build upon this season. How the coaching staff integrates the new talent with these returning veterans will be crucial. Under the leadership of Dan Bremner, a proven and battle-tested coach, the team has made some bold offseason moves. It will be fascinating to see how these changes come together on the ice and how the new dynamics impact the team’s performance.

• Schedule and Matchups: The Dawgs’ schedule for the upcoming season has been released, with early matchups playing a key role in setting the tone. As usual, each SPHL team will host and travel for 28 games during the regular season. Roanoke’s Opening Night is on Friday, October 18, against Fayetteville. The SPHL’s demanding schedule will test the team’s consistency and endurance throughout the season, making it critical for the Dawgs to maintain their form and focus from the start. Keep an eye out for how Roanoke does against the typical rivals in Knoxville and Fayetteville.

• Leadership on and off the Ice: The leadership of seasoned players like Stubbs and Pepe will be crucial in mentoring younger players and guiding the team through the season’s challenges. The return of Nick Ford and Aiden Girduckis from last season should also provide stability. Roanoke’s past success has heavily relied on team cohesion, and with the current roster, this season will be no different. However, the potential absence of Captain Mac Jansen, alternate captains Josh Nenadal and Matt O’Dea, and goaltender Austyn Roudebush leaves a significant gap. If these players don’t return, it will be interesting to see who Roanoke chooses to fill their roles.

Final Thoughts

With a balanced mix of returning stars and fresh talent, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are poised for a competitive season. If the team can gel early and maintain consistency, they have the potential to be a strong contender in the SPHL this year. We are still fairly far away from game one of the season but it’s approaching fast. We’ll get more updates as the season gets closer. 

This preview sets the stage for an exciting season, highlighting the key aspects of the team’s roster and schedule. For more details, you can visit the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs official site.