Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, Brian Gardner, will not return to Roanoke’s broadcasting booth in the fall with the Rail Yard Dawgs.
“Ultimately, it’s just time. Time to move on, time to pursue other opportunities,” Gardner explained. “Roanoke will always be special to me. Being the first voice of the Rail Yard Dawgs and helping bring professional hockey back to the Valley was an absolute honor. I will miss this place.”
Gardner began with the Rail Yard Dawgs in the fall of 2016 just in time for the team’s first home game of their inaugural season. He came up through the ranks over four seasons, starting as a home-game-only broadcaster and finishing the most recent season as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Gardner became not only a well-known voice, but also a popular face, among the team’s fanbase.
“Brian has been a huge asset to our team since he started with us,” said President Mickey Gray. “He’s become an obvious leader in the SPHL for broadcasting standards. Our entire office will miss him professionally and personally. We wish him the best on his next journey.” Gray went on to say that Gardner’s replacement has big shoes to fill and that more information will be coming on that newly open position.
Gray capped off Gardner’s time with the team in a podcast, where the two reminisced on the years working together.