The Rail Yard Dawgs announced on Thursday that wingers Josh Nenadal and Brady Heppner will return for Roanoke’s training camp in early October.
Nenadal joined the Dawgs just before the 2018-19 playoffs, scoring twice during Roanoke’s SPHL President’s Cup semifinal run. The five-foot-eight winger played in 45 regular season games during the 2019-2020 season for the Rail Yard Dawgs, tallying five goals and seven assists. The Brecksville, Ohio native didn’t suit up for a team last year, but Coach Dan Bremner is excited to have Nenadal back in the Star City.
“Josh is the heart and soul of a team,” said Coach Bremner about Nenadal’s return to Roanoke. “He plays a relentlessly physical game and will gladly do whatever the team needs without hesitation. He carries energy on the ice, on the bench, and in the locker room. Going into his third professional season, I’ll be looking for him to step into our leadership group and really put his stamp on Dawgs hockey.”
Heppner signed with Roanoke for the final three games of the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season after finishing his collegiate career at St. John’s University. The five-foot-ten winger tallied 39 goals and 40 assists in 99 games, and made the All-MIAC Conference First Team three years in a row. Heppner was able to record two assists in his three appearances with the Rail Yard Dawgs.
“Brady joined our team late in the 2019-2020 season before it was abruptly ended due to COVID-19,” said Coach Bremner when asked about Heppner. “In the three games that Brady played for us, he was an absolute buzz saw. He had a ton of energy and played a hard, physical, 200-foot game. I am looking forward to working with Brady on the other aspects of his game. With some work, along with his natural energy and speed, Brady could become a dominant player for our team.”
Roanoke hits the ice for its first home game in 601 days on Friday, October 15 at 7:05 P.M. against the Fayetteville Marksmen. Opening Night is sponsored by Haley Toyota of Roanoke. Season tickets, packages, and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Dawgs front office at 540-266-7343.