The Rail Yard Dawgs announced on Friday that defenseman Bryce Martin will return to the Star City for Roanoke’s 2021-2022 training camp starting in early October, as well as forward Billy Vizzo.
Martin spent 12 games with Roanoke on loan from the FPHL’s Elmira Enforcers during the 2019-2020 season, tallying one assist and recording a plus-one +/- rating while he was on the ice for the Dawgs. The five-foot-nine defenseman returned to Elmira last year, where he recorded five goals and seven assists in 22 games, an impressive mark for a defenseman. The Fort Erie, Ontario native played his way up through some of the top junior leagues in Canada before finally turning pro with the Enforcers and the Dawgs two seasons ago.
“Bryce is a great skating defenseman,” said Coach Bremner about Martin’s return to Roanoke. “He moves the puck well and has a great offensive mind. He consistently looks to make something happen when he has the puck on his stick.”
Vizzo earned his professional debut at the ECHL’s Worchester Railers. Vizzo was able to notch one assist during the three games he was able to play before the pandemic-shortened season ended. Prior to his stint in Worchester, Vizzo had two productive seasons with Curry College (NCAA-DIII) after transferring twice before. At Curry, Vizzo scored 27 goals and provided 30 assists in his 40 career appearances.
“After starting college at the Division I level, Billy put up very impressive numbers in his final two collegiate seasons with Curry College,” said Coach Bremner when asked about Vizzo. “After taking the 2020-2021 season off, he is ready and motivated to play the game again. Billy can really buzz around the ice and he sees the ice very well to make plays, while also being able to find the back of the net. Billy will bring a strong punch to the Dawgs offense this season.”
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. Single game tickets go on sale September 24 at 10:00 A.M. at Berglund Center box office and online.