For Immediate Release:
September 26, 2017
STEVE MELE RETURNS, ROOKIE DEFENSEMAN SIGNED
Brian Rowland, Mele, added to Dawgs training camp roster
ROANOKE, VA – The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs announced on Tuesday that forward Steve Mele and rookie defenseman Brian Rowland have been signed to tryout agreements and will be with the team for training camp in October.
Mele spent the entire 2016-17 season with Roanoke, notching eight goals and 13 assists over 29 games played. The Bronx, NY native turned pro after playing four seasons of NCAA hockey at American International College and has been a member of ten different SPHL and ECHL teams. 2017-18 will be his seventh season as a pro.
“Steve has shown that he has more than enough talent to succeed at this level,” Rail Yard Dawgs head coach Sam Ftorek said. “It’s great to have him back in the mix.”
Rowland will attempt to make his first professional roster after four seasons of college hockey at Norwich University. He was a member of the Cadets 2016-17 NCAA Division III national championship team and totaled five goals and five assists over 21 games during his senior season. Rowland joins former Norwich teammate goaltender Ty Reichenbach on the Dawgs training camp roster.
“Brian had a lot of success at the college level and comes from a great program at Norwich,” Ftorek said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table for camp.”
The Rail Yard Dawgs will open training camp in early October and begin the 2017-18 season at home against the Fayetteville Marksmen on October 20.
2017-18 ticket packages are available now! Don’t miss out on your chance at eight giveaway items this year. Contact the Rail Yard Dawgs office at (540) 344-3294 for more information!
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