ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Broadcaster Mitch Stewart famously told listeners during the radio broadcast of game four of the SPHL final, “Every dawg has its day!”
The Rail Yard Dawgs are having themselves quite the week.
What began as a dramatic pair of overtime games at the Berglund Center culminated at the same venue with a celebration of Roanoke’s first hockey title since the Virginia Lancers won the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1987.
“It surpasses all my expectations. I thought there would be 300-400 people here to support the Dwags. I don’t know, we have 1500 people, I’m guessing. But it’s so emotional,” owner Bob McGinn said. “The players have all bought into what we’ve done here in the last four or five years. We’ve had a lot of veterans that have come back and they don’t want to play anywhere other than Roanoke. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to build. A culture of winning, a culture of success. Get out into the community, help this great city that is helping us win championships. It’s crazy.”
Fans crowded onto the now iceless floor of the Berglund Center on Saturday for one final time this season to give a salute to the newest champions of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
“It’s surreal at this point. You see how many people showed up here, the electricity through the building, it’s crazy,” head coach Dan Bremner said. “This city, the fans here. I’ve been around the league, nothing like it here.”
The Dawgs reached the pinnacle after a dramatic four-game victory over Birmingham in the final series. The title clinched by captain Mac Jansen’s overtime goal on Tuesday night, marking his only score of the postseason.
“I mean just look at this. So cool. It’s really unbelievable,” Jansen said. “It’s just so well deserving by a group of men that absolutely worked their tails off.”
Saturday’s celebration capping off a week to remember for a franchise that’s seen its share of ups and downs. It also capped off a busy week of appearances for the President’s Cup trophy, which was on display for fans to take photos with at the Berglund Center.
Right winger Josh Nenadal has taken more than a few sips of adult beverages from the trophy itself.
“There’s an unmatched feeling. That’s an unmatched feeling right there. With all the blood sweat and tears we poured into this season, it’s worth it,” Nenadal said. “We have brought that trophy anywhere and everywhere we’ve been. I’ve walked that thing all the way down Campbell, I’ll tell you that, right over my head. It’s a very surreal feeling and we’re very grateful.”
