ROANOKE, Va. – The Rail Yard Dawgs announced on Friday that assistant coach Nick DeVito has been promoted to associate head coach ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
DeVito said of his promotion: “This organization has been a big part of my life, first as a player and now as a coach. I’m grateful to Dan Bremner and the front office for trusting me with this role, and I’m ready to help this group chase another title.”
“Winning a championship here as a player is something I’ll never forget, and I want our guys to experience that feeling. Roanoke has some of the best fans in hockey, and I’m proud to keep representing this city from behind the bench.”
DeVito played for the Rail Yard Dawgs during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, providing major contributions for the Dawgs en route to Roanoke’s first-ever Presidents’ Cup title in 2023. The five-foot-nine winger led all SPHL players during the 2023 postseason in goals (six) and points (11) after finishing the regular season with 12 goals and 24 assists. DeVito played in 92 games for the Dawgs and also appeared in 13 career ECHL games. The Averill Park, New York, native graduated from SUNY Morrisville (NCAA D-III) in 2020 and is also an analyst for a health insurance company.
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“Vito is a huge asset to me and every player who comes through this organization,” said head coach Dan Bremner. “He reads the game at a high level and has a great eye for both talent and the grit we value here in Roanoke. Whether he’s working with players on the ice, breaking down video or recruiting, he’s consistently shown how much he brings to our team.
“Nick has built strong relationships throughout hockey, and his confidence and knowledge of the game command respect. He understands what we’re looking for in a player and what it takes to succeed here. His ability to identify and bring in players who fit our team has become one of his biggest strengths.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Nick stepping into a bigger role as associate head coach. He helped bring a championship to Roanoke as a player, and he’s earned this opportunity through the work he’s put in as a coach. I’m looking forward to seeing him put more of his fingerprint on this team and continue building his legacy here.”
Training camp is set to start Monday, October 5 at Berglund Center. Roanoke will host the Fayetteville Marksmen to kick off the 2026-2027 season on Friday, October 16, with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. Season tickets, ticket packages and group tickets are on sale now through the Rail Yard Dawgs front office. Single game tickets for the season are on sale now online and at Berglund Center box office.
