Rail Yard Dawgs Broadcaster Relieved of Duties

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The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs have relieved Mitch Stewart of his duties as the team's Media Manager and Play-by-Play Broadcaster effective immediately due to a violation of the organization's Code of Conduct. The team is currently working to find a replacement to handle all communications and broadcasting responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

Why it matters

The Rail Yard Dawgs are a minor league hockey team in Roanoke, Virginia, and the dismissal of their longtime media manager and play-by-play announcer is an unusual and newsworthy event that impacts the team's operations and fan engagement during the current season.

The details

Mitch Stewart had served as the Rail Yard Dawgs' Media Manager and Play-by-Play Broadcaster for several seasons. The team has not provided specifics on the violation of the Code of Conduct that led to his dismissal, only stating that they are working to find an immediate replacement to handle all communications and broadcasting duties for the rest of the 2026 season.

• Mitch Stewart was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The Rail Yard Dawgs are actively searching for a replacement to fill the Media Manager and Play-by-Play Broadcaster roles for the remainder of the 2026 season.