Eight IceDogs Alumni Named to AHL Opening Night Rosters
NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs are proud to be represented across the American Hockey League as eight IceDogs alumni have been named to opening night rosters for the 2026-27 AHL season.
The AHL’s 91st season gets underway Friday, Oct. 2, with 32 teams set to play 72 games apiece. Eight games are on the schedule for opening night, marking the league’s earliest start to a season since 2009, before 30 games take place across opening weekend.
Riley Patterson will begin the season with the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) after a standout final season in Niagara. Patterson recorded a career-high 84 points (40G, 44A) last season. Selected by the Vancouver Canucks 125th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Patterson signed his entry-level contract with the organization in September 2025.
Closer to Dog Country, Philip Tomasino is set to suit up for the Belleville Senators (OTT). Tomasino was selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft after originally joining Niagara as the fifth overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He played a key role in the IceDogs’ success during the 2018-19 season.
Out west, former IceDogs forward Ben Jones will take the ice with the Calgary Wranglers (CGY), while Andrei Loshko begins the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA). Former IceDogs captain Kevin He will continue his professional career with the Manitoba Moose (WPG).
Rounding out the group are Cameron Butler with the Grand Rapids Griffins (DET), Dylan Roobroeck with the Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR) and Jack Studnicka with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI).
The Niagara IceDogs congratulate all eight alumni on earning spots to begin the 2026-27 AHL season and wish them continued success as they represent Dog Country at the professional level.
