The Calgary Roughnecks are turning the page, ushering in a new era as the 2026 National Lacrosse League season gets underway. After an off-season marked by significant roster turnover, fans are being asked to look forward, not back, as a younger squad prepares to hit the floor.
A Roster Transformed: Legends Depart, New Leaders Emerge
The most striking change for the Roughnecks is the absence of several franchise icons. Dane Dobbie has retired, moving into a front-office role as an operations adviser. Meanwhile, offensive stars Curtis Dickson and captain Jesse King have followed former head coach Curt Malawsky to the Vancouver Warriors. The trio combined for a staggering 114 of the team's 218 goals last season.
They are joined in Vancouver by veteran defender Reece Callies, another member of the Roughnecks' 2019 championship team. The loss of such foundational talent naturally raises questions about the team's offensive firepower and veteran presence.
"Those guys going to Vancouver, it's hard to blame them," said newly appointed team captain Eli Salama. "It's hometown for them... It's a part of sports."
Looking Forward with Youth and Enthusiasm
General Manager Mike Board emphasizes a forward-thinking mindset. Instead of dwelling on the departures, the focus is on the opportunity it creates for the next generation of players.
"You kind of move on from that stuff and start to look forward," Board stated. "When I look around our room and see the enthusiasm and the youth that we've got, we just see guys ready to break into the league, guys ready to take another step... and then the veterans that have been here can take over that leadership."
This philosophy suggests a faster, perhaps less predictable style of play. Board's assessment is straightforward: "We're gonna be a fun team to watch."
The 2026 Road Ahead: Schedule and Key Matchups
The new-look Roughnecks begin their campaign on the road this Saturday, December 5th, against the Saskatchewan Rush in Saskatoon (7 p.m. MT, TSN+). This is the first of two consecutive away games, with a visit to the Toronto Rock slated for next Saturday.
The team's home debut at the Scotiabank Saddledome is set for December 28th, and it will be a major test as they host the reigning champion Buffalo Bandits. This early-season gauntlet will quickly reveal the mettle of Calgary's remodeled lineup.
While the faces on the floor have changed, the expectations in Calgary have not. The challenge for this reinvented Roughnecks squad is to forge its own identity, blending the enthusiasm of youth with strategic leadership, and to prove that the team's competitive spirit remains intact despite the off-season's massive changes.
