The Calgary Roughnecks are set to make their long-awaited home debut for the 2025-26 National Lacrosse League season. After starting the campaign on the road, the team finally steps onto familiar turf at the Scotiabank Saddledome, affectionately known as the Rough House, this Sunday night.
A New Era Begins at the Rough House
This home opener marks a significant turning point for the franchise, as fans will get their first live look at a roster that has undergone substantial changes. The familiar faces of legends like Dane Dobbie, who retired, and Curtis Dickson, who departed via free agency, will be absent. They are joined by former captain Jesse King and veteran defender Reece Callies, who both signed with the rival Vancouver Warriors. In another major move, veteran goaltender Nick Rose returned to the Toronto Rock.
Despite these significant departures, Roughnecks General Manager Mike Board expresses confidence in the new group. "There might not be as many known names," Board acknowledged. "But we've got guys that we think can step up and fill some of those shoes. We're going to fill those shoes with some young, enthusiastic guys that I think will be a really competitive group."
Offensive Leaders: The Veteran Core
With the departure of so much offensive firepower, the spotlight now shines brightly on the remaining veteran forwards to lead the charge. Tyler Pace and Tanner Cook emerge as the central catalysts for the Riggers' attack.
At 30 years old, Tyler Pace is the undisputed high-IQ playmaker of the offence. With 142 goals and 240 assists over his 94-game career with Calgary, his experience is invaluable. He honed his skills alongside the likes of King, Dobbie, and Dickson. However, the team will need him to rebound from a dip in production last season, where he posted 16 goals and 57 points, and return to the form that saw him score 36 goals and 86 points in the 2023-24 season.
Alongside Pace, Tanner Cook brings additional veteran savvy and scoring punch to the forefront. Together, they form the experienced backbone of an otherwise youthful offensive unit.
A Crucial Test Against the Champions
The challenge for this revamped squad could not be steeper. They face the defending champion Buffalo Bandits (1-1) in their home opener at the Dome, with the game scheduled for 6 p.m. and broadcast on TSN+. The Roughnecks enter the contest with an 0-2 record, making a strong performance in front of the home crowd imperative to build momentum.
This game represents more than just another fixture on the schedule; it's the first chance for the Calgary faithful to embrace a new generation of Roughnecks talent. The organization is betting that the energy and competitiveness of its new-look roster will quickly endear them to fans and prove that the team remains a formidable force in the National Lacrosse League.
