Calgary Roughnecks Enter New Era as Key Stars Depart

The Calgary Roughnecks are poised for a transformative season in the 2025-26 National Lacrosse League as they face significant changes in their roster. With the departures of key players including Jesse King, Dane Dobbie, Curtis Dickson, and Reece Callies, the team is shifting its focus towards a new chapter. The Roughnecks will kick off their season on December 6, 2025, against the Saskatchewan Rush.

The off-season has been particularly challenging for the Roughnecks, as noted by Mike Board, the team’s general manager. He remarked on the impact of a recent collective bargaining agreement, which complicated planning for all teams in the league. “This one had a collective bargaining agreement thrown in there, which sort of delayed some of the planning process for all teams,” Board explained. Despite these hurdles, he emphasized the organization’s commitment to moving forward and adapting to change.

Dobbie, who holds the franchise record with 1,090 points, retired in September. He has transitioned into a new role as the club’s lacrosse operations adviser. This shift adds a wealth of experience to the Roughnecks’ front office, as they navigate a redefined team structure.

The exodus of talent to the Vancouver Warriors has also raised eyebrows. King, Dickson, Callies, and former Roughnecks goaltender Christian Del Bianco, the 2023 NLL MVP, have all signed with the Warriors. This move reunites them with Curt Malawsky, the Warriors’ general manager and head coach, who is recognized for his record of 105 coaching wins with the Roughnecks.

Board acknowledged the familiarity players have with Malawsky, which has played a role in their decisions to leave Calgary. “Players make life, family, and work decisions when it comes to where they want to play,” he stated, referencing the appeal of the Warriors for those settled on the West Coast.

With a new roster taking shape, the Roughnecks are focusing on cultivating a winning culture within the team. The coaching staff is instilling a high level of competition during training camp, encouraging both returning and new players to embrace this philosophy. Board expressed optimism about the team’s direction, noting, “Our focus is on the players we have and building a winning culture.”

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the Roughnecks are not only looking to rebuild but also to establish a foundation that can withstand the pressures of the league. The upcoming match against the Saskatchewan Rush will serve as a critical test for the newly formed squad as they aim to navigate the challenges of a competitive landscape in the NLL.