Earlier this week, Andrew McBride announced his retirement from the Calgary Roughnecks, wrapping up his 13-year NLL career, all with Calgary.
McBride ends his career as the Roughnecks all-time leader in games played (189) and penalty minutes (341), with the third-most loose balls (630) and third-most forced turnovers (63). A second-round draft pick in 2002 was on the team for both of their Champion’s Cup wins (2004 and 2009) and was twice named an All Star (2008 and 2011).
McBride has always been active in the community and was a team leader—he took over the captaincy of the Roughnecks after the departure of Tracey Kelusky and held that title for the last five seasons.
He was a consummate team player, working within the system, never seeking to stand out, but to be part of a unit that protected Calgary’s net.
Although McBride was a respected defender, his leadership qualities will be the most-missed element of his game. McBride led by example and was also capable of taking charge on the floor. With McBride gone and faceoff wizard Geoff Snider also parting ways with the team earlier this summer, Calgary has lost two veteran leaders, leaving some big shoes to fill.
It remains to be seen who will take over the responsibility for captaining this team going forward. Dane Dobbie has been an alternate captain in the past, as has Mike Carnegie, but Head Coach Curt Malawsky might also look to reigning NLL MVP Shawn Evans or former MVP Jeff Shattler to take charge in that role.
