The Calgary Roughnecks 2012 season saw them post an NLL best 12-4 record, finishing first in the west; only to be bounced from title contention by province rivals Edmonton Rush. When an obviously talented team like Calgary fails in such a manner, changes are bound to be made within the organization.
After taking over for current Toronto Rock head coach Troy Cordingley in 2009, Dave Pym led the Calgary Roughnecks to a 33-15 record while capturing two division championships. However, such regular season successes are easily forgotten when not mirrored in the playoffs. The decision was made in the off-season to part ways with Pym.
At the helm as head coach of the Roughnecks heading into 2013 is former assistant coach Curt Malawsky. Malawsky not only brings a wealth of experience from his playing career, including a World Championship as a member of Team Canada and a Champion’s Cup with the Roughnecks, his coaching resume is also impressive. In addition to spending the last three years as Calgary’s assistant coach and assistant general manager, Malawsky’s coaching history features three Minto Cup championships, most recently a 2010 title with the Coquitlam Adanacs junior A program.
The first official Roughnecks roster under the Malawsky reign features the returning core from last season’s squad as well as some fresh new talent.
New faces set to join Calgary include three players from the Roughnecks 2012 draft class: First round draft picks Joe Resetaris and Matt Dinsdale as well as second round pick Jackson Decker. A native of Hamburg, NY, Resataris has impressed thus far in his short time with the squad, including a 4 point exhibition performance versus Edmonton. While new to the Roughnecks, Dinsdale has familiarity with Malawsky’s system having spent two seasons under him with the Adanacs. Limestone College grad Jackson Decker performed well in pre-season action and will bring youthful athleticism to a veteran Riggers squad.
After being acquired in an off-season trade, former Toronto Rock member Aaron Pascas also joins the Roughnecks. Despite only one year of NLL experience under his belt, Pascas’ 24 point rookie campaign made him a key contributor on Toronto’s 2011 championship team.
Free agent Brad Richardson rounds out Calgary’s newest additions. Richardson previously dressed 14 games as a member of the 2010 Colorado Mammoth and most recently saw action this summer with the Coquitlam Adanacs senior A club.
With veterans such as Scott Ranger and Jeff Shattler returning to the mold, one notable name that will not be hitting the Scotiabank Saddledome turf in 2013 is eleven-year Roughneck Kaleb Toth. Despite being recently re-signed, there were doubts as to whether or not the three time NLL champion (two with Calgary) would suit up this season. The hometown hero will retire with the Riggers as the team’s longest serving member, leading the organization in several categories including games played, goals, assists, points and game-winning goals.
The 2013 Calgary Roughnecks will hold their first official practices this weekend, with three sessions scheduled between Friday and Saturday.
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