Every once in a while I use this space as a forum to try and drum up some support or excitement for a particular team or event in town that could use some love. More often than not, it’s been local baseball that has been the topic of conversation. Today, it’s Calgary Roughnecks lacrosse.
The Roughnecks are not new in town. Many of you have been going to lacrosse games at the ‘Dome for years. In fact, I’ve been lectured in the past that I need to spend more time talking about the team or going to the games.
The team is under new ownership as is widely known. Brad Banister, after years of carrying the team on a deficit decided enough was enough and sold the club to the Calgary Flames ownership group. Banister likely deserves a debt of gratitude from lacrosse fans in Southern Alberta because the Roughnecks most certainly would have been calling another city home were it not for his love of the team and the sport. The team is under the Flames umbrella now and there are some cosmetic changes, but the roster and attitude remains the same.
I’m compelled to write about the Roughnecks today, not so much that the team or sport is in dire need of your affection and recreational dollar, but to maybe bring to attention one of the most entertaining sports outings in the city you’ve maybe never experienced.
I took my six year old son to the home opener last weekend with a group of his buddies. Not surprisingly, the hits, goals and music was a big hit. They were on their feet the entire time and had a blast. I went with a group of parents, the bulk of whom had never been to a Roughnecks game before. The home team gave up a late goal and lost in overtime. As a whole, the parental group were quite impressed and surprised at the level of play and entertainment value.
My kid spent the last week repeating the Roughnecks goal song (BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!) ad naseum in our house and upon hearing there was another game on Saturday, began begging to go back. Which we did. The home opener had plenty of excitement. A late goal to tie it, followed by OT. Could this second game match that intensity? The answer is yes. The crowd of just over seven thousand was surprisingly loud. The Roughnecks again would lose, and again in overtime, but the lad had more fun the second time around than the first. Even I found myself fist pumping to the goals in the fourth quarter and unusually disappointed when the winning goal found the Roughnecks net.
Could it be that at my old age I could find a new sporting love? I’ve been to games before. I was aware that the product was worthy of attention. Maybe it’s because my kid loves it and it’s a new father-son experience for us. Or maybe I just never honestly gave it a shot. One of the first things I did after the game was over was check the schedule. Next home game? February 18th. I’ll be there. So should you.