By: Riley Pollock – 09.12.24

The Roughnecks took their fans on an emotional rollercoaster ride on Saturday, but the end result was worth it.

Calgary came all the way back from an 11-4 deficit in the second quarter against Halifax in their season opener to grind out an 18-17 win.

Amid all the scoring, Riggers second-year defender Bennett Smith notched his first NLL goal in the victory.

“It’s definitely a moment you dream of,” Smith said. “I’ve thought about it for a number of years. It’s in the back of your mind but during the games you don’t really think about it until it happens. It’s a bit of a weight off my shoulders and it felt really good.

“Harrison (Matsuoka) made a great pass and the defender didn’t slide to me so I had to take the shot.”

Many teams may have folded trailing by seven in the second quarter of their first game of the season, especially one as new to each other as this Roughnecks group, but Smith says the entire bench stayed focused.

“It was honestly really cool to be a part of; how composed everyone was on the bench,” he explained. “Our coaching staff, our leaders, all the guys on the bench, there wasn’t any doubt. It wasn’t the start we wanted obviously but we were very resilient. We’ve got a great group of guys, we’re really tight and it was really fun to be a part of that game.”

Smith – the Roughnecks 2023 first-round pick (11th overall) – is in his second year in the NLL but was one of just six defenders who played with the Riggers last year on the opening night lineup. He says it has helped him quickly have more of a voice with the group.

“I would say it pushes me to be more of a leader,” he explained. “I’ve been a leader in the past and I know what it’s like to be young in the league. It’s a huge adjustment, it’s the best lacrosse league in the world. I just try to do what I can, listen to our leaders and take what they have to say and relay it to the younger guys and help out where I can.”

The Roughnecks will now jet off to Albany for their second game of the season on Saturday when they battle the 1-1 Firewolves. Smith says the key to the game is obviously a faster start.

“We have to start off hot,” said Smith. “Halifax scored a couple quick and their atmosphere maybe forced us on our heels. We have to do what we can throughout the week to make sure we come out hot. Preparation in terms of film and get our bodies right and come out stronger.”

The Roughnecks will have a break over Christmas following this weekend’s game before returning to the Rough House Dec. 28 for the Home Opener against Vancouver. TICKETS

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