Omran Wahidy
As the Roughnecks prepare for a pivotal matchup Saturday with the Halifax Thunderbirds, Tanner Cook believes the group is trending in the right direction.
“The dressing room’s come closer together,” said Cook. “Guys have improved their individual games. Those are small positives we can take.
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“We know that we have a good group, really skilled and determined group in the dressing room.”
With a tight playoff race, the forward sees Saturday’s contest as an opportunity to get back in the hunt.
“It’s a do-or-die game. Late February, it’s as close to a playoff game as you can get,” Cook said. “If we can secure the W, it can give us a jump start. Build a half-decent record down the stretch and maybe slide into playoffs. Once you’re in, it’s anybody’s game.”
In a game with two hungry teams, Cook likes their odds.
“Yeah, I know we’ve always matched up well against Halifax,” he explained. “We know they’re just as hungry as we are for wins here late in the season. So it’s going to be a hard fought battle.”
Cook has been red hot this year, posting 49 points (25G, 24A) through 10 games played. He’s on pace for another career season, continuing the upward trajectory he’s built year over year – something he takes pride in, even as the focus remains on wins.
“As you progress through your career, you gain more responsibility and expectations,” Cook said. “You don’t want to take steps backwards. You always want to keep progressing and provide more for the team in any way you can.”
Cookie said 💨 pic.twitter.com/3MPwQUfg2O
— Calgary Roughnecks (@NLLRoughnecks) February 15, 2026
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Philadelphia Wings at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
Still one of the younger players league-wide but a veteran presence in Calgary’s room, Cook has embraced a leadership role alongside fellow veteran Tyler Pace.
“We’re kind of the veteran players on the team this year,” Cook said. “So we got to bring, you know, an extra gear and we’ve been trying our best to do that and at times it seems we should bring a little more.”
Cook added, “We’re in the stretching line together, we spend a lot of time shooting together after the practices or shoot arounds or whatever it may be. Just finding that extra one percent that might get us over the hump in these close games.”
And through it all, the support from the Rough House hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“The fans keep showing up for us, even with our record. We appreciate that. It gives us an extra gear. Hopefully we can put forth a good product and get the W.”
Next up after this is our St.Patrick’s Day Party at the Rough House on Mar. 14 against the Ottawa Black Bears. SECURE TICKETS FOR THE GAME HERE
