Jerrett Smith is ready for a fresh start in Calgary.
After spending four seasons with the Saskatchewan Rush, the defenceman signed with the Roughnecks in free agency and is looking forward to joining a young group with plenty of potential.
INKED ✍️
We have signed defenceman Jerrett Smith to a two-year contract!
📰 https://t.co/uqEyO5hclb https://t.co/LKAiwOcdBS
— Calgary Roughnecks (@NLLRoughnecks) September 22, 2026
“I’m real excited. I think Calgary was just a really good fit,” said Smith. “They’ve got a good young group and I think there’s a lot to build on over there. They’ve got one of the best fan bases in the league and I’m just excited to be a part of it all.”
Smith brings 57 games of NLL experience to the Riggers back end, posting eight goals, 29 assists, 199 loose balls and 27 caused turnovers during his time in Saskatchewan.
The versatile defenceman prides himself on his ability to contribute in all areas of the floor and is prepared to take on whatever role the Roughnecks need him to fill.
“I like to think I’m a little bit of a do-it-all kind of guy,” said Smith. “I can play a role at the back door. I think I have a good stick. I can push the ball in transition, just kind of a guy that can play anywhere the team needs.”
Joining a defensive unit that already features established players, Smith believes the pieces are in place for the Roughnecks to take another step forward.
“With the guys they have in place, like Eli (Salama) and Harry (Harrison Matsuoka) and Cookie (Tanner Cook), they’ve got a good base over there,” he said. “If they need leadership, I can provide that, but I think I’m just going to go there and be whatever they need me to be.”
For Smith, the move to Calgary also represents another opportunity to continue playing the game he loves, something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I’m just thankful, honestly, to get an opportunity to keep playing and play in this league,” he said. “It truly is a privilege and I’m truly thankful that Calgary reached out and that I have this opportunity to keep trying and play.”
Smith will also have the opportunity to be part of a historic season for the franchise, as the Roughnecks prepare for their final campaign at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Having grown up a Calgary Flames fan and admirer of Jarome Iginla, the opportunity to play in the iconic building carries some added significance.
“I think it’s awesome. I think there’s a ton of history over there,” said Smith. “I used to be a huge Flames fan, big Jarome Iginla guy. So I think I know what the vibe is like over there and I’m super excited to be a part of it.
“And the last year ever, it’s just cool to be a part of history.”
