CALGARY, AB – Calgary Roughnecks general manager Mike Board today announced the team has acquired 24-year-old forward Tyler Digby, a first-round pick in the 2018 NLL Draft and a first-round selection in 2019 from the New England Black Wolves in exchange for 29-year-old forward Shawn Evans and a 2018 third-round pick, pending league approval.
“Tyler is a big, athletic presence on offence,” said Board. “He is a young player who is tough to check. He is a bull on the floor and is not shy about going to the tough areas to score. He can create space for his teammates and take the ball to the net. We are fortunate and excited to add Tyler to our attack.”
Digby, a native of New Westminster, British Columbia, recently completed his second National Lacrosse League season, recording a career-high 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 18 games with the Vancouver Stealth. Selected by the Stealth in the third round, 20th overall, in the 2013 NLL Draft, Digby had an impressive 58-point debut season, finishing second in rookie scoring before being named to the 2014 NLL All-Rookie Team. He entered the NLL following a multi-sport collegiate career, playing both lacrosse and football at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, and a successful junior career with the BCJALL’s New Westminster Salmonbellies. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound, forward spent four seasons with the Salmonbellies, tallying 251 career points (117 goals, 134 assists) over 63 games including a league-leading 89-point campaign in 2010. On Sunday, the Stealth traded Digby to the Black Wolves.
Evans, a Peterborough, Ontario native, spent four seasons in Calgary (2012-15) following a trade with the Rochester Knighthawks at the 2011 NLL Draft.
“Shawn expressed a strong desire to play closer to home and his young family of three daughters including 14-month-old twins,” added Board. “We feel this deal is one that is good for both the organization and Shawn. We wish Shawn and his family all the best and want to thank him for his contributions to the Roughnecks over the last four years.”
The Roughnecks will open their 15th anniversary season at home against the defending NLL champion Saskatchewan Rush (formerly Edmonton) on Saturday, Jan. 2, with a 7 p.m. faceoff at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Season ticket packages for the 2016 campaign are now available. For more information on ticket options and the exclusive privileges offered to Roughnecks season seat holders, click here or contact customer service at 403-777-4646.
