Omran Wahidy
The Roughnecks newest addition is already starting to feel right at home – he scored his first goal in a Roughnecks jersey over the weekend, in his second game with the club.
Dunny’s first as a Roughneck‼️ pic.twitter.com/VaVfx8xvvZ
— Calgary Roughnecks (@NLLRoughnecks) February 16, 2026
For Jacob Dunbar, the transition to Calgary has been seamless, and it’s only getting better with each shift.
“I feel good,” Dunbar said. “I feel like I’m starting to build more chemistry each game and each shift and the guys were great.”
The Roughnecks recently acquired the B.C native from the Ottawa Black Bears in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NLL Entry Draft.
From the moment he arrived, there was a sense of familiarity. Knowing several teammates before joining the roster helped ease the adjustment, but for Dunbar, it’s the growing on-floor connection that stands out most.
“Each game that weekend, I just felt more comfortable each shift,” he explained. “It’s a good team to join. I really like the team camaraderie and everything like that, so I’m happy to be in Calgary.”
That comfort level has also been reinforced by the support from behind the bench. Head coach Josh Sanderson, who previously coached Dunbar in 2022 with the San Diego Seals, made it clear early on that the focus was about putting Dunbar in the right situations to thrive.
“We didn’t really talk too much about minutes,” Dunbar explained. “We just talked about putting me in spots where I can succeed … putting me with certain guys that I’ll build chemistry with fast and at ease and kind of telling me what he expects of me.”
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Georgia Swarm at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
That clarity has allowed Dunbar to play free and confident.
“He definitely said, ‘Be ready,’” Dunbar added. “Josh has been great. I love Josh, he’s a great guy.”
His excitement to wear the Roughnecks jersey runs even deeper than his recent arrival. Dunbar grew up watching Calgary, admiring the players who once filled the Scotiabank Saddledome floor.
“I watched them my whole life,” he said. “My favourite players were on that team growing up.”
That admiration has quickly turned into appreciation for the organization and especially the fanbase.
“I’ve loved Calgary as a city. I’ve been there a couple times, and even playing on other teams in Calgary, I always loved the fans there,” Dunbar shared. “How they fill up the stadium and they’re so loud, it makes you get up for the games, makes you hyped and fired up to play there.”
