CALGARY, AB — The Calgary Roughnecks Lacrosse Club is proud to announce former captain Tracey Kelusky will be honoured for the contributions he has made to the organization as a player and person on Sunday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m., when a “Forever A Roughneck” banner will be hoisted and remain on permanent display at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Kelusky will become the second Roughnecks alumnus to receive this distinction following the inaugural induction of Kaleb Toth in 2013. Kelusky, who is entering his third season as assistant coach of the New England Black Wolves, will be recognized pre-game when the East Division club visits the ’Dome in March.
“TK was a fierce competitor and an outstanding player, leader and teammate. Above all, he was the ultimate captain,” said assistant general manager and head coach Curt Malawsky, who played alongside Kelusky from 2008-09. “He would always make the game-changing play on the floor and, more importantly, made life-changing plays off the floor by sharing words of wisdom with his teammates, signing autographs for fans and giving smiles and hugs to young children aspiring to be a Roughneck. He left a positive impression. The family culture that the Roughnecks are known for today is largely because of Tracey. He is more than deserving of this honour. It will be a proud day for his teammates, coaches and the organization when TK’s banner goes to the rafters beside his buddy Niner, Kaleb Toth.
“It truly is an honour for me to be part of the ‘Forever A Roughneck’ program,” said Kelusky. “When I look back on my career, I always think of myself as a Roughneck. I was privileged to play with and be led by many amazing players and coaches during my time in Calgary. The eight seasons I played there defined me as a player and equally important, as a person. The City of Calgary will always be home for me.”
Kelusky began his NLL playing career with Columbus (2001) and Montreal (2002) before suiting up for Calgary following the 2002 dispersal draft where he was selected first overall by the Roughnecks. The 2001 NLL Rookie of the Year became captain upon arriving out west and wore the ‘C’ during his entire eight-season tenure in Calgary (2003-10). Kelusky played an integral role in helping the Roughnecks twice capture a league championship (2004 and 2009), recording 60 playoff points (34 goals, 26 assists) in 13 post-season games in Calgary. The native of Peterborough, Ontario, registered 50-plus points in 10 seasons, including seven consecutive campaigns beginning with his 2001 NLL debut. He finished his 14-year career ranked 11th all-time in NLL history in both goals (383) and points (823) while collecting 886 loose balls in 195 games. This fall, Kelusky was part of a trio of inductees who joined an elite class of lacrosse greats in the NLL Hall of Fame.
“The family-first mentality of the organization to working in the community and having the community get behind us in those beginning years were very memorable and something I often reflect on,” continued Kelusky. “The championships we were able to win were a result of those things. Being alongside Kaleb in the rafters in the Saddledome is really a glorified team award and fantastic recognition for all the guys who wore the Roughnecks jersey with pride during that time.”
“Tracey was the ultimate professional both on and off the floor,” commented former teammate Andrew McBride, who succeeded Kelusky as captain from 2011-15. “His insatiable work ethic and tenacity allowed him to be one of the best-rounded, impact players in lacrosse history. Tracey always led by example – being the hardest working player at an 11 p.m. practice to hosting Sunday dinners for the team – and his ability to engage teammates, coaches and officials was something that always stood out. His respect for the game and the way he played it from start to finish, without taking a shift off, was remarkable. Tracey played with intensity, passion and the understanding that losing was not acceptable. No one deserves this honour more as he entertained thousands, influenced a generation of lacrosse players in Calgary and earned the respect of everyone along the way.”
To be part of Kelusky’s induction, visit Ticketmaster or the Scotiabank Saddledome box office to purchase a single game ticket to the March 26 match-up between the Roughnecks and Black Wolves. For more ticket information, group pricing options and details on the exclusive privileges offered to season seat holders, visit CalgaryRoughnecks.com or contact customer service at 403-777-4646.
