We got a lot of fresh faces, so it’s time to get to know your 2025-26 Roughnecks!
Up first, goaltender Aden Walsh.
Walsh was drafted in the second round (25th overall) in 2021 by the Georgia Swarm to start his career and later went on to play with the Vancouver Warriors before being acquired in a trade by the Riggers on May 26, 2025. The 24-year old Oakville, Ont. product has suited up in four games for the Riggers this season and has put up a 76.6 SV%, with his best showing coming in Week 6 on Jan. 3 against the Seals where he made 48 saves, one shy of tying his career-high, in a 15-11 victory.
It’s safe to say Walsh is feeling more comfortable in his new surroundings.
“We’re getting settled in here and far as the season goes, I think we’re all getting to learn how each other kind of play and play off of each other,” said Walsh. “We’re getting to trust each other a little bit more and I think that showed this past weekend in San Diego where we were clicking and and ended up winning the game. So, yeah I’m very happy with how things are going.”
Nickname: Walshy
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 180 lb.
Birthdate: Jan. 17, 2001
Hometown: Welland, Ont.
Shoots: Left
Q: How did you get into lacrosse?
A: I was kind of born into a lacrosse family. My grandfather, he actually played professional lacrosse for the Boston Bolts way back in the day. And my uncle played for the Toronto Rock and the New York Riptide, so I started playing lacrosse when I was like three years old.
Q: What made you want to be a goalie?
A: I went out for my first rep try-out and I didn’t have any elbow pads, so I, as you would imagine, didn’t have the best showing. Troy (Roughnecks Associate Coach Troy Cordingley) called me into the coach’s room and he was like, ‘listen, we don’t have a spot for you, but we need a goalie.’ I’ve been a goalie ever since then.
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Buffalo Bandits at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
Q: Occupation?
A: Firefighter in training!
Q: If you could be a pro in any other sport, what would it be?
A: I played hockey growing up, so probably an NHL player.
Q: What would your entrance song be?
A: It’s kind of a joke in my family that it would be John Cena’s entrance song.
Q: When you’re not playing lacrosse, what’s your biggest hobbies?
A: I am a sports head. I like to watch sports. I’m always watching the NLL or NHL.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I think an NHL player. I always wanted to be a professional athlete growing up.
A: Do you have any superstitions?
I put my left my left pad on before my right and my left shoe before my right. That’s really it.
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Buffalo Bandits at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
Q: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Maybe sushi or, like a really good pizza. Italian style, has to be in a pizza oven, I’d say.
Q: Typical game day meal?
A: Chicken parm is a staple for me.
Q: Go-to Pre-game song?
A: I like to slowly raise the vibes, so I’ll start off with like some Zach Bryan. Nice and slow, and then I’ll elevate into some Drake and maybe some other rap closer to the game.
Q: Favourite TV show or movie?
A: Breaking Bad is probably my all time favourite, that’s a banger. For a movie, I’d have to say a Will Ferrell movie, probably Stepbrothers.
Q: Favourite emoji?
A: It’d have to be the sideways laughing, crying one. I feel like I’m always just sending that one.
