Let’s get to know defender Bennett Smith!
Smith, 24, was drafted in the first round (11th overall) by the Riggers in 2023.
The Alberta product is in his third year with the team and posted career-highs in 2025 with 11 points and 77 loose balls in 15 games played.
Nickname: Benny
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 204-lb.
Birthdate: May 5, 2001
Hometown: Edmonton
Shoots: Left
Q: How did you get into lacrosse?
A: I was maybe 10 or 11, but I was introduced to lacrosse by Jamie Bowen, who’s a pretty prominent figure in Edmonton lacrosse. He played for the Rush and I was friends with his son Jake, and then I just realized that I started to grow my love for the game more than hockey, and it kind of overtook that in high school.
Q: Occupation?
A: I’m a market analyst at an oil and gas company in Calgary.
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Vancouver Warriors at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
Q: Favourite athlete growing up?
A: I was always a big Kobe Bryant fan.
Q: Morning person or night owl?
A: I think I’ve become more of a morning person as of recently.
Q: If you could be a pro in any other sport, what would it be?
A: Golf.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: Yeah, I have specific places I like to stand on the floor during warmups. During the stretches, I’m always the guy that’s on the restraining line. That’s kind of one thing that’s always been that way.
Q: When you’re not playing lacrosse, what’s your biggest hobbies?
A: I like to travel, play video games and golf when I can.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a veterinarian.
Q: Typical game day meal?
A: Chicken parm.
Q: Go-to Pre-game song?
A: I have a playlist that’s like super heavy metal rock that is not usually my genre, but that’s what I listen to before games.
Calgary Roughnecks vs. Vancouver Warriors at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Angela Burger/Calgary Flames)
Q: Favourite TV show or movie?
A: The Sopranos.
Q: Dream vacation spot?
A: Croatia I’ve always wanted to go there.
Q: Cats or dogs?
A: Dogs.
Q: What would your entrance song be?
A: Iron Man, Black Sabbath.
Q: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Chicken.
Q: Favorite cheat-meal after a win?
A: Pizza.
