By: Laura Barker – 12.09.24
The Calgary Roughnecks have acquired defender Caelan Mander, the 10th overall pick in the upcoming National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, and a fourth round pick in the 2026 Entry Draft from the Halifax Thunderbirds in exchange for forward Thomas Hoggarth.
Mander, 20, joins the Roughnecks after being drafted by Halifax in the second round, 36th overall in the 2023 draft. Most recently he played for the Port Coquitlam Saints in the British Columbia Junior A Lacrosse League, competing in the 2024 Minto Cup. The Surrey, B.C. native had 10 points (7g, 3a) across 17 regular season games, and recorded two assists during the Saints’ playoff campaign.
“Caelen is a big, young athletic defender who fits the type of player we are looking for on the defensive side of the ball. We feel he has a big upside and are extremely happy to be able to add him into the Roughnecks fold” said Roughnecks General Manager, Mike Board. “We want to thank Thomas for his time and contribution to the Roughnecks and wish him well in the future.”
The acquisition of the 10th overall pick sees the Roughnecks enter this weekend’s NLL Entry Draft, presented by Castore, with two picks in the first round (5th & 10th). The draft begins Sunday September 15th at 5:00pm MST, with the first round broadcast for fans to watch live on the NLL’s YouTube and Facebook channels. Roughnecks social media channels will publish all Calgary selections live throughout the draft.
