Roughnecks Select Six in 2023 NLL Draft
September 16, 2023 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Roughnecks Lacrosse Club announce today they have selected six players in the 2023 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, held Saturday in Oakville, Ont.
With the 11th overall pick in the first round, Calgary selected defenseman Bennett Smith from Queens University. Hailing from Edmonton Alberta, Smith played Senior A lacrosse for the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA this summer. The 22-year-old notched six goals and eight assists in 18 regular season games, adding one in the playoffs for Victoria. Smith previously played for the Edmonton Miners in the RMLL, captaining the 2022 team to a Minto Cup appearance.
"We are very extremely pleased with our draft results this year," said Roughnecks General Manager Mike Board. "Bennett is a good all-round athlete and leader, we like his strength and his ability to push the ball up the floor."
With their second-round pick, Calgary selected Evan Soucy 37th overall. The BC native played for Nanaimo in the WLA and posted five goals and two assists in the 2023 season. The team rounded out the draft selecting Conner Cook at 49th, Jack Posey at 64th, Chris Jordan at 78th, and Riley Isaacs at 93rd.
"We are very excited to welcome Bennett to the Roughnecks," said Head Coach Josh Sanderson. "He fits the Calgary mould, a great local transition player who has a great overall game. All of this years' draftees add depth to our team."
During the draft, the Roughnecks traded two picks (16th and 35th overall) and Kyle Waters to the Rochester Knighthawks in exchange for forwards Thomas Hoggarth and Thomas Vela.
"We are also pleased to welcome both Thomas Hoggarth and Thomas Vela to our club. Hoggarth is a big goal scorer, a proven winner who will be a huge addition to our right side. Vela has a great upside and we look forward to seeing him at camp" said Sanderson.
2023 CALGARY ROUGHNECKS DRAFT BOARD
RND O/A PLAYER, POSITION, 2022 TEAM (LEAGUE)
1 11 Bennett Smith, D, Victoria Shamrocks (WLA)
2 37 Evan Soucy, D, Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)
3 49 Conner Cook, D, Calgary Mountaineers (RMLL)
4 64 Jack Posey, D, Penn State Athletics
5 78 Chris Jordan, F, Penn State Athletics
6 93 Riley Isaacs, F, Calgary Mountaineers (RMLL)
Season Tickets are on sale now for the 2023-24 Season! Fans can secure their seat by calling 403-777-4646 option 2 or heading to www.CalgaryRoughnecks.com/tickets.
Come for the Party, Stay for the Game!
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