The Roughnecks added a mix of offensive firepower, local talent and defensive depth to the organization on Thursday night, selecting seven players in the 2026 NLL Entry Draft.

Calgary made three selections in the opening round, including two picks inside the top seven, before adding four defenders through the remainder of the draft.

The Riggers made their first big move of the night before even stepping up to the podium, acquiring the fifth-overall selection from the San Diego Seals in exchange for the 10th-overall pick and a 2027 first-round selection.

With the fifth pick, Calgary selected Syracuse University standout Joey Spallina, adding one of college lacrosse’s most productive offensive players to the organization.

The highly decorated forward wrapped up his collegiate career with 143 goals and 333 points over 71 games with the Orange, becoming just the seventh player in program history to record at least 100 career goals and 100 assists. Spallina earned Second Team All-American honours and also brings international box lacrosse experience, helping Team USA capture silver at the 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championship.

The Roughnecks didn’t have to wait long to add another offensive weapon.

Two selections later, Calgary used the seventh-overall pick on Princeton University forward Chad Palumbo. The Newton, Massachusetts product finished his collegiate career with 102 goals and 163 points in 53 games, earning First Team All-Ivy League honours during his senior season.

Calgary then turned its attention to the defensive end of the floor and looked close to home with its final selection of the first round.

Calgary native Zach Moen was selected 14th overall after helping the Calgary Jr. A Raiders make history this summer. Moen and the Raiders captured the 2026 Minto Cup, becoming the first Alberta team to win the national Junior A championship. The hometown kid was also named the 2026 RMJALL Defensive Player Of The Year to cap off an incredible summer.

From there, defence became the theme of Calgary’s draft.

The Roughnecks selected Brampton Excelsiors and Laurier University defender Kaden Kublinskas 31st overall before adding another familiar Alberta product at No. 45, taking Calgary Mounties defender Luke Soenen.

The Riggers closed out its draft by selecting Penn State University and New York Atlas defender Alex Ross with the 51st pick and Port Coquitlam Saints defender Zach Vanderwal at No. 54.

“It couldn’t have gone any better for us,” said Roughnecks General Manager Mike Board. “We filled some needs and the two guys we got early in the first round can come in and play right away and add to our offence. We are excited to see everyone at training camp.”

2026 Calgary Roughnecks Draft Class

Round 1, 5th Overall – Joey Spallina, F
Maryland Whipsnakes (PLL) / Syracuse University (NCAA)

Round 1, 7th Overall – Chad Palumbo, F
Carolina Chaos (PLL) / Princeton University (NCAA)

Round 1, 14th Overall – Zach Moen, D
Okotoks Raiders (RMJALL) / University of Ottawa (CUFLA)

Round 2, 31st Overall – Kaden Kublinskas, D
Brampton Excelsiors (OJALL) / Laurier University (CUFLA)

Round 4, 45th Overall – Luke Soenen, D
Calgary Mounties (RMJALL) / Simon Fraser University (MCLA)

Round 4, 51st Overall – Alex Ross, D
New York Atlas (PLL) / Penn State University (NCAA)

Round 5, 54th Overall – Zach Vanderwal, D
Port Coquitlam Saints (BCJALL)

The seven selections will get their first opportunity to make an impression when the Roughnecks open training camp ahead of the 2026-27 NLL season.

Season Tickets are on sale now for the 2026-27 season, starting at $46.67 per game for adults and $33.44 per game for student/child (all prices plus GST). Fans can secure a seat online (HERE) or by calling 403-777-4646.

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