An evening of celebration for a franchise legend ended in a heartbreaking defeat for the Calgary Roughnecks. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) team honoured the legendary Dane Dobbie with a special banner-raising ceremony on Friday, January 10, 2026, at the Scotiabank Saddledome, only to lose a nail-biting overtime thriller to the visiting Vancouver Warriors.
A 'Forever a Roughneck' Tribute
Prior to the opening face-off, the spotlight was firmly on one of the greatest players to ever wear a Roughnecks jersey. With Dobbie and his family watching from the arena floor, the organization unveiled a new banner bearing the words "Forever a Roughneck" in his honour. The emotional tribute recognized Dobbie's immense contributions to the team and the city of Calgary over his storied career, cementing his legacy high in the Saddledome rafters.
On-Fire Rivalry Leads to Overtime
Once the ceremony concluded, the focus shifted to a crucial West Division matchup. The game itself was a classic back-and-forth battle, living up to the intense rivalry between the two Canadian clubs. Both teams traded leads and momentum swings throughout four quarters of high-paced lacrosse, with neither side able to secure a decisive advantage in regulation time. The tightly contested game required an extra period to determine a winner, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Warriors Seize Victory in Extra Frame
Unfortunately for the home crowd, the storybook ending was not to be. The Vancouver Warriors managed to find the game-winning goal in the overtime period, snatching the victory from the Roughnecks on their home floor. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for Calgary, especially on a night dedicated to celebrating resilience and winning mentality. Despite the final score, the game showcased the competitive fire and skill that defines the NLL, providing fans with an unforgettable spectacle of professional box lacrosse.
The night in Calgary will ultimately be remembered as a bittersweet chapter. It successfully celebrated the past by immortalizing Dane Dobbie's legacy, but also highlighted the unpredictable present of a league where any team can triumph on any given night. The Roughnecks will look to channel the spirit of their honoured legend as they regroup and focus on the remainder of the 2025-26 NLL season.
