Calgary Roughnecks captain Andrew McBride retires after 13 seasons in NLL

CALGARY – On May 23, a heartbroken Andrew McBride, dressed in full equipment, had tears in his eyes after the Calgary Roughnecks season came to an end on their home floor in the West Division Final.

Calgary’s longest-serving professional athlete knew he may have just played the last game of his National Lacrosse League (NLL) career.

WATCH: Emotional Roughnecks Captain hopes to return

That became a reality on Friday, as the five-year Roughneck captain announced his retirement from lacrosse.

But there were no tears this time.

“You know what? I was super emotional this morning. I think I got it all out sitting in bed, playing Clash of the Clans and then all the emotion came to me that I’ll never be donning the Roughneck jersey again,” joked McBride.

“At the same time, it’s a sad day, it’s an exciting day. I look back with a lot of admiration for what the city has done for me, what the fans have done for me, what this organization has done for me.”

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McBride played his entire career with the Roughnecks, all thirteen seasons. He finishes as the franchise leader in regular season games played (198), playoff games played (29) and a two-time NLL Champion (2004 and 2009).

But looking back, it’s not the rings McBride that brings him the most pride.

“It’s definitely about what I’ve done on and off the floor, as opposed to the big rings,” he said.

McBride has been a major champion in the community from his involvement in the Special Olympics and Right To Play, to his Classroom Lacrosse program, which has provided more than 60,000 kids the opportunity to experience lacrosse over the last five years.

“He’s put a lot of lacrosse sticks in a lot of people’s hands,” said Roughnecks general manager Mike Board. “It stretches beyond just on the floor. He’s done a lot for the community and he’s really passionate about Calgary, and he’s really passionate about lacrosse.”

McBride’s passion will continue to shine in the province. The 32-year-old will continue his role with Alberta Lacrosse Association as technical director, and will be back behind the bench of the Okotoks Junior A Raiders for a third season as head coach this summer.

He’s not afraid to say he has his eye on returning to the Roughnecks down the road.

“I want to be involved in coaching staff in this organization, general manager, agent, special assistant to somebody,” said McBride with a smile. “Hopefully, one day when the time comes, I can come down for an interview and hopefully my resume fits the bill. I will always be a Roughneck.”

“Andrew and I have talked a little bit about some stuff–keeping him involved in the Roughnecks,” said Board. “This is the end of his playing career, but I don’t think it’s the end of his Roughneck career.”

Until that time comes, McBride will have his hands full. He and his wife, Pam, are expecting their first child in December.

And you can bet it won’t be long before that little one has a lacrosse stick in his hand.