1. Longevity. Roughnecks have been in Calgary for over 23 years, and the NLL itself almost 40. Cavalry is only 7 years old, and there was a year with no fans allowed due to the pandemic. Kids whose parents got free/cheap tickets to the Roughnecks are now adults and paying fans. Need to grow that fan base here for Cavs/pro soccer, and that takes a generation.
2. "Major League" Perception. NLL is arguably the most "major league" lacrosse league on earth. Sure, lacrosse is still very niche, but there aren't dozens of massive and established leagues that NLL lives in the shadow of. CPL is ranked 74 worldwide and is ranked 6 in Concacaf (MLS is #10 in the world, and #2 in Concacaf).
3. Location. Spruce Meadows is a great facility once you're there, but its remote and a pain in the ass to get to. The Saddledome is central, is an old but major league facility, and is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and on foot. ATCO Field also taps out around 6000 (they did 7000 for the final, but it was a lot of standing room and venue only tickets), and is priced accordingly to maximize revenue relative to capacity. I question whether Spruce Meadows could ever accommodate 12000+ without better transit access (even with their proposed stadium). McMahon sucks, but I bet the Cavs would average closer to 8k there, and I bet they would do 10k+ if there was a modern inner city stadium.
Funny thing is, as bad as CPL salaries are, NLL is worse, and the NLL still only has 14 teams after 40 years... in a lot of metrics, the CPL has a way higher potential. Best thing for the Cavs will be CCC at McMahon against major MLS and LigaMX clubs so local casual fans can see the potential for this club and league. No one other than soccer die hards seem to have noticed or cared that Cavs played Orlando and Pumas (and did well) because it was relegated to Victoria because ATCO isn't winter capable (ironically, it was warmer in Calgary last Feb).
A simpler explanation - most people (not us) find soccer very boring.
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IMO Shome was the most important piece for this club last year. I don't know how they brought back Baldisimo and let him go. Massive loss for the club. Also like 90% of the club's followers are gone although it will be kind of nice to not be spammed with "Shome" and "our king" all the time.
Gutierrez I'm not too concerned about, never rated the signing and he was not good when healthy last year.
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Shome will be missed, but the non-stop Bangladeshi posts on social media won't. Hope Tommy has a plan for midfield because the squad is looking pretty thin so far.
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Shome will be missed, but the non-stop Bangladeshi posts on social media won't. Hope Tommy has a plan for midfield because the squad is looking pretty thin so far.
Pretty soon he’s going to have PM some of the posters here to play midfield!
But seriously, I hope there’s a plan. Between that and the right side of the pitch, it looks dire.
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They're a good listen, thanks for continuing to post them.
Sucks that Shome isn't returning! Shome <3 love from Bangladesh. I always thought the posts were hilarious. I hope he got an offer from a league in Asia somewhere and he isn't going to move within the league.
Still think it is a strong spine of a team, but this definitely weakens it. Ingham - Klomp-Montgomery-Kobza-???-Camargo???-Warschewski-Elva is still real strength through the middle even if Camargo doesn't come back
Edit: I'm guessing here, but I assume Klomp is going to be named Captain? Camargo if he is back as alternate
Last edited by M*A*S*H 4077; 01-15-2026 at 08:21 AM.
I'm not as close of a follower as some of you guys but it seems like their attackers, and their backline and keeper are top of the league quality, but their four across the middle feel like CPL average. Be fantastic to see them sign some more quality in the middle of the park
