The decision was equal parts difficult and exciting. But after 13 seasons with the Calgary Roughnecks, NLL great Dane Dobbie is on the move.
The 34-year-old forward, who has scored 435 goals with 454 assists since he was selected fourth overall by the Roughnecks in 2007, announced Monday that he has signed with the San Diego Seals.
Dobbie’s 889 points, 435 goals and 182 games played are all franchise records.
A two-time NLL champion and former MVP (2018-19), Dobbie “is one of the best offensive players of his generation,” Seals GM and head coach Patrick Merrill said in a statement announcing the signing. Dobbie reunites with offensive coordinator Josh Sanderson, who was also part of the 2009 Roughnecks championship team.
On Twitter, Dobbie posted a heartfelt “thank you” note to Calgary and its fans.
“It’s with an extremely heavy heart that I inform you that I have decided not to re-sign with the Roughnecks,” Dobbie wrote. “Thirteen years, two championships, friends for life, hard times great times, laughs and cries, it has come to an end.
“I would like to personally thank the entire Roughneck organization from management, coaches, trainers, media and everyone else. You all had an impact on me and the person I have become. To my teammates, I can’t thank you enough for the time we got to spend together. I consider you all life-long friends and brothers. Now, the fans, the most passionate, wild, friendliest people I have ever met, I will miss all of you.
“Thank you for your support over the years. I said it before and I will always say it. ‘I love you Calgary.’”