The Colorado Mammoth announced today that former defenseman Scott Carnegie has retired from National Lacrosse League (NLL) play and will transition into a new role as the team’s Head of Player Development. Concluding his 14-year career with the Calgary Roughnecks and Colorado Mammoth, the 2022 NLL Champion will continue to positively impact the team via his new position within the team’s front office by overseeing player development and contributing toward scouting efforts on behalf of the organization.
“We’re very thankful to Scott and his family for his years of leadership and dedication on the field as a player and are extremely thrilled to welcome him to the front office as he transitions to his new role as Head of Player Development,” Colorado Mammoth General Manager Brad Self said. “We believe his experience on the field, extensive understanding of the game an outstanding character as an individual will help him continue to succeed in this new position and look forward to working with him as we prepare for the 2022-23 NLL season.”
Self, who enjoyed more than a decade of excelling in the NLL himself, has played both with and against Carnegie over the years, attested to the grind and passion the London, Ontario native displayed during his career.
The Mammoth executive noted that Carnegie played with his heart on his sleeve, never afraid to let you know if you were out of position, never hesitant to get in the ear of an opponent and never backing down from an opportunity to shed the gloves and get personal.
“At the same time, he’s a lacrosse ambassador who’s played the game at the highest levels and has proven that he can connect with and mentor our young players. He’s a leader, two-time NLL Champion, Mann Cup Champion and a great guy to have around our team, so we’re really excited to have him on board.”
Experienced, indeed, Carnegie entered the league in 2008, when signed as a free agent by the Calgary Roughnecks. Short the 2008 season, which he logged five appearances in as a rookie, and 2014 campaign, missed due to injury, the defenseman served as a regular in Calgary’s lineup for eight years.
In just his second year in the NLL and first as a regular contributor, Carnegie and the Roughnecks went on to the capture the 2009 NLL Championship, then the Champion’s Cup, when the squad defeated the New York Titans 12-10, cueing the confetti. Playing alongside his brother, Mike Carnegie, for a few seasons, Calgary became to feel like home for the original Eastern Canadian.
Eventually setting up shop and starting a family in Alberta, Carnegie spent his weekdays as a firefighter, doubling as a lacrosse professional on the weekends. Grinding regardless of profession, the hard-working defenseman and now father figure always had something to fight for. Literally.
Recently quoted on Twitter by former teammate Curtis Dickson looking back on old Training Camp scrappiness, Carnegie’s on-field energy and commitment to the game was unmatched. Yet, as much of a presence on the floor the defenseman enacted as a physical, challenging threat, it’s his wisdom, leadership and ability to share what he’s seeing on the turf that would be missed in Calgary’s locker room most when the veteran was signed by the Colorado Mammoth heading into the 2017-18 NLL season.
Logging four seasons with Colorado from 2018-21, Carnegie played a big part in the organization establishing a reputation for its elite defensive unit and helped usher the Mammoth into the NLL postseason in each campaign he competed in with the team, including the team’s 2022 Championship run.
Racking up 48 points (6g, 42a), 651 loose balls, more than 157 caused turnovers (NLL began tracking in 2011) and 262 penalty minutes in 191 regular season appearances, the seasoned pro will have more than a decade of experience to reflect on and pay forward to Colorado’s future NLL Champion squads. The defenseman added four points (1g, 3a), 66 loose balls, more than 18 caused turnovers and 44 penalty minutes in 24 playoff matchups throughout his postseason career.
“The most important thing I can say is THANK YOU,” Carnegie concluded. “To all of my teammates, coaches, friends and especially to my family. The support and sacrifices from them and so many others allowed me to pursue this dream. I am so lucky to have played this game and so thankful for the gifts it has given me.”
While the stats tell the story of Carnegie’s stick skills and ability to adapt to a quicker, more physical, ever-evolving brand of indoor lacrosse, it’s ultimately his ability to lead and connect with players, team personnel and incoming talent throughout the lacrosse world that landed him his new role.
“I’m very excited to start this new role with the Colorado Mammoth,” Carnegie shared. “One thing I always strived for during my career was to be the best teammate I could. I loved seeing my teammates succeed and I feel this transition will allow me to stay connected to the game and help players to achieve personal and professional successes.”
While Carnegie will focus on scouting and development for the team, its ultimately the established relationships and his competitive spirit of always improving, succeeding and working hard that will help him succeed in the front office. In addition to overseeing development for the organization, Carnegie will serve as the team’s Alberta Scout.
Longtime teammate, former coach and now fellow front office co-worker, Mammoth Defensive Coordinator Andrew McBride may have said it best:
“What an amazing career,” McBride shared in a congratulatory video message. “I couldn’t be more proud to see the player you’ve become. From playing beside you, to coaching you, it’s been an amazing run. Your leadership, tenacity and work ethic is second to none and made you an elite and outstanding lacrosse player. I appreciate your friendship, getting to meet your family and look forward to seeing what you do in retirement. What an amazing way to go out. Down five, we’re still the champs!”
Fans can stay tuned to Colorado Mammoth social media channels throughout the day for additional congratulatory shoutouts from Mammoth players and personnel as the team celebrates the defenseman’s corresponding retirement and hiring as Head of Player Development.
The Mammoth are now set to begin Training Camp Nov. 4 in Denver as Colorado begins its 2022 NLL Championship defense at Foothills Fieldhouse.
