Mammoth Acquire Forward Thomas Vela from Calgary Roughnecks

DENVER – The Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) today completed a trade with the Calgary Roughnecks, acquiring forward Thomas Vela from the Calgary Roughnecks in exchange for forward Brett McIntyre.

Vela, originally selected in the second round (25th overall) of the 2022 NLL Entry Draft by the Rochester Knighthawks, logged four points (2g, 2a), 10 loose balls and two penalty minutes in four regular season games played as one of many talented lefties out east.

Eventually traded to the Calgary Roughnecks during the 2023 NLL Entry Draft alongside Kyle Waters and Thomas Hoggarth in exchange for the 16th and 25th overall selections in the 2023 NLL Entry Draft, he did not appear in any games with Calgary.

Playing all but six of his 59 career regular season games with the Burnaby Lakers of the British Columbia Jr. A Lacrosse League (BCJALL), which he spent with the Victoria Shamrocks, Vela amassed 232 points (126g, 106a) and 71 penalty minutes over the course of four summer seasons. Adding 59 points (28g, 31a) in 15 postseason appearances, the Burnaby, B.C. native will slot in behind forwards Eli McLaughlin, Connor Robinson and Chris Wardle ahead of Saturday night’s showdown against the San Diego Seals.

Getting a deal done with the Calgary Roughnecks for the first time since acquiring defenseman Tyson Kirkness and the 22nd overall selection in the 2021 NLL Entry Draft in exchange for the 20th overall selection in the 2021 NLL Entry Draft, the exchange represents Colorado’s fourth trade of the season.

In a separate transaction, the organization placed left-handed forward Dylan Kinnear on the Injured Reserve List Wednesday, potentially providing a pathway for the new kid on the block to make his way into the lineup.

Mammoth fans can stay tuned to coloradomammoth.com and Colorado Mammoth social media channels for the latest transactions, news and beyond as the 2023-24 season continues.

Limited tickets remain for Colorado’s Military Appreciation Night matchup against the San Diego Seals at Ball Arena Saturday, Jan. 13, so be sure to grab your tickets today!