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After eight seasons in Calgary, Tracey Keluksy was traded to Buffalo today. (Photo: Matt J. Wiater)

High profile names being moved in the National Lacrosse League is very much the norm, but today’s cross country swap that saw longtime Calgary Roughnecks captain and eight-year franchise vet Tracey Kelusky, along with a third round 2011 entry draft pick, sent to the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for Buffalo’s first rounder next year still probably caught a lot of onlookers off-guard.

Kelusky joins a hefty list of big name players moved over the past year, including the likes of Colin Doyle, Josh Sanderson, Lewis Ratcliff and Geoff Snider, although none have played the kind of consecutive seasons like Calgary’s former captain has since being picked up by the Neck at the 2002 Montreal Express dispersal draft.

“I have a deep admiration for Tracey Kelusky,” Roughneck Head Coach Dave Pym told Insider earlier today. “He has been a fearless leader and the consummate professional throughout his playing days in Calgary. The respect he has garnered is through a unbridled dedication to the game and most importantly his teammates.”

Kelusky helped lead the Roughnecks to a slightly unexpected Champion’s Cup win during the 2004 season, Calgary only the third seed in the West leading into the playoffs, later dumping the Buffalo Bandits at home in front of a packed Pengrowth Saddledome to take their first ever league title, 14-11.

Five years later, Kelusky would captain the Necks to yet another Cup win, taking down the New York Titans 12-10.

“It’s a very sad day for the Calgary Roughnecks and fans when I have to announce the trade of the captain of the Calgary Roughnecks, Tracey Kelusky…” said Calgary Owner, President and GM Brad Banister at today’s press conference. ” And while Kelusky’s work on the floor has garnered the franchise two titles, Banister says his work off the rug has been just as vital to the city. “It should never be overlooked the things Tracey has done in this community and the charities he has been involved with. Including everything he has accomplished at Central Memorial High School in bringing the lacrosse program to them and the kids that he has coached, taught, and mentored. He has done more for this city and team than anyone can imagine.”

Kelusky now joins a Buffalo team where he’ll immediately see some familiar faces in the Bandits’ dressing room, recently winning a Mann Cup in Peterborough with current Buffalo players like John Tavares, Chris White, Mark Steenhuis, Mike Thompson, Darryl Gibson, Kyle Clancy, Angus Goodleaf and off-season pickup Scott Self, who Buffalo obtained from the Minnesota Swarm earlier this off-season.

The trade is also expected to have been made due to geography, Kelusky now living back East in Peterborough after years of living in Calgary while playing for the Roughnecks. Yesterday’s trade of Paul Dawson to Philadelphia was also made partially due to geographic and travel issues, Dawson a likely fly-in all season had he remained in Calgary.

The series of high profile additions and subtractions over the past several months leaves Calgary a much different team, one that Pym feels will be ready for this season and beyond, the Necks now owning multiple first and second round picks in next year’s stacked entry draft. “Yes we have set the table to continue to evolve as a franchise,” Pym added. ”Our defensive and transition core is intact, we still have lethal weapons up front in our returning players and have added some very talented players through trades and the draft.

“This will be the fastest, toughest, most athletic team we have ever put on the floor. Our returning veteran players are excited and can’t wait to take on the challenges we will face this season.”

The Calgary Roughnecks and Buffalo Bandits open the 2011 NLL season against one another, the Necks hosting the Bandits on January 8th at the Saddledome, their first meeting since early 2008.

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