Tucson Roadrunners center Kevin Rooney, a seasoned NHL and AHL player, has faced an unusual challenge this season: the frequent back-and-forth of being called up and sent down. Since signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Utah Mammoth in October, Rooney has seen his playing location switch multiple times between the NHL affiliate and the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, creating a logistical puzzle mainly revolving around packing and travel. This ongoing shuffle epitomizes the Tucson Roadrunners call-up chaos that has marked the team’s season.
After being assigned to Tucson following NHL training camp on October 9, Rooney, 32, has already been recalled to Utah and sent back to Tucson five separate times this season. Apart from a November addition of defenseman Terrell Goldsmith, most of Tucson’s November roster transactions centered solely on Rooney’s movement between teams.
Rooney’s Perspective on the Season’s Rollercoaster
Despite the disruptions, Rooney reflects positively on the experience.
“It’s been great, this has been an awesome year,”
he said.
“I’ve been super excited that Utah gave me this opportunity to come down to Tucson and help the younger guys, and then when they’ve asked me to come up, I’ve tried to do the best to be a good teammate, be good in practice and then obviously we’ve got the one game.”
He maintains a readiness mindset, adding,
“So, just try to stay ready and continue to build my game down here in Tucson.”
Rooney and the Roadrunners, who hold a 22-19-8-0 record, were set to begin a crucial six-game road trip with a matchup at the San Diego Gulls.
Veteran Experience Amid Frequent Transitions
Rooney’s extensive NHL career—with 331 games played for teams such as the Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils—adds perspective to his dynamic role this season. Last year, he appeared in 70 games for Calgary, and this season, he has contributed 17 points, including 11 goals, in 28 games for Tucson. He also scored in his only NHL game with Utah on November 28 against Dallas.
Tucson head coach Steve Potvin praised Rooney’s attitude toward the frequent moves.
“He’s set the bar for how to handle it, right? I think he’s handled it with such poise,”
Potvin said.
“I think he’s just kind of rolled with whatever scenario he’s been put in and it’s a real testament to his character and how much he appreciates the game and I think he’s a guy that understands what the American Hockey League is like, so there are no surprises for him.”
Rooney’s NHL stints this season have varied, lasting between six and 22 days. On November 14, he was sent back to Tucson, only to be recalled to Utah two days later and returned again on November 22. Reflecting on packing for these repeated call-ups, Rooney laughed,
“At first I was packing light and then I was up for a little bit longer, so the next time I packed a bigger suitcase and then when I got sent down the Tucson guys were giving me a hard time because my suitcase was so big, I just had to be prepared for anything.”
High Volume of Transactions Affecting Austin and Tucson
The transaction activity has intensified especially due to the NHL’s Winter Olympic break, during which Utah had four players participating in Milan. This resulted in a flurry of recalls and reassignments for the Roadrunners and their parent team.
Over a few days, Utah recalled several players, including forwards Daniil But and Ben McCartney, defensemen Maveric Lamoureux, Dmitri Simashev, Scott Perunovich, Kevin Connauton, and Max Szuber, as well as goalie Matthew Villalta. Many of these players were subsequently sent back to Tucson as the rosters fluctuated.
Monday saw several players, including Connauton, McCartney, and Szuber, return to the Roadrunners after short NHL stints. This back-and-forth churn highlights the fluid nature of roster management in the AHL and NHL affiliate relationship.
Roadrunners’ Rivalry and Race for the Playoffs
Tucson’s upcoming match against the San Diego Gulls carries extra significance in the Pacific Division. The Roadrunners currently trail the Gulls in head-to-head matchups, holding a 1-2-2-0 record compared to the Gulls’ 4-0-0-1 record against Tucson, which has earned San Diego nine points from those games.
With three more meetings left between the rivals, Tucson must secure regulation wins to maintain possession of the I-8 Border Rivalry Trophy, which they have claimed every year except during the 2021-22 season. The Gulls game marks the beginning of a six-game California road trip that will include contests against the San Jose Barracuda, Ontario Reign, and Bakersfield Condors.
Standings and Playoff Prospects in the Pacific Division
On the league front, the AHL recently released its playoff outlook, with the Grand Rapids Griffins close to clinching a postseason berth. The Griffins sit atop the standings among early qualifiers, while the San Diego Gulls lead the Pacific Division with 70 points, requiring 29 more points to clinch their playoff spot.
Tucson, positioned in the last available Pacific playoff spot, holds 52 points but needs 49 more to guarantee their place in the postseason. As the Roadrunners approach the final stretch of the regular season, their performance in upcoming games against division rivals remains critical to their playoff ambitions.
Rooney’s Connection to Olympic Gold and Former Teammates
While balancing his own busy season, Rooney found time to enjoy watching the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game, held early in the morning after one of his games.
“Actually, it’s tough for me to fall asleep after games, so I set the alarm for 8 o’clock, so I was able to see the third period. So it was great; our Americans took it home, it was a fun day,”
he said.
Rooney also spoke about watching a former teammate’s Olympic success.
“I got to play with Jack Hughes in New Jersey, so seeing him the last few years has been awesome, fun to watch.”
Jack Hughes, who now centers for the New Jersey Devils, scored the goal that won the gold medal for Team USA. Rooney, from Canton, Massachusetts, earned a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
Upcoming Road Trips and Season Outlook
Following a recent Gem Show road trip with a 3-2 record, the Roadrunners returned home for a two-game stint before embarking on the demanding six-game road trip through California. Their itinerary includes the San Diego Gulls, two games versus the San Jose Barracuda, a single contest against the Ontario Reign, and a series at the Bakersfield Condors.
Tucson’s road success this season, currently standing at 11-8-2-0, will be vital as they navigate these trips and prepare for a seven-game road swing in April. Each stretch on the road tests the team’s resilience and cohesion amid the transactional turmoil impacting their lineup.
Upcoming game details include a contest between the Tucson Roadrunners (22-19-8-0) and the San Diego Gulls (23-16-6-4) scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. Fans can watch the game on AHLtv.com or via the FloSports app, with radio coverage on 1450-AM.
Tucson’s Season Poised at a Critical Juncture
Kevin Rooney’s experience epitomizes how professional hockey players adapt amid the uncertainty of frequent call-ups and assignments. His ability to maintain readiness and a strong character amid this flux not only benefits his personal career but also serves as an example for younger teammates.
As the Roadrunners battle for a playoff position in the fiercely competitive Pacific Division and defend their I-8 Border Rivalry Trophy against the San Diego Gulls, the season’s remaining games will be crucial. How Tucson navigates upcoming challenges—including continuous roster changes, key road contests, and playoff qualification—will ultimately shape the team’s trajectory heading into spring.
