BLC Bid Adieu to Hutchcraft

By Mark Stehlin

The Brooklin Lacrosse Club (BLC) selected Riley Hutchcraft in the first round, third overall in the 2019 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) entry draft from the Mimico Mountaineers. He played the majority of games that season for BLC.

The pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season and in 2021 the MSL held a two-week showcase tournament in Oakville, ON to allow teams to view their recent draft picks and give players a chance at game experience.

In 2022, Hutchcraft split goaltending duties with Nick Damude. The team was 6-5-1 in the regular season and finished in third overall. They lost in a best of seven series to Peterborough that year.

In the 2023 season, Hutchcraft was named the MSL “Most Valuable Defensive Player” as he led BLC to an 8-8 record before being swept out of the playoffs in four straight by the Peterborough Lakers.

"That award was a real surprise and it spoke to how well we played defensively. I got the trophy, but it was thanks to my teammates", he said.

Hutchcraft reverted to a back-up role in the 2024 season when Zach Higgins returned to Ontario and BLC after two summers in the Western Lacrosse Association. The team finished second overall,. They went on to beat Brampton in a best three-of-five first round series before another loss to the Lakers in the semi-finals.

In this year’s off-season it became clear that Hutchcraft’s personal situation would require a change.

“Riley was a total professional when he played with the BLC. Not only are we trading away a great player but an even better person" said BLC General Manager, Gavin Prout.

"His priority to his young family as well as coaching in St. Catharines made it impossible for him to continue to play with Brooklin. We will miss him and wish him all the best in his endeavours", he added.

"With my growing family and a move to St. Catharines a year ago, I couldn’t commit full-time to BLC and it was important that I was being fair to the team", Hutchcraft said. 

"The club made it easy for me and Gavin understood the situation, I appreciate all that he did to make this deal happen", he added. 

The initial trade involving Hutchcraft involved him going to the Cobourg Kodiaks with full rights to Ty Thompson and a third-round pick in the 2027 MSL entry draft. In exchange, BLC received Steve Orleman and the playing rights to Kevin Orleman, Darryl Robertson, and Bo Columbus. Cobourg was involved in a subsequent trade with the Brampton Excelsiors that landed Hutchcraft in Brampton with Liam Patten and Kealon Pilon, in return Cobourg received Will Johnston, Sam Firth, Holden Patterson and a third-round pick in the 2026 MSL draft.

"This will be a new chapter in my life”, said Hutchcraft when the deal was finalized. 

“I have been in touch with the team and they are excited to have me on board where I can bring a veteran presence in working with their young goalie, Connor O’Toole”, he added.

In January 2025, Hutchcraft was named the Head Coach of the St Catharines Jr. B Athletics. "I’m excited to be involved with these young men, we have a young and feisty team and of course, the games are local so it’s not as much of a strain”, he said of his new role.

“I will have great memories of my time with BLC and want to thank the organization for drafting me and giving me the opportunity to play at this level. It will be odd to come to Iroquois Park and make my way to visitors dressing room", Hutchcraft said. 

BLC starts their 2025 campaign at home on Wednesday May 21 at 8 pm when they host the Peterborough Lakers at IPSC featuring air-conditioning and a newly installed artificial turf surface on Pad # 1. Hutchcraft and his Excelsior teammates will visit Iroquois Park on Wednesday June 4, 2025.