BLC and Merchants Players in the National Lacrosse League

By Mark Stehlin

With week two of the 2024-25 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season in the books, it’s time to summarize how players on the active rosters from both Brooklin-based teams are doing in the NLL.

Week 1

Ottawa Black Bears 11 vs Toronto Rock in Ottawa. For the Black Bears, Connor Kearnan led the way with three goals and two assists, Reilly O’Connor had two goals and one assist while John Lafontaine contributed an assist. In net, Zach Higgins made 37 saves and allowed only five goals for the win.

Saskatchewan Rush 10 vs Albany Firewolves 9 in OT. For the Rush, Austin Shanks had two goals and two assists and notched the winner in overtime while Matt Hossack was kept off the scoreboard but did clean up seven loose balls. Meanwhile for the Firewolves, Colton Watkinson was good for six loose balls, Nick Chaykowsky contributed with one loose ball and Mike Byrne notched seven loose balls.

Rochester Knighthawks 14 vs Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12. For Las Vegas, Sean Westley was kept off the scoreboard. For Rochester, Curtis Knight notched two goals and one assist while Kyle Waters added a goal. In net, Riley Hutchcraft saved 49 shots while allowing 12 goals.

San Diego Seals 18 vs Philadelphia Wings 15. For San Diego, Zack Deaken helped with an assist. In the Philadelphia net, Deacan Knott made a late appearance and made six saves.

Week 2

Colorado Mammoth 15 vs Las Vegas Desert Dogs 9. While Sean Westley didn’t register on the scoreboard, his veteran presence is good for this young team.

The defending NLL champion Buffalo Bandits 15 vs Rochester Knighthawks 7. For Buffalo, Zach Belter was good for four loose balls and Dylan Robinson notched a goal and two helpers. For Rochester, Curtis Knight got an assist, Kyle Waters was credited with four shots on goal and three loose balls and in net, Riley Hutchcraft made 47 saves while surrendering 13 goals.

The Calgary Roughnecks 18 vs the Halifax Thunderbirds 17. For Calgary, Tanner Cook with an impressive three goals and two helpers. Meanwhile for Halifax, Dawson Theede matched those numbers with four goals and two assists in the close loss.

The Albany Firewolves 15 vs Toronto Rock 4. For Albany, team captain Colton Watkinson with a goal and an assist, Jakson Raposo made his first appearance of the season and was held off the score sheet, while Mike Byrne cleaned up three loose balls.

Georgia Swarm 13 vs San Diego Seals 12 in OT. For the Seals, Zack Deaken added a helper in the close defeat.