Hutchcraft and MacArthur Capture MSL Awards

By Sam Laskaris

Two members of the Brooklin Lacrosse Club organization have been recognized with some Major Series Lacrosse hardware. It was announced last week that goaltender Riley Hutchcraft has been selected as the league’s defender of the year for his regular season efforts. And today it was revealed that Brooklin’s general manager Brad MacArthur has been named as the recipient of this year’s MSL Jim Brady Award. This accolade, named in honour of the former MSL commissioner, is presented to an individual who demonstrates dedication, passion and commitment to the MSL. Hutchcraft was obviously thrilled to be singled out for some league-wide recognition.

“It’s a big honour to win an award like this, especially with all the elite defenders in our league,” he said.

Hutchcraft who appeared in 12 regular season matches had a goals-against average of 10.17. And he helped Brooklin post an 8-8-0 mark, good for third place in the five-team MSL.

“Our season has had a lot of ups and downs but a lot of learning along the way which has helped us grow,” Hutchcraft said. “For me personally I had a ton of fun. It’s great getting to go to the rink every week to compete with all the talent we have in our room. It makes my job a lot easier when everyone in the room is competing hard and putting their bodies on the line for each other. It only makes me want to do the exact same thing every night.”

Reps from all five MSL squads put forth their own nominees for league awards.

“I’m humbled, honoured and thankful that the Brooklin Lacrosse Club executive considered me for its nomination,” MacArthur said of his MSL award, which he ended up winning. MacArthur added his accolade holds additional significance since he is well acquainted with Brady.

“I know Jim Brady on many fronts and what he sacrificed to help build this league,” he said. “Major Series Lacrosse is a special league with a ton of tradition and success. There are so many good people around the league from community to community.”

MacArthur is one of those good guys.

“I’m a lucky guy,” he added. “My wife has supported me in coaching and managing since the day we met. The executive has worked relentlessly behind the scenes to keep improving this organization.”

Dean Link, the president of the Brooklin Lacrosse Club, felt MacArthur was indeed a worthy nominee for the award.

“Brad has been a successful player in our league and a very active GM and coach,” Link said. “He facilitated BLC taking over operations of our Senior B Merchants affiliate, which has been good for players in our league and helped BLC remain competitive in the MSL.”

Link said MacArthur has also assisted the league in various capacities.

“When Jim Brady stepped down as Commissioner, Brad was instrumental in assisting with the transition,” Link said. “Brad assisted the Lakers with their 2018 Mann Cup series, as well as the 2021 MSL exhibition season, even operating a camera for a broadcast.”

The Brooklin Lacrosse Club's season ended last night after a 12-11 overtime loss to Peterborough gave the Lakers the semi-final series win.