Prout Protects Kromer In Preparation for MSL Draft

By Mark Stehlin

The Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) league 2026 entry draft is scheduled for Saturday January 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at BarDown GastroPub at Iroquois Park Sports Centre. Prior to the draft, all seven teams in MSL are permitted to protect up to four graduating juniors from their centres. Brooklin Lacrosse Club (BLC) General Manager, Gavin Prout protected four members of the Whitby Warriors Junior A squad; Lucas Littlejohn, Owen Tapper, Jack Oldman and Ben Kromer.

“Although these were our four protected graduating Juniors there were so many great players coming out of Whitby I wish we could have protected them all!  I think all the graduating Warriors will have a successful and long tenure in this league when given the chance,” said Prout.

“Ben Kromer is a big athletic defenseman who was drafted to Philadelphia this year and is currently learning on their practice roster. At 6’4” and 205 lbs. we have another big athletic defender to add to our arsenal this year,” said Prout.

Kromer was drafted by the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) in the 3rd round and 40th overall.

“I was able to spend some time with the Wings at training camp and it was an awesome experience. I see how much there is to learn, and I was like a sponge just to take it all in. I will keep working hard and will be ready when the call comes,” said Kromer.

Kromer is a student at the University of Ottawa and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program with a speciality in Finance.  He played on the lacrosse team at school as well.

“In Ottawa I took a work semester and so I will be back there in the Fall with graduation scheduled for December. So, I will get to play another lacrosse season at school which is a great opportunity,” added Kromer.

“I’m a stay at home defenseman and use my big frame to protect the D zone. I also see myself pushing the ball up the floor on transition and strive to score when I get the chance,” said Kromer.

Kromer has also signed on with the Whitby Steelhawks of the Arena Lacrosse League where he is coached by Brooklin Merchants Head Coach, Ryan Degerdon, BLC Assistant Brad Reed and the General Manager is Will Petschenig, assistant GM with BLC. Also, with the Steelhawks is Greg Linton, equipment manager for the Merchants and Nicole Jaswal, trainer with the Merchants.

“It was an honour to be protected by BLC as I grew up watching the team. I am grateful to be able to help where I can and continue to play a game I love,” said Kromer.

The BLC management, coaching staff and executive are working hard during the off-season to ensure the formation of a successful team on and off the floor which they hope will bring fans excitement for the 2026 season.