Second Overall Selection at 2025 Entry Draft, Will MacLeod

By Mark Stehlin

Management and coaching staff from the seven teams in Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) gathered on Sunday January 12, 2025 in Whitby, ON for the 2025 Entry Draft. “With our first pick and going second overall, we are proud to select Will MacLeod from Burlington Blaze Junior A.” With these words, Brooklin Lacrosse Club (BLC) General Manager, Gavin Prout chose MacLeod in his first draft as GM with the club.

Prout said, “I think we really lucked out getting Will. He was on our radar as one of the top Jr A players who was graduating, and eligible to be drafted. We traded up so we could make sure we got the player we wanted (which was Will) and are happy he will be joining us this summer and for many years to come.   Will is a very talented and hard working left-handed offensive player. I coached him with Canada before and was extremely impressed. He can score on the inside of defenses which is a hard skill to master. I'm happy to welcome him to our Brooklin family.”

MacLeod was a member of the 2023 Minto Cup champion Blaze team, where he played alongside Brooklin Merchants goalkeeper, Deacan Knott. MacLeod is currently a Junior with the Robert Morris University Colonials (RMU) men’s lacrosse program in Moon Township Pennsylvania. Interestingly, former BLC (then Brooklin Redmen) players Mitch Wilde, Kyle Buchanan, Kiel Matisz and Kevin Brownell all attended RMU. Current member of the Brooklin Merchants, Ben MacDonnell was also on the RMU roster. 

MacLeod said, “It was awesome to get the call from Gavin and to go high as the second pick overall was a good feeling.” He added, “my dad used to go to Brooklin games when he worked at Darlington and so that is a great memory to share.”

When asked about his strengths, MacLeod said, “I bring energy and see myself as an all-around player. I would say I am more than just an offensive player as I also get involved in transition and get my share of loose balls, too.”

As a Junior on the RMU team, he said “we had a tough year last year, but we are looking strong for this season. His goal is simple, he reported “we are looking for a deep run in the playoffs and a Northeast Conference championship.” Fellow BLC draft pick, Nathan Ruff is also on the Colonials roster team this year.

The BLC will assemble at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in May 2025 for training camp. The 18-game MSL season is scheduled to start in late May or early June and BLC will again be battling for top-spot in the league.