Thunderbirds acquire Riley Hutchcraft and Tyler Biles in trade with Rochester

Aug 19, 2026

HALIFAX, NS (August 19, 2026) — The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced the team has completed a trade with the Rochester Knighthawks, acquiring defenceman Tyler Biles and goaltender Riley Hutchcraft.

In exchange, the Thunderbirds have sent goaltender Drew Hutchison and transition player Nonkon Thompson to Rochester.

Biles, 27, is coming off his sixth season in the National Lacrosse League, having spent his entire NLL career with the Knighthawks. In 79 career games, the Georgetown, Ontario product has recorded 172 loose balls, 35 caused turnovers and 22 blocked shots.

Biles is also a member of the Six Nations Chiefs of the Major Series Lacrosse League, where he has played alongside several current Thunderbirds. The Chiefs are pursuing their fourth consecutive Mann Cup championship this summer.

Hutchcraft, 29, was originally selected 30th overall by the Toronto Rock in the 2017 NLL Draft before joining the Knighthawks in 2022. During his time in Rochester, the goaltender established himself among the franchise leaders, ranking second in wins, saves and minutes played. Hutchcraft has recorded 1,208 saves during his time with the Knighthawks.

The Thunderbirds would like to thank Hutchison and Thompson for their contributions to the organization, both on and off the floor, and wish them both the best in the next chapter of their careers.