Canadian quarterback Evan Hillock is headed to France after signing with the Paris Lights in the American Football League of Europe.
Hillock attended Western University, where he seized the starting QB job as a freshman in 2021. He helped lead the Mustangs to a 5-1 record in the COVID-shortened season, then rattled off five straight playoff victories to win the Vanier Cup. The six-foot-three, 215-pound passer was the third first-year pivot to win a Canadian national championship as the starter and took home the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game’s most valuable player.
The native of Hamilton, Ont., played out his full five seasons of U Sports eligibility, appearing in 50 career games. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 11,547 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions, while rushing for 304 yards and two majors. Hillock was named a first-team OUA all-star in 2022 and made the second-team in 2023 while helping Western win three consecutive Yates Cups as the Ontario champions.
Despite his impressive university career, Hillock was not selected in the 2025 CFL Draft. In February, he signed with the St. Joseph Goats in The Arena League, but has since pivoted to playing overseas.
Hillock is the first-ever quarterback in the Lights’ franchise history and will serve as their one designated international import, which is defined as a player who began his football career in the national system of Canada, Mexico, or Japan. This is a new concept introduced by the AFLE, as products from those nations have typically been considered American by European leagues, reducing their opportunities overseas.
Other Canadians who have signed in the league under the new designation include tight end Dylan St. Pierre with the Wroclaw Panthers, linebacker Harold Miessan with the Alpine Rams, defensive back Justin Howell with the Rhein Fire, and defensive back Kosi Onyeka with the Berlin Thunder.
The AFLE is one of two startup leagues beginning play in Europe this year, following the financial collapse of the European League of Football. It includes four former ELF franchises in the Thunder, Panthers, Fire, and Vienna Vikings, plus a number of new organizations, including the Rams, Lights, Firenze Red Lions, and a still unnamed team in London, England.
The Lights are coached by former Edmonton Elks defensive back David Shelton. The team will play their inaugural game on Saturday, May 30, when they host the Firenze Red Lions.
