Nearly 200 boats launched from western Prince Edward Island on Saturday for the sixth annual Hutch Memorial Cup, a lobster fishing competition held in memory of two teenagers who died when their dory capsized in 2020.
Community turnout honours two young fishers
The event drew fishers across Lobster Fishing Area 25 (LFA-25) with organisers calling the fleet size a record for the annual contest. The Hutch Memorial Cup was established to remember Alex Hutchinson and Ethan Reilly, both 17, whose deaths in September 2020 prompted a community response that included the formation of the A&E Legacy Foundation.
The foundation has run the competition since 2021 as part of ongoing efforts to support youth sport and community initiatives in western P.E.I. Competitors vied for prizes awarded for the largest individual lobster catch, with boats leaving from harbours including Howard’s Cove.
"It means everything to us,"
said Darren Hutchinson, Alex’s father, who participated in the event and launched from Howard’s Cove. He told reporters he was not surprised by the strong local support the event has attracted this year.
Keeping the memory alive through fishing
Organisers and families have described the competition as both a fundraiser and a way to celebrate the passions of the two teens. Alex and Ethan loved the water and fishing, and the memorial cup reflects that connection — bringing together commercial and recreational fishers for a day on the water.
Saturday’s turnout underscores how fishing traditions and community remembrance intersect on the Island. The A&E Legacy Foundation channels proceeds and attention into youth programming, continuing the legacy that followed the tragic accident in Cascumpec Bay off Northport.
- Event: Hutch Memorial Cup (6th annual)
- Participants: Nearly 200 boats from LFA-25
- Purpose: Memorial competition and fundraiser run by the A&E Legacy Foundation
- Notable: Competition honours Alex Hutchinson and Ethan Reilly, both 17
Local fisheries culture on display
Fishing contests such as this highlight the importance of lobster harvesting to coastal communities on P.E.I., where knowledge of tides, gear and local fishing grounds is often passed between generations. While the Hutch Memorial Cup has a competitive element, many taking part said the day was primarily about community and remembrance.
Family members, volunteers and foundation representatives also use the event to talk about safety, youth support and community cohesion. The A&E Legacy Foundation, founded in the year after the deaths of Alex and Ethan, has channelled its work into promoting youth sports programs in western P.E.I.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Year of accident | 2020 |
| Event started | 2021 |
| Event type | Lobster fishing contest |
| Area | LFA-25 (western P.E.I.) |
What participants said
The contest drew a wide cross-section of fishers from the region. Many spoke of the importance of marking the anniversary in a positive way — turning grief into active community support for local youth. The event also provided a chance for those who knew Alex and Ethan to reconnect with fishing friends and neighbours.
Organisers did not release exact prize details in the report, but noted awards were offered for the largest overall catches. Beyond trophies and prizes, organisers said the day’s real value lay in strengthening connections and keeping the memory of the two teens alive through the activity they loved.
As the sun set on another busy fishing season, the Hutch Memorial Cup served as a reminder of how tightly knit P.E.I. coastal communities remain, and how local traditions — from small-boat fishing to fundraising contests — can help a community heal and support its young people.
