Gavin Prout named Rochester Knighthawks offense coach

The Arena Lacrosse League is losing one of their top Coaches as Whitby Steelhawks Head Coach and General Manager Gavin Prout was announced August 24 as the new offensive coordinator for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League.

"Originally I signed up to coach in the ALL as a favor to a friend; I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it," stated Gavin Prout. "The ALL provided me a purpose after retiring from playing. It allowed me to educate and instill my passion of the game of lacrosse into others who share the same love. The league always has players coming and going, however I took the most pride in watching a player develop and hone his skills under our guidance to reach his dream to sign and play in the NLL."

For league President Paul St. John, this promotion is somewhat special and different than the others. 

"I am so proud for Gavin to get this opportunity, the ALL was his launching pad in the coaching world after such a terrific playing career. To watch him on a weekly basis on how he conducted the Steelhawks on and off the floor is memorable in the most respected way. His Steelhawks won an ALL Cup in their first year and six players off that roster are now full time NLL players with another four on the cusp. This past year he lost his top scorer to the NLL (Cam Milligan) and had multiple injuries to his veteran core but took mainly a rookie offensive lineup to the ALL Cup final, he will be a terrific asset to the Knighthawks organization and we wish him continued success at the next level."

Prout who lead the Steelhawks to the ALL Cup in their inaugural season in 2018 added, "The ALL is providing a fantastic opportunity for the players who just need a bit more coaching as well as provides people like me the ability to give back to the game that provided so much to me. I loved my time in the ALL, I loved all the players who I was fortunate enough to coach as well as the passion I see the other coaches in the league have."

"I want to thank Paul St. John for providing these opportunities to us, and continues to do so. I also like to thank all the people who have helped me along the way, the other coaches, most recently Brad Reed, our equipment manager Greg Linton, trainer Jason Parker and of course the players, without any of you we would not have had the success we have and will continue to have. I can't wait for the next chapter of my life and I will never forget the stepping stones like the ALL that allowed me to get to the NLL, thank you!"