Gavin Prout and Brad MacArthur to lead Whitby Steelhawks

The Arena Lacrosse League is pleased to announce that Brad MacArthur and Gavin Prout will be the two who will lead the new Whitby Steelhawks into its first ALL season. Both Prout and MacArthur will co-coach the team, with MacArthur looking after the General Manager’s position.“We are excited to have 2 more former NLL players join our coaching ranks” stated ALL President Paul St. John. “It’s important for the ALL to bring in these type of gentlemen, guys who have been at the top level and are willing to give back when it comes to developing potential players and preparing them for the next step.”

Prout, a National Lacrosse League standout, brings a long list of lacrosse credentials including individual and team accomplishments. A winner of the Champions Cup in 2006 with the Colorado Mammoth, Gavin sits in the top 10 in all-time NLL points. A winner of two Minto Cup’s (Canadian Junior A Champions) and a Mann Cup (Canadian Senior A Championship), Prout also played a key role in Canada’s World Field Lacrosse Championship in 2006.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of coaching a team in my hometown. I have had so many great coaches along my journey from Minor lacrosse through the professional leagues and the knowledge they bestowed on me would be such a waste if I didn’t share it with the up and coming stars in lacrosse.  I can’t wait for the season to get started.”

MacArthur, a solid transitional player and face off specialist spent seven seasons in the NLL winning a Championship in 2004 with Calgary before retiring from the Toronto Rock prior to the 2008 season. Brad also begun an illustrious coaching career while still playing and it continues today. Currently the Head Coach of the Green Gaels, MacArthur coached the team to a Founder’s Cup Championship in 2002, and is the current General Manager of the Brooklin Redmen of Major Series Lacrosse. In July of this year, Brad coached Israel to the first European Box Lacrosse Championship.

“We’re excited at the challenge of building the Steelhawks in our inaugural season. We have a clear vision of what we want to establish and how we plan on implementing it. The ALL is a great option for players who aspire to play in the NLL and may need time to develop.”  

“The ALL is building another solid foundation with these two” St. John added. “Whitby will be in capable hands from the start. We are looking forward to seeing the type of team they put together and we’re confident that they will be competitive from game 1.” 

The Steelhawks begin their inaugural season Friday December 29 against their cross-town rivals and defending ALL Cup Champions, the Oshawa Outlaws, game time is 8pm at Children’s Arena in Oshawa. The following afternoon they host the Toronto Monarchs at 2pm, also at Children’s Arena.

About the Steelhawks: Whitby is one of seven Arena Lacrosse League teams, playing their home games at Children’s Arena in Oshawa. The team opens training camp in early December. Free agent players can contact Brad MacArthur – brad.macarthur@arenalacrosseleague.com regarding tryouts. 

About the ALL: The Arena Lacrosse League is a seven team winter development league for players with pro aspirations or players wanting to play high level lacrosse during the winter months. More information can be found on the ALL website arenalacrosseleague.ca