The Rochester Knighthawks have announced the signing of seasoned National Lacrosse League veteran Gavin Prout to a one-year deal. Known for his grit and clutch playoff performances, the forward enters his 13th season in the NLL in 2015.
“It’s a great feeling. I took last year off and went in a different direction with work and travel, but I never lost the itch to play,” Prout said. “It’s just an honor for a team like the Knighthawks, who have won the last three championships, to have interest in a guy like me.”
By signing Prout, the Knighthawks have added a player who ranks sixth in the league all-time in assists (621) and eighth in points (922). He has also notched 301 goals in 184 games. The Whitby, Ontario native has made nine playoff appearances and won the 2006 Champion’s Cup with the Colorado Mammoth. He also received Champion’s Cup MVP honors after a stellar seven-point performance (4+3). Since joining the league, Prout has appeared in seven NLL All-Star Games (2002, 2004-09).
The 36-year-old, right-handed forward was originally drafted first overall in the 2001 NLL Entry Draft. The 2015 season, however, will not be the first time Prout has played for a team in Rochester as he spent a two-year stint in the city playing in the outdoor summer league.
“Gavin is a great teammate and will do whatever is needed for the team to be successful,” said Knighthawks forward Joe Walters, who played with Prout from 2007-09 in the outdoor league. Prout earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2006 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. In the indoor game, Prout won a pair of Minto Cups with Whitby (1997 and 1999) and a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2007 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.
“He is a veteran with a track record as a winner,” said Knighthawks assistant coach Paul Day. “He will provide depth to the team and can play on all of the special teams.” Besides playing summer indoor lacrosse, Prout has been training hard to prepare for this opportunity with Rochester.
“I am definitely looking forward to it. This past couple of years, I have really focused on my training and getting my conditioning up and running again, and playing whatever games I could around here,” he said. “I have been working out on my own with a personal trainer. I am looking forward to coming into camp and competing once again.”
Knighthawks assistant general manager Landon Miller expects to see a motivated and hungry Prout at Training Camp the weekend of November 22-23 in Rochester. “He is coming onboard to add some depth to the right side,” said Miller. “We expect him to come in and compete hard. I know he is anxious to show the lacrosse world he still has a little bit of lacrosse left in him.”
“My ultimate goal right now is to make the roster and bring something different to the team,” said Prout. “Hopefully, they see the value I bring with my leadership and on the floor experience. If I find myself on the team, it will be a very exciting time and like finding the fountain of youth. It will allow me to get out there and do what I am capable of doing.”
