NLL: Grant Looks Forward to Lining up with Gait
from press release
When John Grant was growing up, he always dreamed about being on
the same team with the Gait Brothers. In 2010, he will get his
wish, as he plays alongside forward Gary Gait and gets instructions
from Head Coach Paul Gait.
"It will be an absolute thrill to play alongside the greatest of
all time and to be coached by the player I consider a close second
will be an honor as well. The chance to hoist a trophy with my
lacrosse idols will make this comeback a once in a lifetime
opportunity," said Grant.
The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that Grant has re-signed
a one-year deal with the Knighthawks. The contract is pending
league approval.
“John is one of the key players on the left side,”
said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. “Not
only can he score, but he will help all the players around him
improve their numbers. He will be re-united with Shawn and Scott
Evans and Shawn Williams and should be a breath of fresh air for
those guys. You look at our offense and we have Hall of Famers
throughout the lineup.”
Grant returns for his 10th season with the Knighthawks after
missing the 2009 season with an injury. The 35-year-old underwent
three surgeries, including reconstructive knee surgery in January,
in addition to having to undergo a series of physical therapy and
rehabilitation exercises. The former first overall pick, stands as
the franchise’s all-time leader in goals (394), assists (417)
and points (811).
The seven-time All-Pro will also resumes his assault on the
National Lacrosse League All-Time Scoring List, He currently ranks
sixth all-time in league history in points, fifth in goals and
eighth in assists. More importantly, he will try to lead the
Knighthawks back to the finals for the first time since 2007. Grant
had one of his most memorable professional seasons in 2007, winning
his first NLL title and becoming the first player to ever win the
NLL and Major League Lacrosse MVP in the same year. He also was
named Championship Game MVP.
In his career, the Peterborough, Ontario, native has two
back-to-back MLL titles (2008-09) and three Mann Cups with the
Peterborough Lakers (2004, 2006 and 2007). Additionally, the
forward won gold with Team Canada at the 2006 World Field Lacrosse
Championships and at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
Fans that want to see John Grant’s return can purchase
individual tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com ,
and at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office. The Knighthawks open their
16th season on Saturday, January 9th against the Buffalo Bandits.
The game is set for an 8:05 p.m. start at The Blue Cross Arena.
