Washington Stealth Coaching Staff Set for 2012

Published on July 26, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Washington Stealth News Release


Everett, Wash. - The Washington Stealth announced today that the coaching staff that has led the Stealth to back-to-back National Lacrosse League Western Division titles will be back for the 2012 season. Chris Hall will enter his fourth season as the Stealth Head Coach, with assistant coaches Art Webster, Dan Stroup, Rick Lum and Dave Evans returning as well. Kevin Alexander will also rejoin the staff in his second season as the Director of Player Development.

"As an organization we are very pleased to have our entire coaching staff return for the 2012 season," said Stealth General Manager Doug Locker. "It is a remarkable group of very talented lacrosse minds who represent the best the NLL has to offer."

The Stealth has enjoyed the most successful stretch in team history under Hall's leadership. Hall led the Stealth to its first NLL Championship in 2010, followed by a second straight appearance in the championship game a season ago. Since Hall took over the head coaching duties during the 2009 season, the Stealth is 27-16 during the regular season and 6-2 in the playoffs. Hall currently sits in fourth place on the NLL's all-time regular season coaching wins list with 69 and is one of three coaches in NLL history to win a championship with two teams (2004, Calgary). Hall is also returning to his role as the team's Vice President of Lacrosse Operations.

"We are especially thrilled to have Chris Hall return as our Head Coach and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations," added Locker. "Chris has demonstrated over the years that he is the best in the business and we are thrilled to have his expertise not only on the floor but in the front office as well. I have known Chris for over twenty years, and his dedication and passion for all that is good in the sport are unmatched. It is a privilege to have him continue to represent the Stealth."

Along with Hall, the Stealth will also see the return of its four assistant coaches. The continuity of the coaching staff is something that Hall believes has a tremendous effect on the players.

"Having consistency in our coaching staff is a huge reason for our recent success," said Hall. "This group brings with it a wealth of experience and skills and provides a great deal of resources that our players can tap into. It truly is a luxury to have them all on board as we look to bring the Champion's Cup back to Washington."

Art Webster is entering his sixth season as the defensive coordinator for the Stealth. A legend in Canadian Lacrosse lore, Webster is a decorated player and coach, reaching the Mann Cup Finals twelve times as a player and coach, winning four times. In 2010, he earned his first NLL Championship with the Stealth. The Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Famer brings with him over 40 years of experience as a player and coach and is also the current Head Coach of the Nanaimo Timberman of the Western Lacrosse Association.

Dan Stroup enters his third season as the Stealth's offensive coordinator. In each of the last two seasons, the Stealth offense has led the league in goals scored, averaging nearly 13 goals per game. Stroup spent 13 years as a player in the NLL, winning the NLL title four times. He was enshrined in the NLL Hall of Fame in 2010, the same year he captured his fifth NLL Championship, first as a coach. In his playing career, he appeared in 182 regular season games, accumulating 294 goals and 235 assists for 529 career points. Known to have his best moments when it mattered most, Stroup tallied 30 goals and 13 assists for 43 points in 14 career playoff games and scored five goals en route to the Champion's Cup MVP nod with the Toronto Rock in 2000.

"It's no secret what these guys accomplished as players," said Hall of Webster and Stroup. "That success has translated to their coaching. Having Hall of Famers leading our defensive and offensive units commands a lot of respect from our players in the locker room."

Rick Lum is also entering his third season as a member of the Stealth coaching staff. Lum will continue his responsibilities as an offensive assistant, as well as leading the team's scouting and video efforts. Along with 30 years of experience as a player and coach in Canada, Lum is also one of the NLL's most decorated officials. In nine seasons as a referee, Lum officiated five NLL Championship games, two All-Star games and one international game between the United States and Canada. As an official for the Canadian Lacrosse Association, Lum officiated eight Minto Cups and seven Mann Cups. In 1996, he was named the British Columbia Lacrosse Officials Association Referee of the Year. 2010 marked Lum's first season as a NLL coach, when he won his first Champion's Cup.

"Rick brings something special to the team as a former ref," said Hall. "He brings a referee's perspective to our locker room and has done a fantastic job handling our scouting and video."

Dave Evans is entering his third season as the Stealth's goaltending coach. He brings with him over 40 years of experience as a player and coach, including stints in the National Lacrosse League. 2010 marked the third NLL title on Evans' coaching resume. He was the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Wings from 1988-1993, winning a pair of championships in 1990 and 1991. In 2001, Evans was appointed General Manager of the expansion Vancouver Ravens. The Ravens reached the NLL postseason in 2002 and 2003, with Evans earning NLL General Manager of the Year honors in 2002. While his coaching resume is impressive, he was also a top-notch goaltender in Canada. He was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1995, thanks to a playing resume that includes a WLA Goaltender of the Year Award (1973), two WLA playoff MVP Awards (1973, 1977), three All-Star selections and a Mann Cup (1977).

"Dave has wrote the book on goaltending," said Hall. "He continues to be a student of the game and has been a tremendous asset to our goaltenders. His experience and success as a Head Coach and General Manager in this league is invaluable to our team."

Returning along with the coaching staff is Director of Player Development, Kevin Alexander. Alexander enters his second season with the Stealth. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. He was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1991.

Alexander played two seasons in the NLL, winning championships in both seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bandits. He went on to become the Head Coach of the expansion Syracuse Smash in 1998 and returned as an assistant coach for the Calgary Roughnecks (2006-2007) and the Portland Lumberjax (2008-2009).

Alexander created his legend playing in the Western Lacrosse Association, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 1977 and was a seven-time WLA All-Star (1978, 1980-1985). He won the WLA scoring title five times (1980-1981, 1983-1985) and was a two-time playoff MVP (1980, 1984). He won two Mann Cup titles with Victoria in 1979 and 1983.

"This group of coaches is not one that stands still in its approach to the game," said Hall. "We are constantly learning and keeping things fresh for our players to constantly strive for excellence. We have a great shot at another championship and the coaching staff is all on the same page and eager to start playing."

The Stealth will begin its quest for another NLL Championship this winter. The 2012 season begins in January with training camp slated to begin later this fall. Season tickets for the 2012 Stealth season start at just $99 and are on sale now. For more information, visit www.stealthlax.com or call 877-MY-75-TIX.

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