Get to Know Coach Trevor Gilligan

Coach Trevor Gilligan ’03

Trevor Gilligan ’03 hails from Saranac Lake, NY and is in his second stint at Northwood School. He spent 2008-2013 working on the Northwood hockey coaching staff before taking over as the head college hockey coach at SUNY Canton where he took over their club program and led the transition of the SUNY Canton men’s hockey team to the NCAA Division III level. Gilligan has extensive experience at Northwood School as a dorm parent, coach, advisor, and a member of the Class of 2003. He earned Bachelor of Education degree at SUNY Oswego, and was a member of the Lakers 2007 National Championship hockey team.

On returning to Northwood

“This will be my second year back, but this is my second stint here so overall it’s my seventh year coaching at Northwood. I was also a student here for three years.” All added up, this is my tenth year in the community and the Northwood hockey program. I was here from 2008-2013 at Northwood coaching, we had three teams then, and I was assistant coach and head coach of basically every team we had. I went on to coach at college for three years then came back last year for the 2016-2017 season. I’ve done a majority of the recruiting in the last two years.”

On prep versus college hockey

“I think that Northwood, compared to college hockey, is going to be similar in the way we deal with our players from a day-to-day preparation. Being a preparatory school and being fortunate to have an elongated season like we do at Northwood, I think we want to try and compare to Division I college programs as much as possible. The time management is huge in learning at the high school age to be able to be a successful freshmen at college. “

On players getting to the next level

“Being in the college game, some guys have been through some adversity and know how to deal with that a little bit more. It is a lot of fun to be working with teenagers, because they are much more pliable and have time on their side to develop and are hungry to get better. Being at both levels, personally I like coaching at this level to shape and mold players so they are college-ready.”

On coaching at Northwood

“I think what I love most is being local and being an alum, to be able to have my hands on the program with Coach Cassidy and really bring the program to a place where it has never been. Attracting the top-level players throughout North America and internationally as well. Just really to continue with the school’s history and tradition that. It’s a pretty special thing to be a part of.”

Memorable moments