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Gary Gait
Teams: Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Colorado. Stats: 196 Games 662 goals, 551 assists, 1213 points 1197 Loose balls, 116 Penalty minutes Championships: 1991,1994,1995 |
Forward Widely considered the greatest overall lacrosse player in the world, Gary Gait at the time of his retirement, in 2005, held the National Lacrosse League record for career goals and points. Gary was awarded six MVP awards including five straight (1995-1999). Gary was inducted as one of the five charter members to the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame February 22, 2006. Gary had his number retired by Colorado December 30, 2005. |
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John Tavares
Teams: Buffalo. . Stats: 183 Games 570 goals, 604 assists, 1174 points 1706 Loose balls, 274 Penalty minutes Championships: 1992,1993,1996 |
Forward Possibly the greatest modern-day indoor lacrosse player, John Tavares will soon break every record held by Gary Gait. John is neither big or fast by NLL standards but what he lacks in size and speed he makes up in creativity and vision. It is rare in pro sports for such a gifted scorer to have more assists than goals and that is, in years to come, what John will be remembered for a well balanced team player. John has been awarded the MVP award three times. |
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Marechek
Teams: Philadelphia. . Stats: 161 Games 422 goals, 420 assists, 842 points 778 Loose balls, 188 Penalty minutes Championships: 1994,1995,1998,2001 |
Forward The original "Hollywood" Tom Marechek will be remembered as one of the flashiest offensive players in NLL history. Tom at the time of his retirement was the all time leading scorer for the historic Philadelphia Wings franchise. Tom was the 1994 Rookie of the Year after sitting out the 1993 season and being traded from Buffalo, who had drafted Marechek in the first round (6th overall), to the Philadelphia Wings. |
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Jim Veltman
Teams: Buffalo, Ontario, Toronto. Stats: 174 Games 161 goals, 467 assists, 628 points 2233 Loose balls, 195 Penalty minutes Championships: 1992,1993,1996,1999, 2000,2002,2003,2005 |
Transition/Defender/Forward Eight World Championships and counting is the career calling card for the greatest transition player ever to grace an NLL floor. Jim Veltman has possibly the greatest since of timing in lacrosse history is known for his ability to gather loose balls and head the play back up the floor. Jim was named the 2004 MVP at the age of 35 the oldest player ever to win the award. Jim has led the National Lacrosse League in loose balls all twelve years he has played. Jim missed the 1997 season to partake in a humanitarian mission to Uganda. |
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Darris Kilgour
Teams: Buffalo, Rochester, Albany. Stats: 91 Games 170 goals, 203 assists, 373 points 504 Loose balls, 352 Penalty minutes Championships: 1992,1993,1996 |
Transition/Defender/Forward When speaking of the rough and tumble early days of the National Lacrosse League no one player better sums up what they were like than Darris Kilgour. Known for his domination, determination, and toughness. The MILL liked to market their players as a mix of professional athlete, professional brawler, and the average blue collar man on the bar stool next to you. Darris Walked that line better than anyone. If the NLL reaches its 50th anniversary and becomes a major sport Darris will be remembered like Jack Tatum, Bob Gibson, and Ty Cobb. Darris number 43 was the first number ever retired by the Buffalo Bandits. |
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Dallas Eliuk
Teams: Philadelphia, Portland. Stats: 188 Games 101 assists, 71 Penalty minutes 12.24 GAA 76.33 Save % Championships: 1994,1995,1998,2001 |
Goaltender Of all the players on this list the one least likely to ever lose his spot on this team is Dallas Eliuk. Few professional athletes can claimed to survived fifth teen seasons under the intense pressure there is to be a goalkeeper in the city of brotherly love. Playing the bulk of his career in an era of 17 goal games being common place and escaping with a 12.24 goal against average is an incredible feat. Dallas is also the type of approachable player that has allowed the NLL to grow into the fan friendly league it is today. |
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Les Bartley
Teams: Buffalo, Ontario, Toronto Stats: 153 Games 111 Games won 72.5 Winning percentage Championships: 1992,1993,1996,1999, 2000,2002,2003
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Coach Understated. That is what any attempt to describe the value that Les Bartley brought to the NLL. Not every sport survives long enough to get its Vince Lombardi, John Wooden, or John McGraw the National Lacrosse league was lucky enough to find theirs in it's infancy. Les's seven championships behind the bench were more than any other four coaches put together at the time of his death in 2005. Les's teams played in the championship game 10 of his 12 years as a coach. Coached the only undefeated team in NLL history and ran off a NLL record 22 straight wins after taking over an 0-3 Buffalo Bandits team in 1993. |
