Eliuk Headlines 2009 Hall Of Fame Class

Published on February 10, 2009 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, February 10, 2009 - The National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame will soon be opening its doors for the greatest goalie of all-time, Dallas Eliuk. The league announced its 2009 Hall of Fame Class today, with Eliuk headlining the list. The NLL's career saves leader with 6,356 saves, Eliuk's distinguished resume includes four Champion's Cup rings, nine All-Pro Awards and two Champion's Cup Most Valuable Player Awards.

Eliuk will be formally inducted alongside legendary forward Jim Veltman on Saturday, March 7th at the Hall of Fame luncheon, which will be held in The Ridgeline on the ADT Club Level at the Pepsi Center, the site of the 2009 NLL All-Star Game. The induction will be broadcast live as part of the NLL Network. To access the broadcast, go to NLL.com.

After spending his first 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Wings, Eliuk was acquired by the Portland LumberJax prior to the 2006 season. The Vancouver, British Columbia native would play three seasons in Portland before retiring.

"I wanted to transition from playing to coaching while I still had plenty of game left in me," said Eliuk. "I knew it was going to be tough emotionally no matter when I did it. The Hall of Fame announcement provided me with a sense of calm and closure I didn't even know I needed."

"I've loved and devoted myself to the game of lacrosse as a player for 18 rewarding years. Moving into the Hall of Fame this year seems like a really wonderful acknowledgment of that love & devotion. I feel proud & honored and above all happy to be where I am right now. A lot of kids want to play pro sports, but very few actually get the chance. I was able to live a dream. This recognition of the past makes me even more positive for the future."

With the Wings, Eliuk earned All-Pro Honors from 1992-2000, won four Champion's Cups (1994, 1995, 1998, 2001), earned the Champion's Cup MVP award twice (1998 and 2001) and appeared in every All-Star game through 2006.

"Dallas has been the gold standard for goaltenders, both on the floor and off, throughout his incredible 18-year playing career," said NLL Interim Commissioner George Daniel. "He is truly deserving of being elected to the NLL Hall of Fame. We congratulate him on this great achievement."

Citing family reasons, Eliuk requested a trade to Portland shortly before the franchise began play in 2006. In his first year with the team in 2006, Eliuk guided the Jax to an 11-5 record, making Portland the first expansion team to ever win its division. During the historic season, Eliuk stopped 76.8% of the shots he faced and only allowed 11.09 goals-per-game.

A year later, Eliuk again posted solid numbers, finishing with a goals-against-average of 12.20 and stopping 75.59% of the shots he faced. The 2007 season also represented the ninth time during Eliuk's career that he made 400 saves or more during the season.

During his final season in 2008, Eliuk saved his best performance for his last. In the West Division Championship, Eliuk stepped in for the injured Matt Disher and stopped 35 of the 43 shots he faced as Portland won the West Division Title 16-12 over the Calgary Roughnecks.

The West Division Championship epitomized Eliuk's playing career. In 24 career postseason games, Eliuk stopped 76.41% of the shots and only allowed 11.71 goals-per-game.

In addition to his 6,356 saves, Eliuk retired with a career saves percentage of 76.24% and a career goals-against-average of 12.24.

Eliuk was also an eight-time All-Star in the Western Lacrosse Association, a five-time Playoff MVP, three-time Goaltender of the Year, and one-time MVP.

The Class of 2009 will be the fourth group to be welcomed in to the Hall of Fame. In 2006, five charter members were inducted: Les Bartley, Russ Cline, Chris Fritz, Gary Gait and Paul Gait. The Class of 2007 included three inductees: Mike French, Darris Kilgour and Tom Marechek. The Hall also recognized Tom Borrelli for his contributions to the game as a member of the media. In 2008, the Hall of Fame inducted Johnny Mouradian, Sal Locascio and Tony Resch. Neil Stevens was recognized for his contributions as a member of the media.

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