Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/1/12
This interview is part of a series of exclusive articles on players, coaches and executives from the National Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Wings.
The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) will be retiring long-time Wings goal tender Dallas Eliuk’s No. 35 jersey before the team’s home game versus the Rochester Knighthawks at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Eliuk played 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Wings from 1991 to 2005, earning All-Pro honors nine times and participating in the NLL All Star game in each of his 15 seasons with the team. He was inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, Eliuk won four Champion’s Cups and was named the MVP of the Champion’s Cup twice (1998 and 2001) while appearing in every All-Star game through 2006.
“To many athletes the culmination of a successful professional career in sports can result in a Championship and even an induction into the Hall of Fame,” says Eliuk. “Three years ago when I retired and was immediately inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame, I thought I had reached the pinnacle, until now. With the gracious offer from the Philadelphia Wings ownership and management to retire my number 35 to the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center, and to be forever immortalized, is the pinnacle.”
Q: What was the highlight of your NLL Career?
Eliuk: “Winning the 1998 NLL Championship Series.”
Q: What is the best thing about playing in Philadelphia?
Eliuk: “The best part about playing in Philadelphia is the sports fans. If you perform well; they love you. If you don’t; they let you know it.
Q: Who was the best player you ever played with?
Eliuk: This is a tie between Tom Marechek and the Gait Brothers. It depends who’s standing next to me.
Quick Hits:
How do you like your cheesesteak: No cheese whiz. Real American cheese. Extra meat with a fried egg.
What would you do for a Klondike bar: The suspended straightjacket escape.
Mac or PC: Mac
Favorite Super Hero: Batman
Biggest Pet Peeve: Cyclists who believe they are cars.
Guilty Pleasure: Cannot divulge.
Leno or Letterman: Conan.
Favorite Pizza Topping: Pepperoni
Favorite Sports Team (other than Wings): D.N.A.
Don’t miss the Wings in action this Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. vs. the Rochester Knighthawks at Wells Fargo Center. Click to purchase tickets!
