Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/17/26
From Press Release
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) on Thursday announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring eight individuals whose extraordinary careers and lasting influence helped shape generations of professional box lacrosse. One is Philadelphia Wings legend Jake Bergey.
The Class of 2026 also includes Dan Dawson, Shawn Evans, Mark Steenhuis, Sandy Chapman, Mike Accursi, Gavin Prout, and John Gurtler.
Bergey, who starred at Tatnall School (DE), played 10 seasons for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and also played three seasons in Major League Lacrosse (MLL).
The son of National Football League player Bill Bergey, Jake was a three-time first-team All-American while helping the team win two national championships.
Following his graduation from college, Bergey joined the Wings in 1998, having been selected in the league’s 1997 draft. He became a fan favorite and played 10 seasons for the Wings, contributing to their 1998 and 2001 Champion’s Cup victories while scoring 256 goals and 301 assists for a total of 557 points, each placing second in franchise history.
In 2025, Bergey was inducted into the Eastern PA Chapter of the USA Lacrosse and Delaware Sports Museum Halls of Fame.
The NLL Hall of Fame represents the League’s highest honor, reserved for individuals whose achievements have left an enduring impact on professional box lacrosse. As the League prepares to celebrate its 40th Anniversary Celebration Season in 2026-27, this year’s class reflects decades of excellence on the floor, leadership throughout the game, and accomplishments that have helped elevate the NLL.
The 2026 class includes four inductees in the Player Category, three in the Veteran Category, and one in the Builder Category (Media), celebrating championship success, sustained excellence, and enduring impact on the League’s growth and visibility.
“As both a fan of this game and a student of the game’s history, it is a privilege to celebrate the individuals whose accomplishments helped build the National Lacrosse League into what it is today,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood. “This year’s ballot reflected an extraordinary collection of talent and achievement, making the selection process especially competitive. That speaks not only to the remarkable careers of this year’s inductees, but also to the depth of excellence throughout our League’s history. We look forward to officially inducting these eight deserving members of the Hall of Fame.”
The 2026 NLL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held this September at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, owned by the Seneca Nation, which acquired the Rochester Knighthawks in 2025. TFL Sports, an official partner of the event, will commemorate the Class of 2026 with a special Limited-Edition Hall of Fame trading card set, while Capelli Sport, the League’s official uniform provider, joins this year’s festivities for the first time. Additional details surrounding the ceremony, including the full event schedule, ticket packages, and ways for fans to celebrate in person, will be announced soon.
The NLL Hall of Fame Class of 2026 honorees:
Player Category
- Sandy Chapman – Defense – Acton, ON
Toughness, consistency, and championship success defined Chapman’s career. A five-time NLL champion and the League’s 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, he earned a reputation as one of the game’s most dependable defenders through disciplined play, durability, and an unwavering commitment to winning. - Dan Dawson – Forward – Oakville, ON
Over 21 seasons, Dawson combined extraordinary longevity with historical production, capturing three NLL championships and the League’s 2009 MVP Award. He retired as the NLL’s all-time leader in assists and games played, and his vision, composure, and selfless leadership established him as one of the most complete offensive players the game has ever produced. - Shawn Evans – Forward – Peterborough, ON
Evans played with unmatched intensity, combining relentless competitiveness with elite offensive production over 17 seasons. A two-time League MVP and 2007 NLL champion, he was among the most dynamic playmakers of his generation, capable of changing the outcome of a game through his toughness, passion, and ability to deliver in the sport’s biggest moments. - Mark Steenhuis – Forward – St. Catharines, ON
One of the most creative and entertaining players to ever compete in the NLL, Steenhuis surpassed 1,000 career points while earning both the NLL Finals MVP and Transition Player of the Year honors in 2008. His creativity, flair, and ability to produce unforgettable performances made him one of the defining entertainers of the modern NLL.
Veteran Category
- Mike Accursi – Forward – Pelham, ON
Winner of four NLL championships, Accursi strengthened every team he joined through his rugged, selfless style of play. Combining offensive production with versatility, grit, and a willingness to embrace any role, he became one of the premier two-way forwards of his era. - Jake Bergey – Forward – Covington, KY
Bergey’s career is synonymous with one of the greatest eras in Philadelphia Wings history. A two-time NLL champion and one of the League’s most productive offensive players, he paired consistency with elite scoring ability, cementing his place among the iconic figures of that memorable Philadelphia era. - Gavin Prout – Forward – Whitby, ON
The first overall selection of the 2001 NLL Entry Draft, Prout brought exceptional vision, poise, and offensive instincts throughout his career. An NLL Finals MVP in 2006, he combined elite playmaking with consistent scoring production and repeatedly elevated his performance in the League’s biggest moments.
Builder Category (Media)
- John Gurtler – East Aurora, NY
For decades, Gurtler has been one of the defining voices of professional box lacrosse. More than a broadcaster, he has served as a storyteller, historian, and ambassador for the game, helping generations of fans experience the emotion, drama, and excitement of the NLL while capturing many of the defining moments in League history.
