Top 10 Canadian Lacrosse Players of All Time: A Look at the Legends
Canadian Lacrosse Players in Action: Top 10 All Time Greats

Lacrosse is widely regarded as one of North America’s oldest team sports and has roots dating back to a version played in what is now Canada during the 17th century, as supported by historical evidence.

These 10 Canadian Lacrosse legends have cemented their names in history. Wowing fans with their inspiring performances, lightning-fast reflexes, and unmatched athleticism, leaving a memorable mark on the sport forever.

RankLacrosse playerBirthplace
1Jim VeltmanBrampton, Canada
2John TavaresMississauga, Canada
3Gary GaitVictoria, Canada
4Paul GaitVictoria, Canada
5Jack BiondaHuntsville, Canada
6Gavin ProutWhitby, Canada
7Colin DoyleKitchener, Canada
8Tracey KeluskyPeterborough, Canada
9Brodie MerrillOrangeville, Canada
10John Grant Jr.Peterborough, Canada

Here are the Top 10 Canadian Lacrosse Players of All Time

10. John Grant Jr.

∴ Lacrosse Player

John Grant Jr. is a phenomenal offensive player with a rare combination of speed and agility that makes him a dynamic force on the field. He has been named the NLL MVP twice and is among the league's all-time highest scorers as a testament to his exceptional skills. His impressive track record and unwavering dedication to the sport have solidified his place as a true lacrosse legend.

Birthday: November 7, 1974
Age: 49 years old
Birthplace: Peterborough, Canada
Nationality: Canadian

John Grant Jr.

9. Brodie Merrill

∴ Lacrosse Player

Brodie Merrill is renowned for his exceptional defensive abilities and is regarded as one of the most skilled defenders in the sport. His unmatched physicality and strategic thinking have earned him nine NLL All-Pro titles and solidified his reputation as a true powerhouse on the field. With a career spanning over a decade and ongoing representation of both the San Diego Seals in the National Lacrosse League and the Cannons in the Premier Lacrosse League, Merrill continues to inspire and awe both his fans and fellow players alike.

Birthday: November 5, 1981
Age: 42 years old
Birthplace: Orangeville, Canada
MSL team: Brampton Excelsiors
MLL teams: Hamilton Nationals; Rochester Rattlers; Baltimore Bayhawks; Boston Cannons
NLL draft: 1st overall, 2005; Portland LumberJax
NLL team Former teams: San Diego Seals; Toronto Rock; Philadelphia Wings; Edmonton Rush; Portland LumberJax
PLL team Former teams: Cannons; Chaos; Waterdogs

Brodie Merrill

8. Tracey Kelusky

∴ Lacrosse Player

Tracey Kelusky, a Canadian former lacrosse player, was known for his impressive offensive skills and ability to score game-changing goals. Kelusky's leadership qualities both on and off the field have made him a respected figure in the sport. He is currently serving as the head coach of Panther City LC.

Birthday: September 9, 1975
Age: 49 years old
Birthplace: Peterborough, Canada
Nickname: "TK"
Position: Forward
NLL draft: 1st overall, 2000; Columbus Landsharks
NLL teams: Philadelphia Wings; Buffalo Bandits; Calgary Roughnecks; Montreal Express; Columbus Landsharks

Tracey Kelusky

7. Colin Doyle

∴ Lacrosse Player

Colin Doyle is a highly accomplished Canadian lacrosse player and former captain of both the Toronto Rock and Six Nations Chiefs. He has been recognized for his exceptional offensive skills, leadership abilities, and clutch performances, cementing his status as a true lacrosse legend throughout his career. His numerous awards and accolades are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.

Birthday: September 8, 1977
Age: 47 years old
Birthplace: Kitchener, Canada
Nickname: "Popeye"
MLL team: Toronto Nationals
MSL team: Six Nations Chiefs
NLL teams: Toronto Rock; San Jose Stealth; Ontario Raiders

Colin Doyle

6. Gavin Prout

∴ Lacrosse Player

Gavin Prout: the lacrosse superstar whose multi-positional skills left opponents trembling in their cleats. His impact on the sport is undeniable, with a legacy that continues to inspire players around the world. Prout has consistently delivered impressive performances both as a scorer and playmaker. It is no wonder Prout is widely considered one of the top Canadian lacrosse players of all time with his gold medal win in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship.

Birthday: March 13, 1978
Age: 46 years old
Birthplace: Whitby, Canada
Pro career: 2002–2013
Nationality: Canadian

Gavin Prout

5. Jack Bionda

∴ Lacrosse Player

Jack Bionda was a renowned Canadian athlete who excelled in both lacrosse and hockey, leaving an indelible mark in both sports. His exceptional skills and dominant performances made him a standout player especially during the 1950s and early 1960s when he emerged as a lacrosse superstar.

Fullname: John Arthur James Bionda
Born: September 18, 1933
Died: November 3, 1999
Nationality: Canadian

Jack Bionda

4. Paul Gait

∴ Lacrosse Player

Paul Gait is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the world of lacrosse with his groundbreaking playing style and exceptional skills. Blazing a trail for future generations to follow in his innovative footsteps.

Birthday: April 5, 1967
Age: 57 years old
Birthplace: Victoria, Canada
Former WLA team: Victoria Shamrocks
MLL teams: Long Island Lizards; Boston Cannons
NLL draft: 6th overall, 1990; Detroit Turbos

Paul Gait

3. Gary Gait

∴ Lacrosse Player

Paul and Gary Gait have established themselves as legends in professional lacrosse dominating the sport at all levels from the National Lacrosse League to the international stage as members of the Canadian National Team. Paul Gait currently serves as Vice President of the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in lacrosse history.

Birthday: April 5, 1967
Age: 57 years old
Birthplace: Victoria, Canada
Position(s): Attack/Midfield
Team: Syracuse Orange

Gary Gait

2. John Tavares

∴ Lacrosse Player

Tavares' unmatched talent and ability to score goals with ease have earned him numerous records and accolades. Regarded as one of the most exceptional players to ever grace the sport of lacrosse including the impressive title of being the all-time leading scorer in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

Birthday: September 20, 1990
Age: 34 years old
Birthplace: Mississauga, Canada
Nationality: Canadian
Current teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (#91 / Center), Canadian National Men's Hockey Team (#20 / Forward)

John Tavares

1. Jim Veltman

∴ Lacrosse Player

Jim Veltman has cemented his place as one of the most accomplished and respected players in the world of lacrosse throughout his 20-year career. Thanks to his exceptional defensive prowess and unwavering leadership qualities on and off the field.

Birthday: March 8, 1966
Age: 58 years old
Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
Pro career: 1992–2008
NLL team Former teams: Toronto Rock; Ontario Raiders; Buffalo Bandits

Jim Veltman

Final Words

These top 10 Canadian Lacrosse players have left an indelible mark on the world of Lacrosse and inspired generations of players to follow in their footsteps from their incredible skills on the field to their unwavering dedication to the sport.

Who do you think is the best Lacrosse player of all time in Canada?

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