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Hall, Coyle inducted into Hall of Fame

National Lacrosse League holds ceremony honouring two most recent inductees at Langley Events Centre
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Pat Coyle (left) and Chris Hall were the two most recent inductees to the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame. The pair were inducted in a ceremony held at the Langley Events Centre on Sept. 3.

Now that he is in the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame, Chris Hall called it a very humbling experience.

"It's an incredibly special moment for me," Hall said about his induction into the league's Hall of Fame on Sept. 3.

"You don't start out a career expecting it'll last a long time. You just put your head down and start working and hope you have some success along the way. And then you seem to find some longevity, which is probably the hardest thing to to."

The induction ceremony was held at the Langley Events Centre, home of the Vancouver Stealth. Hall coached the Stealth franchise for the past six years, helping the organization win the 2010 Champion's Cup.

That was one of two league titles he won, also coaching the Calgary Roughnecks to the Cup in 2004.

Hall retired after the 2014 season, the Stealth's first in Langley.

In his 12 years as head coach, he won 85 regular season games, which is third all-time. He was also co-recipient of the 2010 coach of the year award.

“It’s very deserving,” said Stealth defenseman Matt Beers.

“So many people see him as one of the best head coaches in the NLL.

Overall he’s such a good guy and he’s done a lot to grow the sport.”

“It comes at a time for me where my career is probably coming to an end,” said Hall. “With my health, age and stress, it’s time to let someone else have a shot at it.

"It’s a fitting way to bring some closure to a very exciting career.”

Pat Coyle was the other inductee into the 2014 NLL Hall of Fame. Called one of the toughest players to play against by his colleagues and coaches, Coyle was known for his physical play and leadership. Coyle is the first defenseman inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Coyle played twelve years in the NLL, winning four championships with the Toronto Rock and one with the Colorado Mammoth. Coyle recorded 1,056 loose balls and 145 points in his NLL career, which included a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2002.

“This was my third time being nominated,” said Coyle.

“I sort of came to terms with it wasn’t going to happen. Then to get nominated again and get the phone call was more of a shock than anything.”

Coyle and Hall are the 22nd and 23rd members to be inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame, which was established in 2008.

“Two well deserving individuals in Pat and Chris, said NLL Commissioner George Daniel.

“I thought it was great speeches, great ceremonies, probably one of the best we’ve had in the nine years we’ve been doing this. Just a great night overall.”