Johnny Gaudreau, Carli Lloyd, and Hugh Douglas highlight the 2026 Philly Sports Hall of Fame class

Eagles great Hugh Douglas and a pair of native South Jerseyans in Carli Lloyd and the late Johnny Gaudreau highlight the list of inductees into the 2026 Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

The ceremony honoring the best in sports from the Greater Philadelphia Region will take place on Thursday, November 5, at Live! Casino and Hotel in South Philadelphia.

Johnny Gaudreau, an 11-year NHL veteran, and his younger brother, Matthew, passed away after being hit by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024 in their hometown of Salem, N.J. The two were biking together the night before their sister Katie’s wedding. Following their untimely deaths, support for their family poured in from the hockey and Greater Philadelphia communities.

After USA Hockey’s gold medal win against Canada this February, members of the Olympic team skated around the rink, holding Gaudreau’s jersey. He likely would have been on the team’s roster.

“As parents, there is no greater joy than watching your child pour their heart into something they love and seeing that dedication recognized,” Guy and Jane Gaudreau said in the PSHOF release. “John loved hockey from the very beginning. From the time he was a little boy, the game was his passion, and we watched with such pride as that passion grew into something truly special. To see his hard work, dedication, and deep love for the game honored with induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame fills our hearts in a way we cannot fully put into words.”

A native of Delran, N.J., Lloyd, is one of the most decorated players in American soccer history. The two-time FIFA women’s player of the year played 17 years as a professional, winning two World Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an English FA Cup. Last May, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Hugh Douglas, who played defensive end, spent six out of his ten NFL seasons with the Eagles. He was named to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons with the Birds from 2000 to 2002. Today, he is a prominent radio personality and analyst on WIP (94.1-FM).

“I am so excited to be part of such a great city’s Hall of Fame,” Douglas said in the release. “I still can’t believe I’m included, given all the incredible athletes who have played here. I am truly humbled by this honor.”

The other athletes to be inducted are legendary Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan; acclaimed 1940s multi-sport Temple student-athlete Agnes Stegmuller; Camden native and former NFL defensive end Ben Shibe; retired soccer defender Bobby Smith, who helped the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League win the league’s championship in 1973; baseball player Edith Grace Houghton, who worked for the Phillies as the first female scout in the major leagues; and Villanova track star and 1995 USA Track and Field national champion Gina Procaccio.

Two coaches made the list as well: Jack Bauerle and Jim Lynam. Bauerle, a Glenside native, coached the University of Georgia men’s and women’s swimming teams for 43 seasons. In that span, his swimmers won a combined 175 national titles.

Lynam, who was born in Philadelphia coached the St. Joseph’s men’s basketball team from 1978 to 1981. He also coached the 76ers as an assistant from 1985 to 1988 before being elevated as the team’s head coach until 1992. He then returned to the franchise as an assistant from 2005 to 2010. Today, he is a television analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Two media members are being inducted, as well. ESPN’s Lisa Salters, who was born in King of Prussia, and longtime ESPN Eagles Reporter Sal Paolantonio.

And of course – Philadelphia loves its mascots. Dave Raymond, the original Phanatic, wore the costume from 1978 to 1993. He is widely credited as developing the Phanatic’s personality and image to what it is today.